Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erin Gilliatt. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Erin, 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?
For the past couple years, I have been earning a living solely off of my creative work. It has been a gradual journey through the years, but I knew well before high school that I had a love for photography. About a year before high school I began looking at the four-year programs they offered, and it wasn’t long until I landed on photography. Within the photography program I learned the technical skills behind the camera, the various aspects of studio lighting, the execution of a project from start to finish, and much more. After high school, I attended the University of North Texas and entered the College of Visual Arts and Design. At first I pursued a graphic design degree, as it appeared to be more practical than photography. After the first semester I couldn’t deny that photography was the thing I was meant to do. I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the University of North Texas in May of 2020, when the world was full of uncertainty. I thought it would take me longer than most to find my “dream job” given the circumstances at the time. Just a few short months after college I began to train as a wedding photographer. While my first real photography job was not all I thought it to be, it helped lead me to where I am today. I pursued wedding photography full time for a couple years and just this year branched out into real estate photography. I currently work full-time as a lifestyle, wedding, and real estate photographer in the DFW area.
Erin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hello! I’m Erin and I’m a lifestyle and wedding photographer. From a young age, I always knew that I loved taking photos and was intrigued by the artistic medium of photography. This was something I pursued all the way through college. While some might argue that you do not need a formal education in a more artistic field, I feel that I learned so much through school and the opportunities it provided me. I studied under some of the most esteemed fine art professors and had the opportunity to exhibit my work in galleries both on and off campus. I also had the opportunity of interning for D Magazine in Dallas as well as the Eisemann Center in Richardson. As a lifestyle and wedding photographer, I currently offer a broad range of photography services including wedding photography, engagement sessions, portraits, and much more. When I’m behind the camera I want my clients to trust that they are in the best possible hands. I also want them to see that I am putting 110% into giving them the best photos and the best experience ever. I believe both my determination and work ethic sets me apart from others. I am most proud of the growth I’ve seen in myself and my business, and the hopes I have for achieving new heights.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Early on, I wish I knew more about the power and influence of social media. The resources were definitely out there, I was probably just too shy to reach out and grab them. Recently I’ve found many social media groups and pages that contain opportunities such as collaborative meetups, styled shoots, networking events, and more. I have also seen firsthand the power of advertising and exposure through social media. I think a part of me was in my own world for so long that I hadn’t ventured to see what else was out there. I wish I had taken advantage of the opportunities social media provided in the early days of my journey, as it would have only furthered where I am today.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and photographer is getting to do what I love all the time. I see a lot of people who pursue one career and then a passion on the side. I knew early on that this wouldn’t be enough for me. While I do feel the negative pressure of the creative industry at times, I can’t see any other path that would have led me to be as happy as I am right now.
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