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

Alright, Allison thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

For the most part, I was able to make a living from my creative work from the day I left my full time job as a writer/photographer at a business newspaper. I left when I did because I had an opportunity to do freelance work for my former boss who’d started her own company. That went well for several years–until it didn’t. But by the time that company went under, I had several other clients and was able to work through the loss of that business. It’s important to diversify your client portfolio. Relying too much on one client can make life easier at the time, but can set you up for disaster if that client goes belly up, changes course or decides you’re no longer needed. Don’t forget to put money aside as well. One day you may find yourself looking at an empty calendar, and having money set aside means you don’t have to stress–or say “yes” to jobs that will make you regret you left a full time gig. And keep in touch with friends and acquaintances you worked with back in the day. These people move on to new companies that may need your skills. That often translates into new opportunities.

Allison, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was always interested in writing and photography. But my dad was an executive and when I started college, he nudged me in the direction of business. But I hedged. I majored in economics (not business) so that I could take more electives–such as classes in writing and photography. After a brief stint as an economist (and a six month back-packing trip through Europe) I went back to school to get an MFA in creative writing. My first job out of grad school was as a writer for a business newspaper. My bosses knew I could take photos, so I took photos for most of my stories. Eventually, I became the paper’s photographer. I left there to go out on my own.

Different clients need different things. It’s important to listen to them when they tell you what they want and to ask clarifying questions if you’re not sure you understand. Both photography and writing are competitive businesses–producing average work isn’t good enough. I try to outdo myself each and every time I work on a gig or a story. In photography, if something isn’t working, I don’t muscle through, I find something that does work–even if that means starting over. When I go to interview someone for a story, I’ve done my homework. You’ll get more out of yourself and more out of other people if you’re prepared.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients are current clients that like my work and that like working with me.

I’ve never advertised. Almost every client I have is via referral. Or maybe it’s someone I worked with at one company who moved to a new company and recommended me to their new cohort.

It helps that I work with clients who appreciate my creative perspective and trust me to deliver a product that will exceed their expectations. They pass that information on when they refer me. Since I’ve been vetted (in a good way), from day one, I get more creative freedom. Not that every job requires creative freedom, but it’s nice not to be micro-managed.

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

It’s simple: being a photographer and a writer/content creator means I’m learning constantly. And (post-production aside) it doesn’t feel like work.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.allisonshirreffs.net
• Instagram: @shirreffs
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-shirreffs-3bb3622/

Image Credits
Allison Shirreffs