We recently connected with Joe Mikoli and have shared our conversation below.

Joe, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I am a freelance creative, and I am proud to say that I am genuinely happy with the path I have chosen. Throughout my professional journey, I have ventured into numerous freelance projects and working a part-time job to sustain my income. While some individuals may stumble upon lucky connections, the majority of us must endure struggles and work harder to achieve our financial goals. As artists, we invest considerable time in a series of successes, setbacks, and mistakes. The journey can be intimidating and discouraging, but I firmly believe that working harder and smarter always pays off, even amidst the ups and downs. The key is to persevere, learn from each failure, and never give up. While it is natural to feel jaded, we must focus on the positive, reignite our spark, embrace the light, and revive our drive and passion to carry on. Throughout my journey, I have developed a profound feeling of satisfaction in the acknowledgment and ongoing appreciation my efforts have garnered. Witnessing my creations showcased in various print and online publications fills me with immense satisfaction. These acknowledgments stand as a testament to the profound impact I have made within the industry.

So, am I happy being a creative? The resounding answer is yes. Despite the challenges and setbacks, I find fulfillment in this artistic pursuit. It fuels my passion and allows me to leave an indelible mark on the world through my creative endeavors. I feel blessed and fulfilled with the artistic talents I possess .

Joe, 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?

After dedicating over 17 years to the creative field, specifically in graphic design and photography, I can proudly say that my journey has been one of growth and experience. Graduating from Cal State University, Northridge in 2006, I embarked on my career in graphic design, which eventually led me to freelance projects encompassing various clients and magazine designs within the fitness industry. This exposure played a pivotal role in shaping my path towards fitness and lifestyle photography. With a passion for capturing moments through the lens, I have honed my photography skills over the past 8 years, embracing a combination of formal education, trial and error, and valuable insights from seasoned photographers.

What distinguishes me from others is my uniqueness. Just like others are true to themselves, I capture the world through my lens. Through my photography, I strive to reflect the world as I see it, capturing genuine moments that resonate with viewers. Having spent considerable time behind the camera, I take immense pride in the creative body of work I have amassed over the years. It has been a privilege to collaborate with clients who have recognized my talent, leading to remarkable opportunities. Whenever I hold my camera, set up my lighting equipment, or utilize natural light, I approach each subject with enthusiasm, knowing that great results await.

Undoubtedly, the creative field presents its fair share of challenges. Throughout my journey, I have faced ups and downs, but I have persevered by taking risks, putting in long hours, and overcoming technical obstacles inherent in photography. Along the way, I have fostered valuable online business relationships and forged meaningful connections with inspiring individuals who have played a pivotal role in my recognition and the opportunities that have come my way. Notably, Instagram has been an invaluable platform for showcasing my work, engaging with my audience, and fostering a community of like-minded individuals. Embracing a continuous learning mindset, I have grown from every experience, even in the face of uncontrollable circumstances such as the events of 2020. Passion drives my involvement in the competitive Southern California creative scene, always pushing me to strive for greatness in everything I undertake.

Finally, one of my greatest sources of pride is the recognition my work has garnered over the years, which continues to this day. I have had the privilege of having my work published in both print and online magazines, including esteemed publications such as Status Fitness, Oxygen, Strong Fitness Australia, Today Show online, Inside Fitness, Muscle & Fitness UK, and many others. I eagerly anticipate further accomplishments and opportunities on the horizon, ready to embrace them with open arms.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Businesses and individuals have general strategies growing clientele that vary from each person or business. Building relationships and leveraging my online presence have been my current effective strategies growing my clientele in my industry. .
Cultivating strong relationships with existing clients and establishing new connections with potential clients have been an effective way growing my clientele. Networking, attending industry events/meetups and workshops also helped expand my professional circle and receiving some client referrals and more.

I’ve been continuing building my online presence in today’s digital age. It is very essential in getting your work seen by online audiences. Having a professional website, maintaining active social media profiles such as Instagram, and engaging with your audience through relevant and valuable content such as published magazine work, features and exclusive work. This has helped me increase some more visibility, building more credibility, and attracting potential clients my way.

Finding the right approach for your specific clientele and industry may require experimentation, adaptability, and staying informed about market trends and customer preferences. Different strategies may work better for different industries and businesses to find new opportunities for growth.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Rewarding aspects of being an artist or creative can vary from person to person. I have a few of them. For myself, the most rewarding aspect i have to choose is Personal Fulfillment.

Process of creating art for myself has been personally fulfilling, bringing a sense of purpose, satisfaction, and accomplishment. It provided a means of personal growth and self-reflection. I like connecting with like-minded individuals, collaborating with others, and be part of some creative communities at workshops, meetups and industry events. This sense of belonging has been uplifting and enriching. Looking into the future, having my creative work inspire and resonate with others long after I am gone will be fulfilling and accomplishment.

The joy and fulfillment derived from the creative process can vary greatly depending on personal goals, artistic discipline, and the context in which one creates.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.joemikoli.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmikoli_designphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jmikoli
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikoli/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikoli

Image Credits
Usha Dean Rosie Gerrard October Hartline Anna Kaminskaia Jessica Valencia Penelope Decire Betty Jean Tokunaga Kim Quintana Background personal photo credit is Sam Chum Main Personal Photo – no photo credit