We were lucky to catch up with Chris Charles recently and have shared our conversation below.

Chris, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?

One of the most important lessons I learned while working in corporate America was ultimately, you really don’t have control or equity in said company most of the times. While working a great tech job back in 2009, I wound up getting laid off along with several other people due to the downturn in the economy at the time. After the final meeting in the conference room, I returned to my desk to find my belongings already packed up in a white box, my computer wiped and my former manager ready to walk me out the building. This was after almost 5yrs of working my way up in the company. I vowed to never not have control of my bottom line that day. I also saw the blessing in getting laid off as that prompted me to go back to school and start my career in the arts.

I haven’t looked back since.

Chris, 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’ve been a professional photography, brand consultant and designer for almost 15 years. My business has ultimately evolved into using a more holistic approach to visual art as it relates to small and medium sized business.es The three words I use to describe my brand are style, creativity, soul. My goal is to continue to encompass those words regardless of the medium I present my work in. I also believe mentorship is important as it’s our job as creatives to help younger creatives find their way in business and the arts in general.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I think non-creatives share the misconception that being in the arts is somehow less valuable than any other small business venture. The irony is that most businesses use our services to market and share their products. The intrinsic value of media created to help businesses make a profit seems like a no=brainer, yet we continually strive as creatives to be paid our worth.

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

The most rewarding aspects of being a creative are being in community with people from all walks of life. Art has been a space for me to grow as a business person as I’ve worked with so many diverse types of businesses in some capacity. Also, I find seeing people I mentored succeeding in their craft very rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://chrischarles.co
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/the_chrischarles
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrischarlesphoto/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/chrischarles73