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

Alright, César 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?

Knowing what you want to do with your life is a rare privilege, especially as a teenager. For me, this clarity came early on, and I knew I wanted to be a creative. Whether through photography or filmmaking, I was certain that my path lay in the arts. This sense of purpose felt like a gift, something given to me by providence, and not something I could take credit for. Yet, the journey to fully embrace this calling was far from straightforward.

I pursued photography and filmmaking at university, driven by a passion to create. However, the practical realities of life soon caught up with me. As a first-generation immigrant, the pressure to secure a stable income was immense. Fearful of the uncertain financial prospects of freelancing, I opted for a more conventional route. I took a job in a creative-adjacent field, which, although involved desk work and office hours, was not devoid of creative elements. This job evolved into a nine-year period where I climbed the corporate ladder to a high-earning leadership position at a reputable agency in Los Angeles. While I gained invaluable business skills during this time, my creative pursuits were largely sidelined.

The pandemic brought an unexpected turning point. Losing my job forced me to reevaluate my career and provided a unique opportunity to pursue my passion for photography full-time. The nine years I spent in an office job, which could be described as mundane, equipped me with the necessary know-how to run a business. These skills proved crucial in setting up a successful photography studio within weeks, allowing me to make a living from my passion. Despite the initial fear and reluctance, this period taught me the importance of facing challenges with courage and vision rather than being driven by fear.

Looking back, I realize that my hesitation to freelance earlier was a mistake. Fear should never dictate professional decisions. Courage and vision often lead to far more fulfilling outcomes. Today, although my income doesn’t match my previous high-earning role, my life is rich with passion and joy. I wake up every day excited to engage in work that I love. This is a stark contrast to many who endure decades in jobs they tolerate just to retire eventually. I feel as if I’ve already retired because I’m doing what I love every day. Of course, my job isn’t without its mundane tasks like accounting and marketing. However, these are manageable when aligned with a greater purpose.

Supporting a family of four children, a stay-at-home mom, two dogs, and a cat through creative work is nothing short of miraculous. Many in my position might choose careers as lawyers, doctors, engineers, or executives. Yet, I’ve been able to thrive as a photographer and writer. This success is less about my individual merit and more about the opportunities provided by our country, the internet, and a fearless approach to life.

One of the challenges in pursuing a career in the arts is the lack of formal barriers to entry. Unlike professions requiring licenses or certifications, anyone can claim to be an artist. This often leads to a lack of commitment among aspiring creatives. However, I firmly believe that treating artistic work with the same seriousness as a surgeon performing surgery or a lawyer arguing in court can lead to a successful and potentially lucrative career.

In the end, my journey underscores the importance of following one’s passion with courage and dedication. While the path may be fraught with uncertainty, the rewards of living a life filled with meaningful and fulfilling work far outweigh the risks. For those considering a career in the arts, I encourage you to take the plunge with unwavering commitment. The journey may not be easy, but it is undoubtedly worth it.

César, 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 discovered my passion for creativity early on, which led me to pursue photography and filmmaking at university. Even though I started my career in a stable, creative-adjacent office job, the pandemic was a catalyst for change, pushing me to embrace my true calling as a full-time photographer and writer. Now, I offer a range of services, including photo and video production, creative writing, and consulting for scripts across TV shows, podcasts, and more. Through dedication and fearlessness, I’ve built a fulfilling career that supports my family and aligns with my lifelong passion.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

During the pandemic, the agency where I held a leadership role in Los Angeles faced a slow collapse and ultimately shut down. This was a significant blow, both professionally and personally. Instead of taking a step back or seeking another job, I decided to jump right into starting my own business. This decision was driven by the belief that courage, not fear, should lead us forward. It was a moment where I needed to hold on to courage despite the daunting circumstances. This experience not only marked the beginning of my current successful photography and writing business but also reinforced my conviction that resilience and fearlessness are crucial in navigating life’s challenges.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In the early 20th century, Marcel Duchamp’s act of placing a urinal on a stage and calling it “Fountain” marked a significant shift in the art world. This moment contributed to a trend where artistic endeavors, especially in visual arts, often became insular and self-referential, losing touch with the broader audience. Rather than pursuing beauty for the public to enjoy, art sometimes turned into a series of inside jokes for intellectuals.

It’s important for people to demand that artists create works that enhance the beauty of spaces and are practical. The most successful artistic disciplines, like music and animation, create content that resonates widely and brings joy to many. In contrast, traditional visual arts have sometimes struggled with a focus on abstract and introspective themes.

Encouraging artists to return to creating beautiful, impactful work can help bridge this gap. Instead of focusing on social commentary and political messages that can overshadow artistic beauty, artists should aim to stun and captivate their audience. By emphasizing beauty and practical considerations, artists can create wonderful works that not only inspire but also enrich the lives of others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amigostudio.net
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/amigostudioatx
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amigostudioatx

Image Credits

César Barroso