Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alina Avellaneda. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alina, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
As a young, passionate entrepreneur and digital creator, taking risks or starting projects has never been a simple task, but does get easier throughout the years of pushing those boundaries and allowing yourself to grow as a creative. In order to take risks, we must put ourselves through situations that make us feel nervous, uncertain, and uncomfortable. Whether taking it step by step or diving right into it, those situations will wire our mind to become insensitive to those feelings. That effect will allow us to take bigger life-changing risks, get rid of excuses and boundaries we had set for ourselves, and create the life we dream of and truly deserve. Over the years I have become very comfortable with myself to take risks, especially with the industries I’m in. The most beautiful thing about being a digital creator and artist is that I get to share my life experiences with others and that we can be inspired by so many different people within the fields while creating new work that comes from our very own mind. Individuality in art and creatives sparks our imagination and pushes us to take risks. Whether it was starting my own photography business almost 3 years ago without any type of plan, or starting my very own podcast that took 6 months for me to create, taking those first steps are crucial to the process. Every single project I’ve started, big or small, have molded me into the person I am today and have allowed me to grow as an individual and creative artist. So if you’re afraid to take the risk, choose not to be and take that step. We are all supporting you.
Alina, 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?
My name is Alina Avellaneda, and I am an aspiring creative, graphic designer, and travel photographer. As a young Latina artist, the arts and creativity has been so important to me and my culture. Since I was a little girl, I was constantly thinking of new things to do, from ballet dancing, to theater arts, crafts, music, and more, it was always in my blood. Though I still dabble in multiple projects such as my podcast and writing, It wasn’t until January 2021, my junior year, where a small white SONY camera changed my entire life. I’m not exactly sure how the decision came to mind, but I knew I wanted to create a mix between photography and graphic design. I was already knowledgeable in how to use my camera from previous vlogging experience, and loved to design art. Little did I know the relationships I’d create, the opportunities I’d receive, and places I’d go. I’m still amazed at all the endless opportunities I continue to receive, and the amazing bonds I get to make every day through my adventure. I offer a variety of services, from photographing school sports and events, lifestyle photography sessions, helping others make their first steps to creating their own business ventures through logos or content creation, and other services, im able to create strong bonds with clients, travel around the world, and there’s nothing else I’d rather do. I am currently continuing my education at Meredith College and earning my Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design with a minor in communications and a photography concentration.
By using social media and other forms of advertising such as printed products and flyers, my majority of marketing is through Facebook. I often advertise my mini-sessions that are very popular, as well as different discounts for students/graduates in Facebook college groups. When it comes to printed products, I often create flyers and hang them around, as well as business cards, yard signs, and my most popular being stickers I created.
My love and passion for what I do clearly shows in my work, whether it is my photos and editing style, or my graphics designed for my social media. I love the fact that all photography editing styles are different and bring their own unique twist to the table, but my clients and others that see what I do often say that my personality and love for it shows. I also love to share my life and behind the scenes as a photographer on social media. I believe creating that relationship with my followers definitely allows them to “meet” me before the session or before booking with me, especially when figuring whether my work would be a good fit for what they want. That’s what makes me stand out from other similar creators.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When I first started Shot By Alina, I was 16 years old. I am so blessed for it to flourish and allow me to continue my passion for years now, but just as any other artist and entrepreneur, there’s always trials and errors as well as mistakes and hard times. Especially as a teenager still, it’s been a journey that has molded me into the person I am today. I’ve had conflicts with others in high school, as any other teenage girl would, as well as mental health issues such as anxiety and constant stress. Especially as my freshman year of college, being away from home, adjusting my health and diet, and trying to make new friends in a new area I’ve never lived in before made an impact. On top of that, it hasn’t been easy trying to find my people as well as finding myself. Juggling two jobs, my college classes, shot by alina, and other projects I loved to do, was a lot on me mentally, emotionally, and physically. Though the things that made me happiest allowed me to feel better about the situations I was in, as well as clear my mind and remind me that this is my purpose in life. Life is a constant journey full of challenges, but because of my determination and passions, I’ve been able to fight those battles and overcome them.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My long life goal has been to share and use the talents God and my family have given to me. Whether it’s through sharing advice and experiences on my podcast The Social Angel, or my photography and design talents with Shot By Alina, I am constantly finding ways to help others and improve my creative mind. I firmly believe the best way to sharpen your creativity skills is to use them. I have had the opportunity to work with departments in my college, as well as different local businesses and individuals through my work. This allows me to grow as a business, but also grow as an individual. For it gives me the ability to work with others, understand their needs, and execute my ideas. I truly believe my passion and desire shows within me as I work on these projects, and allows me to gain these special opportunities. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shotbyalina.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotbyxalina/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alina.avellaneda.5
- Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/shotbyalina
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@alinaalizeth/featured