We recently connected with Dakota Schlager and have shared our conversation below.

Dakota, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s talk about social media – do you manage your own or do you have someone or a company that handles it for you? Why did you make the choice you did?

Managing my own social media accounts comes with a dance of trial and error accompanied by dedication and persistent hard work. As I work towards increasing my follower count and post engagement, the sight of minimal interactions with my content can at times be discouraging. Having to constantly keep up with trends and new platforms can be tiring but I think it’s key to reaching your target audience and growing your brand. However, I chose to run my own accounts not just to cut costs, but also because I find it enjoyable and fulfilling to be able to share my work and to see the support I do receive.

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 been an artistic person, and have always known I wanted to pursue a creative path in life. Art has always been an outlet for me and a way to express myself. In university, my emphasis was in film and photography. I am very passionate about photography and have. a strong background in capturing various types of content. I am also very passionate about filmmaking and I am an aspiring cinematographer. I am still learning and growing in this industry but I hope someday to combine my talent for photography with film by working towards becoming a Director of Photography.

Being incredibly passionate about what I do makes me work hard. I’m proud of myself for the perseverance I have. I have had many ups and downs in my career journey. I’m very proud and grateful for the opportunities I’ve had come my way. Something that’s really important to me and my brand is community. I love meeting new people, creating friendships, collaborating, and loving and supporting others.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to express myself and evoke emotions through my work. Artists have the power to translate their thoughts, ideas, and experiences into tangible forms that resonate with others. The act of creating something original and unique brings a deep sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

With film and photography specifically I love the magic of all the possible ways you can tell a story visually. Cinematography allows me to merge my love of photography and filmmaking by composing the look, feel, emotions, and the magical world in a scene.

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

Indeed, there are things about being a creative that non-creatives might not totally get. One of those things is how vulnerable it feels to put our creative work out there. I mean, we’re basically baring our souls—our thoughts, emotions, and perspectives—for everyone to see. It takes real guts and a willingness to face criticism, rejection, and the chance that people just won’t understand what we’re trying to say.

The creative process itself can be elusive and difficult to explain. It often involves a delicate balance between intuition, inspiration, and disciplined craftsmanship. Non-creatives may find it challenging to understand the hours of contemplation, experimentation, and revision that go into creating a piece of art. They may underestimate the constant pursuit of growth, the persistence in overcoming creative blocks, and the dedication required to refine skills and techniques.

As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” and it holds true for the creative journey as well. The majority of creatives have dedicated years of unwavering effort and hard work to reach their current level of expertise.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dakotaschlager.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dakotaschlager/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dakota-schlager/
• Other: https://www.threads.net/@dakotaschlager