Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Fatima Donaldson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Fatima, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you 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?
When I first began my creative career decades ago, you could earn a living by doing just one thing. Today, it’s more challenging and competitive; therefore, you have to do several things. Fortunately, my career started in graphic design learning Photoshop when it first was released. Those skills helped me evolve into marketing and advertising where I spent 20 years as a creative director for Fortune 100 companies as well as creative consultant. Until I decided to reconnect to my love and passion with photography. I returned back to school at 40 years old to relearn photography for the digital world. All of those journeys has well equipped me to become a commercial fine arts photographer with a gallery in The Silos.
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 love art, especially photography. I shoot two very different ways. One, is for my commercial work. this is work that focuses on telling my client’s story. I really enjoy these types of projects and the ability to be a visual storyteller that will help them grow their business. The other way I work, is for me. When I pick up my camera that’s when my meditation begins. The captures that are part of my fine art body of work is how I see and feel the world around me. I’m very fortunate to be able to have opportunities to create in these two different ways – one very business centric and the other very free and personal. I love creating in both playgrounds. I love teaching photography and inspiring other artists to create!
On commercial projects, my clients appreciate that I have past experience being in their shoes and so my business model focuses on what works best for the client, not me the photographer so I work outside the mold of traditional commercial photo shoots. Most commercial photographers nickel and dime their clients for each image. I hated that when I was the client hiring the photographer. So when I started my commercial business, I created a price structure for time and images that was all inclusive. Flat rate, making it easy for the corporate client to get an estimate without hidden surprises and increased invoice at the end. That’s probably why I’ve kept clients for nearly 20 years.
My fine art work evolved on free time I had during business trips and from there, many of clients were generous and supportive to purchase artwork for their offices, board rooms, lobbies, etc. Plus a few gave me some really amazing solo exhibit opportunities. in 2017, I took a big leap and joined my two amigas in art (gallery mates) to secure our gallery in The Silos. I love having my shows and talking to visitors about the work, the technique, the history and everything related to photography. Many that visit love my camera collection – yes it’s an addiction! As a photographer, I’m able to print my images on different medium and sizes being diligent to always be exploring new techniques, products and options for my work as well as educating people on the options that are available and how it can significantly impact how an image looks. Stop by my studio any 2nd Saturday for Open Studios and I’ll show you some examples.
I love teaching all things photography and helping people on their artistic journey get comfortable grounding especially in this constantly evolving digital world. It’s challenging to stay up with every thing and so intimidating for someone just getting started. I’ve been at photography since the mid 80s, running businesses since late 90s and a commercial and fine art photographer full time for over 10 years, a lot of learning along the way. Lots of mistakes, fortunately many were good ones.
I’m most proud of a few things. I’m proud of the work I create for my clients and for my fine art gallery. I work really well with people. I develop great relationships with my clients which many I’ve had for over 20 years. I’m very creative (especially under pressure where I also perform really well). I don’t scare easily from big challenges, I actually welcome them. I love helping my community and I welcome opportunities where I can work with non-profits and my talents to strengthen their efforts. Additionally, I’m blessed to know so many amazing people and love connecting opportunities.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
Funny thing is I think everyone is a creative. We all have the muscle, just a lot of people don’t exercise it. And many people think that you have to be an amazing painter to be a creative. That isn’t so. Anyone that trouble shoots, does accounting, engineering, surgery, plumbing, raising kids. You get the picture. All those require you to be creative…accounting I don’t mean fudging the books, I mean, understanding structures of balance sheets, designing spreadsheets and calculating formulas that create charts. All of that requires a creative muscle. I teach photography, several starter workshops around camera usage and composition and I’m always amazed how my engineers, doctors, accountants and typical non-creative students turn out some really amazing images! So I dare you to challenge my statement that everyone is a creative. I’m 100% accurate and I have the pictures to prove it!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
There are so many rewarding aspects of being an artist/creative. If you don’t like the frame, recompose and try again. With photography, I’m able to show people different perspectives and I think at times, that helps people have different perspectives in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fatimaphotography.com
- Instagram: @fatdonpics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FatimaDonaldsonPhotography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatima-donaldson-58209544/
Image Credits
Portrait by Marian Moneymaker Photography