We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cole Plichta a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cole, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

One of the most impactful investments I have made in my professional journey was to pursue a shorter education in photography. Having been actively involved in this area since a young age, I deemed a conventional university education to be unproductive. Thus, I took the bold step of enrolling in a trade school situated in Missoula, MT, which spanned over a period of nine months, in contrast to the traditional 4-year degree.

The curriculum of the trade school was rigorous, and I was challenged on numerous occasions. Nevertheless, the condensed program contributed significantly to my goal of becoming a professional photographer in the music industry, surpassing the benefits received by many of my peers who pursued photography or video education in conventional universities.

The fact is that the photography and videography industry offers a wide range of routes to success, and there is no fixed path to achieving professional fulfillment. Rather, it is one’s personal work ethic, social aptitude, and creative touch that play a more substantial role than formal education. However, I strongly believe that technical expertise in the camera sciences is vital for any photographer or videographer striving for excellence in their career.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hey there! My name is Cole Plichta, and I’m the founder of CLICKTA. My photography services cater to creative brands and musicians, and I specialize in capturing moments both in-studio and on-the-road. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, my ultimate objective is to provide collaborative solutions that cater to the visual needs of my clients.

I strongly advocate for having big aspirations, and I believe that the sky is only the beginning, not the limit. My passion for photography began in 2013 when I was first introduced to the art of visual storytelling. Since then, I have been on a mission to depict the full spectrum of emotions that humans experience.

I consider photography as a form of heroism, which began in my childhood when I discovered the legendary photographer, Peter Parker. From then on, taking photos became my “superhero activity.” Fast forward to today, nine years later, I am pursuing a career that revolves around creating stunning images, just like the friendly neighborhood web-slinger.

In my quest to capture extraordinary imagery, I pay close attention to my surroundings, taking inspiration from every experience. My work is a reflection of the multi-sensory dreamworld in my mind, and my images provide a glimpse into that world. In a sense, this has become my superpower, enabling me to create photographs that stand out, and bridging the gap between what artists hear and what fans see.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

My entrance into photography began as a side hustle/fun hobby during my high/middle school years. At the time, I was unaware that it could be a potential career path, but a classmate recognized my natural talent and encouraged me to pursue it further.

As I worked in various capacities, including fast-food service, serving, and freelance gigs, I devoted myself to honing my craft through extensive practice. Every penny I earned was invested back into my photography, fueling my education and my passion for the art.

Following my graduation, I turned my side hustle into a full-time profession by leveraging my network, which I had fortuitously established during my high school days. The creative industry in Nashville is relatively small, and to this day, word of mouth remains the most effective form of advertisement, enabling me to take photography on as a full-time job, and do what I love for a living!

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Undoubtedly, the most effective method I have found for expanding my clientele is by establishing partnerships with local venues, which allows me to capture content at local shows. In return, I am granted complimentary admission to shows that many other artists in my niche attend.

Subsequently, it becomes a matter of combining professionalism with affability, and maintaining a personable attitude while attending those shows.

To acquire any sort of new client, it is crucial to think from their perspective and get involved in the activities that pique their interest(s). It is imperative to frequent places where they congregate, and to treat everyone with respect, regardless of their online status. Ultimately, it is our shared experience as human beings that counts the most.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.clickta.art/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clicktaofficial/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clicktaofficial/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coleplichta/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb7o-K3G-H1_REioBu9wdTQ
• Other: Behance: https://www.behance.net/clickta

Image Credits
Jeremy Cowart (For image ColePlichta_Cowart.jpg)