We were lucky to catch up with Joel Devereux recently and have shared our conversation below.

Joel, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I was freelancing successfully for 6 years but I realised what I was missing was routine and community. Photography can be quite an isolating job, considering most of what’s required is sitting for hours sorting, editing and doing admin. I was making money but the nature of the work was taking its toll on my body and mind. My shoulder and knee were in constant states of pain, I was feeling burnt out creatively, and I yearned for something that wasn’t what I was doing. I have been working full time in association with freelance for a year and a half now, and while my workload is enormous, the variety in my day makes all the difference. I will also note the financial benefits of having the bulk of my tax & super accounted for. We are artists after all, not accountants like we are forced to be as a full-time freelancer. I never formally studied photography so flexing other parts of my skillset has been extremely beneficial. Too much of a good thing is quite the opposite I’ve learned, and moderation is key. I’m very fortunate to be in a position where I don’t need to advertise to be busy with photography on the side too. It’s nice to finally arrive at a place where I feel less burnt out and more secure.

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

I’m primarily a creative portrait photographer with a history as a burlesque & drag producer in Brisbane, Australia. I started producing 11 years ago and we needed posters for events, so I stepped into the role of photographer for our burlesque artists and the rest is history. I have a bachelor’s degree in Entertainment Industries, however my creative practice as a photographer has been the cause of most of my success in the Arts.

All of my work revolves around people and performers. I love capturing lavish costumes and big personalities. I’ve worked in nightlife for a lot of my life and that industry certainly attracts those kinds of people. I had a club kid era in the late 2010s, and my role as a club photographer lead me to work with people like Paris Hilton, many RuPaul’s Drag Race stars, Zoë Badwi, The Veronicas, Betty Who, and many more. I’m also 5 time recipient of Brisbane Pride Festival’s Queen’s Ball – Artist of the Year Award.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think people misunderstand the bulk of what a job in the Arts entails. Tale as old as time but it’s not all fun and games, people don’t see the hours of hardship put into creative work. In a world where the focus is on the product it’s nice to honour the journey. I also think we can’t expect too much of people, and it’s alright if people are a fan of things in the way they want to be. The most knowledgeable in a room isn’t always the one getting the most enjoyment. It might seem slightly nihilistic but I find expecting less makes me a happier person.

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

I’m a huge fan of killing your darlings. Shave your head. Quit your job. Say no. All of these things have lead me to lead a better life. I know this doesn’t come easy to a lot of people and I know my (sometimes overly) assertive personality does me favours here, but if something doesn’t “spark joy” (thanks Marie Kondo, it works), get rid of it. Life’s too short. Not all struggles are bad though, there’s something to be said for tenacity and working towards a beneficial goal, but I think people know what they want, they should just trust their gut more.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.joeldevereux.com
• Instagram: @devereuxxo

Image Credits

Featured models: The House of Alexander, Sahara Beck, Leah Shelton, Awhora at Fluffy, Ruby Slippers, and YUMMY!