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

Alright, Angie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been 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? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? Yes

If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
It’s been a rather long process for me given it started as a hobby. Initially, I was interested in photography solely as fine art – exhibiting in galleries, museums, etc. And, while I’ve had some success through these channels, it really is a difficult space to make a living in. Often, it ends up costing you money as opposed to making money – submitting work to calls of entry, printing, framing, shipping, etc for exhibitions is very expensive and more often than not, the work does not sell. I struggled to find representation and grew pretty frustrated and struggled to understand where my work fit.

It wasn’t until I focused on a specific genre within photography that things started coming together. So, after about 11 years of shooting, I put my energy into creating abstract architectural images. The whole fine art world was still a bit of a struggle but I began having art consultants reach out to me to license work for hotel and corporate projects. While I most often license work I’ve already created; on occasion, I’ve been commissioned by hotel brands or art consultants to create new work. These are always fun projects since they usually involve travel and a way to collaborate with the client.

I branched out into commercial architecture photography about 7 years ago and have been growing that part of photography since it’s a bit more reliable and consistent.

Also, about 10 years ago I began teaching at photo conferences and doing workshops throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico. Another area that is a little more reliable and consistent and within my control.

I think it’s helpful to diversify income streams within a specific field. Not only does it keep things interesting but it’s helpful when certain sectors slow down.

Do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
Probably, though so much of what happens is about timing. I’ve learned a lot about marketing in the last 7 years and had I understood who my market was sooner or how to reach them effectively sooner that would have likely allowed me to grow and evolve earlier on.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve always had an interest in photography despite my college degree being in Medical Technology and spending a few years working in that industry – specifically microbiology and molecular biology. While working in this industry I began taking photos for fun. This quickly grew into a passion and eventually led to a career I couldn’t be happier with. I think my degree and what drew me to the microsciences is also the same driver behind how I see photographically, preferring to focus on the detailed/abstract interpretations of architecture.

While the abstract is how I really managed to turn a hobby into a career, I’ve also evolved to shoot wider/more environmental interpretations of spaces for clients such as architecture firms, developers, etc. I think I’ve done a good job diversifying how I approach architecture and the types of clients I work with – from art consultants and students with the abstract interpretations of spaces to the contextual for the commercial work. It’s been a lot of fun pushing myself into new areas of this specific genre.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I’d say the detailed/abstract approach I take to seeing architecture. Most often these smaller details get overlooked and by drawing attention to them, I hope the viewer and even the architects who designed these spaces occasionally see things in a new light.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The ability to create something new and see the everyday in a new way. To share an unexpected way to see the spaces people inhabit or pass by. The joy of collaborating with clients and allowing their work to be highlighted and seen by others. Hopefully, creating something beautiful that brings joy to others. And, flexibility in my schedule.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://angiemcmonigal.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angiemcmonigal, https://www.instagram.com/angiemcmphoto/, https://www.instagram.com/angiemcmphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angiemcmonigalphotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angiemcmonigal
• Twitter: https://x.com/angiemcmonigal