We recently connected with Daniel Ulibarri and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniel, thanks for joining 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?

Despite being a first generation college student, and maneuvering through the constant, albeit well-intentioned pressure from family members to pursue a less financially risky career, I have been an arts professional for close to four years. From the day I decided that I would do whatever it takes to make a living off of my camera, I never looked back. I can wholeheartedly say now that commitment to my craft was the right decision, as my camera has allowed me to travel the world, meet and photograph several of my childhood idles, and yes, has paid for every utility bill since I moved out of my hometown. I took the motivation I found in high school daydreams, scrolling through the instagram feeds of live music photographers and acclaimed contemporary artists, into the forging of my own path out of generations of manual labor workers.

While I wouldn’t exactly say I’m lucky, as I’ve never put much stock in the existence of such a concept, I’ve been very fortunate in establishing the connections I’ve found along the way. I believe luck is just preparation meeting opportunity, especially in the arts world. Without putting in the hours upon hours honing your skills when no-one is watching, will you be able to shine when the right eyes are around to see you tackle your goals? The first major step I took in tacking that goal to be an arts profession was simply deciding there was no other option. I took every single photo and video gig I could, building my portfolio in every possible genre of creative work a camera could produce. I took opportunities even if I wasn’t ecstatic about the idea behind them because I knew in the very worst case, each job was a chance to learn.

Those taken opportunities ranged from one time gigs to long form internships with organizations seeking the help and creative vision of emerging creatives. The latest, and hopefully last internship being that of working with the non-profit 516 ARTS in downtown Albuquerque. What started as doing everything I could to help the organization navigate a post-covid world, turned into a full time job going on my third promotion and pay raise. In addition to creating all of the digital content for the organization, I get to teach the next generation of creative minds and enrich arts education across the Albuquerque community. I don’t believe that is the result of any more talent or luck than the average artist, I truly believe that is simply the result of working so undeniably hard that the people around me had no choice but to take notice. Pairing an unwavering work ethic, with the humility of knowing you are constantly learning, makes you the type of creative that people want to work with. It’s so important to trust the process, regardless of any semblance of imposter syndrome or self doubt we find within ourselves.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Daniel Ulibarri, and I’m a professional photographer and arts educator. I holds BA degrees in both English and Media Arts from New Mexico Highlands University. My main job is developing youth and educational programming at 516 ARTS, managing their social media, developing content, creating video interviews with artists and project videos. I also occasionally curate exhibitions, with the last one, a photography exhibition titled Nathaniel Tetsuro Paolinelli: Downtown, receiving international media coverage through VICE’s I-D magazine. My next exhibition will be in spring 2025, another photography show featuring more experimental, cutting edge work.

While I’m not on the clock, I love to shoot live music. I’m very involved in the DIY music scene here in Albuquerque, and have shot at just about every venue in town. I’ve also shot some bigger names in music, like Three 6 Mafia, Waka Flocka Flame, Method Man, Paul Wall, and bands like Joyce Manor, nothing, nowhere, SCOWL, and Militarie Gun amongst others. I’ve also shot for a few publications including Edible New Mexico, and Southwest Contemporary.

I’m immensely proud of those accomplishment’s, but I find the most pride in the smaller jobs. It’s such a huge win for me to help present a local artists or musician just starting out, or capture a life-long memory to be treasured by newly wed’s or parents of recently graduated students. I firmly believe that artists support artists, and by uplifting each other, we keep our whole creative ecosystem flourishing. I’ll never turn down the opportunity to work with an artist for lack of budget or funds. If I have the time to work on a passion project, even if it’s not necessarily a passion of mine, I’m so stoked to be there.

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

To me the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the creative community my love for and involvement in art has brought me. There’s an undeniable and powerful synergy that forms when artists come together, sharing not just their work but their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. It’s like we are all fighting on the same side of the human experience. It’s easy to feel alone in this world, especially when overcoming the many trials and tribulations life surely throws at us all. Art is the great equalizer. It allows us to take the best hits life can give and make something beautiful out of it.

Equally important is the role of artists supporting artists in maintaining the vitality of our arts ecosystem. By offering encouragement, sharing skills, and collaborating on projects, buying each others work, we help ensure that the arts remain a dynamic and full of inspiring, boundary pushing ideas.

In short, art gives purpose, and I’m so immensely grateful that the artist path chose me.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my opinion, the single most needed means of support the vast majority of artists are in critical need of, is the same thing so many of us are afraid to raise our voice about: fair pay! Art and creativity are not just luxury items or hobbies, they are integral to cultural enrichment, emotional well-being, and even economic growth of society as a whole. When artists are fairly paid, it acknowledges the value of their contributions and helps them to continue producing meaningful work. Regardless of medium, there are various barriers of entry all artists face to consistently improve their craft. It is so, so, SO important to financially support your local artists. Whether it’s paying them for their service, buying a few stickers, or attending their shows.

In essence, valuing artists through fair financial support is not just about recognizing individual worth—it’s about sustaining the vibrant, dynamic cultural fabric that enriches the world we all share.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ducreative.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d.u_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-ulibarri-b25278284/

Image Credits

Headshot taken by JC Gonzo