We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lindsey Miller a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lindsey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?
More than a few years ago I had bought a cheap little point and shoot film camera at a thrift store. I was just spending time taking pictures of things that interested me and not really taking anything very seriously. I had rushed from work to see Mdou Moctar at the Milestone Club and brought my camera with me. I had taken several photos of the band and was standing at the bar when a stranger approached me. He said he saw me taking film photos and felt that I should be paid for my work. Email addresses were exchanged and I promised him prints of these photos if they turned out okay. A week or so later I had cash in my pocket and delivered the prints. Until this moment it had never occurred to me that I, an academic, could make money from my art. I had always felt like I was too this or that to be an “artist”.
Lindsey, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I have always tried to be a jack of all trades when it comes to film photography. Maternity shoots, band shoots, events, and even product and food shoots. My biggest goal when creating photographs for someone is comfort. I think if the client is not comfortable there is not point in working. I approach everything professionally but not too seriously. What good is it if we’re not having fun?
Have you ever had to pivot?
I have a Master’s degree in sociology and have worked in the restaurant business for over 10 years. After obtaining my Master’s, I intended to pursue a career in academia, but COVID prevented me from pursuing a PhD. I worked at the institution where I received my master’s degree on an arts-based project for several years before deciding that I did not want to remain in academia. I continued to work at a prominent Charlotte, NC restaurant until the establishment closed in the summer. I had done numerous freelance gigs in the film industry before discovering this and decided to give it a shot. Since August of 2022, I’ve been working as a freelancer in the film and photography industries. I feel like it is so important to be free flowing and accept changes and see where those paths lead you!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Simply folks who are interested in my work. I’ve never had good self-esteem, and being an artist has greatly helped me with that. I wish to demonstrate to others that they can pick up something and produce art regardless of their education or trade. It’s something that everybody can accomplish!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: spooky_miller
- Twitter: spooky_miller