We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Angel Barclay. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Angel below.

Hi Angel, thanks for joining 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?

Earning a full-time living from my creative work wasn’t something that happened overnight. It took time, persistence, and a lot of trial and error (like everything worth doing in life). After finishing my bachelor’s degree in culinary arts in the Dominican Republic (where I’m originally from), I was offered an internship at a restaurant called Agave Roja, located in the Outer Banks, NC. So, I started as a chef when I first came to the U.S., while photography and videography were passions I pursued in my spare time. Slowly, as I practiced and shared my work, people began asking about my rates, which made me realize there was potential to turn it into a career because I realized that being a professional chef wasn’t my passion.

Some key milestones for me were:

-Continuously practicing and improving my craft, even when it was just a hobby.
-Building a solid portfolio and showcasing my work online, which led to my first paid gigs.
-Networking with others in the creative space, which opened doors to brand collaborations with big name brands like Meta, GMC, and Google.

One thing I wish I had focused on earlier was trusting my gut and having confidence in my skills. Sometimes I second-guessed myself or compared my journey to others, which can distracting. But in hindsight, consistency and trusting the process were game changers. If I could’ve sped up the process, I would have leaned into building a community sooner and focused on collaborations that aligned with my style and vision.

In short, it’s definitely possible, but it requires patience, hard work, and believing in yourself, even when it’s tough!

Angel, 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’m Angel Barclay, a photographer, videographer, and content creator originally from the Dominican Republic. My journey into the creative world was a bit unconventional. I started out in the culinary industry after getting my bachelor’s degree in culinary arts. When I moved to the U.S. for work, I spent my time off experimenting with photography and videography. Eventually, I realized my passion for creativity wasn’t limited to the kitchen. I found myself drawn to storytelling through visuals.

What began as a hobby quickly turned into something more. That’s when I decided to leave the kitchen behind and focus on content creation full-time. Now, I work with brands like Meta, GMC, Google, Snapdragon, ASUS, and others, creating everything from product reviews to full-scale campaigns. My goal is to showcase these products in real, everyday scenarios that people can relate to.

I take pride in telling stories through my work that connect with my clients and their audiences. My style is all about making products shine in natural, engaging ways. I love collaborating with other creatives, and I feel that this is key to growth. For me, it’s not just about snapping a photo or shooting a video. It’s about ensuring each piece of content reflects the message, brand, and legacy we’re trying to build together. I’m always thinking about how my work can resonate with people, whether through the story it tells or how it looks, because I believe strong relationships are the foundation of great creative work.

One thing I’m especially proud of is how far I’ve come in this industry, considering I started with almost no knowledge or resources, and on top of that, learning English along the way. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve built a community around my brand and continue to grow every day. What I want people to know about my brand is that no matter where you are in your journey, there’s always a way to creatively tell your story, and I’d love to help make that happen.

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

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is the ability to inspire others. Whether it’s through a photo or video, knowing that my work can spark someone’s imagination or motivate them to start their creative journey is what truly drives me. I love when people let me know that my work pushed them to try something new or see things differently; that connection is what makes it all worthwhile. The idea that I can play a small role in someone’s growth or inspire them to take action is incredibly fulfilling. That’s what I love most about being a creative—it’s not just about creating, it’s about making a lasting impact on others in the end.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One thing I think non-creatives might struggle to understand is just how much goes into balancing the business side of being a creator with the actual creative process itself. It’s not just about making cool content all day. There’s a lot of time management involved, and you’re not just an artist; you’re also running a business. That means finding clients, pitching ideas to brands, negotiating deals, managing deadlines, and staying consistent, all while trying to keep your creative energy flowing to produce quality work.

Many people think being a full-time creative is all about passion, but there’s a ton of strategy behind the scenes. It’s not always easy to switch between pitching new ideas to clients to then switch into creative mode on demand. Even full-time creatives are still figuring out how to manage that balance. It’s a constant learning process, and I think that’s something people don’t always see.

At the end of the day, it’s about staying organized and pushing through the tough spots when you’re feeling burned out while still trying to deliver your best work. It’s not just about having the talent or the passion, it’s also about juggling a lot of moving parts and keeping things going, even when it’s tough.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.steppscreative.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelbarclay
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/espinalbarclay
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-barclay-8465332b2/
• Twitter: https://www.x.com/laebarclay
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/angelbarclay
• Other: https://www.threads.net/@theangelbarclay

Image Credits

Emma Quigg – File name: @theangelbarclay8
Nestor Pool – File name: @theangelbarclay6
Chico Visualz – File name: @theangelbarclay3
Tom Reeves – File name: @theangelbarclay9