We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Courtney Ferris a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Courtney, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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?
I’ve been blessed enough to make my passions a full time job! I truly believe that it takes a break-through moment to realize you can do anything you want in your life. You don’t have to work a 9-5 for someone else if you’d rather work 24/7 for yourself. Day one it was confusing, but the feeling of knowing I was always meant for more empowered me & got me through all the hard times and learning lessons. I truly felt and knew in my heart that I was meant to explore my passions and turn them into income, but “how” was always the question. With endless trial and error, failing over and over again, feeling defeated, and trying again, and again… my business ventures finally started to work out. The number one tactic I used to grow in my life and in business is being able to take a left turn when things just aren’t going right. Adjusting to the universal flow of life instead of forcing things to work is exactly how I grew so much so quickly.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I have always had a passion for photography. Maybe its in my blood. My grandpa owned a photo studio on the East coast, which was ran by my father after my grandpa passed, and now I run a Creative Agency, which started as a photography business. I never knew my life would turn into what it has just by pursuing my passion for photography, but when you follow your dreams, life starts to become a dream and one day you’re living a total fantasy life you could’ve never imagined. Although I started off as just a photographer, I learned the ins and outs of business and ended up turning multiple businesses into my clients, doing photo and video for them. I accepted every opportunity I could. Real Estate photography, event coverage, weddings, model photoshoots, restaurants, EVERYTHING. Once I learned how to score a client, it snowballed from there. My clients stopped hiring me for my photography as I grew out of that lane and into a new one… I became the one in front of the camera instead of behind it. This is where my life completely changed… or in other words, life took a left turn.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Pivoting in life and business is essential to growth. Every time someone asked for something, I said “yes, I can do that!” Even if I couldn’t… I knew I could find a resource that could! Having a solid network of people that all share similar passions as you can be the backbone of your entire business, and if you can pivot and give an opportunity to someone that can do something you cant, you might just build a business. Sometimes pivoting looks like ditching what you once knew, and growing into a completely new lane, too.
If the universe presents you an opportunity, take it. Pivoting is good. It’s adjusting to the moment. Although photography is my bread and butter, I had to share this opportunity with others and gave them the jobs I used to take. I started sending other creators on stages to festivals to shoot for artists, I taught others what I know about photography, editing, and getting new clients… Then I pivoted. I started to get hired as a model, to create User Generated Content, and I even got cast for reality TV. Crazy how things can take a turn, right?
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I initially thought the most rewarding part of being a creative was the freedom of being my own boss. However, I’ve realized that the true joy lies in the thrill of unexpected opportunities. With each new chance that comes my way, I’m excited by the potential for growth and the way each opportunity surpasses the last. From being a photographer, to a social media manager, to a UGC creator, to an influencer manager, to becoming a model, all the way to being on TV, I can’t even imagine how much more life has to offer as I continue to follow my heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.death2digital.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/court_ferris/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbRh6Np-sLJeeFWQzMBtyLQ
- Other: tiktok:
@courtferriswheel3 photography portfolio:
https://death2digital.pixieset.com/portfolioorganization/
