Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Desiree Holland. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Desiree, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

My first time receiving a dollar as a creative was actually outside of my current profession. Prior to being behind the camera, my first love was street performing pantomime and acting. Every summer during my high school years, I’d perform on the Atlantic City Boardwalk in New Jersey. I’ll never forget the very first time I went out there. A stranger then but now a really good friend, recorded it and put it on YouTube over ten years ago.

I don’t remember feeling nervous much, however, just extremely ambitious to succeed. My adrenaline was through the roof in order to leave with some honest money; and let’s just say I made a little under a hundred bucks within a three hour time frame. Therefore, I thought I did a great job and the reactions of the public was fulfilled with memorable smiles.

All in all, I will say this is where the recognition of putting my creativity to work for revenue came into perspective. It wasn’t until later, I attended an Art Institute for Film & Video Production; that I discovered my capabilities in new ways.

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 am a creative producer, photographer and travel vlogger with history as a street performer. Before stepping behind the scenes, I spent most of my high school years as a self-taught mime, one who performs pantomime but with influences of contemporary and praise dance.

Slowly after my school career ended at The Art Institute of Philadelphia, I continued to hone my craft in photography and cinematography. I am best known for producing music videos, vlogs, portraits, events, and miscellaneous online passion projects.

I am most proud of how far my portfolio has expanded with excellence. Helping clients Globally and Nationally from low to high budgets. One of my most recent favorite badge of honors are recently getting off tour, shooting Photography for live Dance Competitions. Something about mastering and/or capturing the aesthetics of a dancer in action was so liberating.

I’d like to believe what sets me apart from others is my perseverance, grit, and ability to exude love no matter the obstacle present or past.

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

When you are born a creative, art is apart of your human nature. It comes authentically in most things you do. Especially, when you reach a point of not seeking validation. Your life is a forever going mural that you paint.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Numerous times I’ve pivoted my life and/or career in order to either make impulsive decisions or seek some type of stability. As an Artist, I’ve always found it difficult to balance my personal life with the desires and wants of my creative world. For example; paying bills, family matters, intimate relationships and the ways of the World.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hardlaborproductions.com
• Instagram: @desitelevisions

Image Credits
•Self-Portraits •@jay_dashoota_ •Friends and Family