We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elizabeth White a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Elizabeth thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

Social media and online video platforms have provided ways for individuals to discover new hobbies and unleash their creativity from the comfort of home. This is a great thing! The downside is that has also created competition between the already set professional photographers and artists to maintain their businesses and the up-coming creatives who feel an opportunity to pursue their dreams.
For example, newer photographers are open to the digital age and offering more all-inclusive options at lower rates to keep with the new digital era. Whereas I’ve heard professional photographers say they struggle with the changing times and not as many clients are wanting high-end professional prints. Some may disagree but when it comes to photography I believe offering a mix of both is best in todays time, the all-inclusive digital option and the high-end professional prints.
Another example is in how technology has impacted artists. More creatives are experimenting with art techniques they find online and selling their work at low prices because to them it is just a fun hobby. Some of the work is wonderful. But at the same time those lower prices make it harder for artists to sell their artwork at the higher rates and make a living.
It does seem like the influx of photographers and artists over the past few years has in a way devalued professional photography and fine art. More of the population looks online for cheaper similar options or how to do it themselves, satisfied with lower quality to save money. Even I love trying new things and saving money so can relate.

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?

First and foremost I consider myself an artist. Whether I have a camera in my hand or a paintbrush. My family has been encouraging my creative side all of my life so I have been painting and drawing since I was young, We travelled so much as I was growing up that seeing new places and people and trying new things became part of me. I have continued my love of travel so keeping a camera with me to capture places and family became a necessity. Outside of my full time job, I am a freelance photographer and artist. Someday I hope to make them both my full time job but for now am happy to be a part of others lives through my talents.
My favorite part of photography is making people feel great about themselves. To have a client walk away from a session saying they want me to take more portraits and have ideas is very fulfilling. Those creative sessions are the best because most people don’t see their own beauty and bringing it out so they do see it is so important especially in todays world where depression and having a poor self-image is common.
My favorite thing about painting is bringing the vision I have in my mind to life. Once I sit down to paint I can’t stop, I have to go until it’s finished because I get in a zone. I love displaying my art for people to enjoy and am never upset if vendor events don’t produce high sales, because it definitely produces smiles and admirers, My favorite art shows to put paintings in are those that donate proceeds to charity. I try to participate in those regularly. A larger percentage of the sale goes to the charity and less to the Artist than a typical gallery, but I don’t increase my prices to offset it. I would rather the art be sold, help others, and hung to be enjoyed than make a profit.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Using social media as a platform and a learning tool. I have used it as a way to keep in touch with family and friends since college, but it did not occur to me until two years ago that it could be used as a business tool. I feel like I have lost valuable time, growth, and exposure online so am trying to play catch-up and learn more about the different platforms and their possibilities. Getting into the habit of using social media and apps as professional resources is also hard because I am not used to even looking for creative services through them. It’s becoming a different world and I definitely need to adapt quicker.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My childhood dream of becoming an “artist”, having my creations hanging in home’s and office’s, making people smile, and being able to support myself and my family while I do what I love. This is the same dream as so many others, so it seems difficult and almost unattainable in todays world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theartsytog.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartsytog
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartsytog
• Other: https://ewhiteartwork.square.site/ https://www.facebook.com/ewhiteartwork/ https://www.instagram.com/ewhiteartwork

Image Credits
Elizabeth White