We were lucky to catch up with Luis Ledesma recently and have shared our conversation below.
Luis, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’ve all been there before where things are tight financially and we start asking ourselves in the small/simple joys like a cup of coffee is worth it. Have you had an experience like this and if so how did you think about this sort of spending?
When it comes to money, I’ve always lived under the “spend within you means” category. Granted, splurging now and then to give your mind and body that temporary rush of adrenaline is very much necessary. I have my non negotiables, but during times of difficulty or hardship, I’m willing to make necessary sacrifices until more money comes my way. I’ve created a good “investment” out of my sneaker collection. Don’t get me wrong, I love my sneakers, but they’re all an investment at the end of the day. A way to get more funds if I ever need, because I can always get that shoe back later, or accept that it no longer serves me, and is ready for a new home.
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?
My name is Luis Ledesma, a 30 year old Dominican creative born in New York, but raised in Philadelphia. Art has followed me throughout life for as far back as i can remember, falling in love with taking pictures, drawing and having a much deeper appreciation for cartoons than most kids my age. My mom caught onto that fairly quickly, and started guiding me down the path of creativity through high school. Going to an art specific high school is where my ideology for art and design flourished. I picked up my first camera freshman year of college, to document my life (sneakers, fashion, moments with family & friends) & once everyone around me saw I had an eye for it, I knew that I finally discovered what it is I’m meant to do for myself.
Blazing through almost 10 years of now dedicating myself to my craft, I can proudly say I offer photo & video services for a wide variety of clients. While my main niche is product photography, I can honestly say I’ve dabbled in any realm of photography. I strive to make a long lasting impression with my clients, & rarely make money the focus. I understand that we are all human, & that there is a price to pay for certain services. I’d much rather barter with someone who i see has a beautiful vision that i could bring to life, than make money the main focus and shift the objective. I want the world to know that I’m here for the experience, to learn and grow with every single person I interact with. I don’t charge for the knowledge I have, you can ask the dozens of friends that I’ve taught & sculpted into being their own photographer/creative. Working with me, you’ll feel the journey I’ve been through in the work I create.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Through social media, I started off like everyone else. Simply sharing what I liked, whenever I wanted with no real regard to likes, analytics or engagement. Once i started to take my photography seriously, I realized I also had to become a social media expert to further promote my business, so I started to pay attention to what my following wanted to see. At one point in my journey, I realized people would much rather see ME on my feed, than the work i was producing. People follow me to get a glimpse into my life, something short of reality tv. So i began to make that switch, and get in front of the camera more. With that, I unconsciously went from a photographer, to an influencer/model/photographer. Being true to myself, while allowing myself to follow trends here and there, is how I was able to get to where I am now with my audience. Being consistent, not for the app, but for myself.
To anyone out there trying to start, don’t worry about your content being perfect. allow yourself to grow and show your audience your journey. They’ll appreciate it much more. They’re there for you, all of you. Your gift, your flaws, your authenticity. So embrace that, & have fun!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
When I first started this creative journey, like anyone else, it’s a hobby/side job with aspirations. My goal was to be able to get up when I want, with no duty or obligation to someone else’s business. To wake up, create for people I care about, and not feel miserable with the work I do. I’ve been a full time free lance creative for about 3 years now, and being able to create my own schedule daily, is beautiful. Freedom in any realm of life, can bring so much to an individual. Being bound to a 9-5 was never for me, and pouring so much energy into someones else’s dream wasn’t either. I thrive on being able to work with my friends, network & create on my time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imillvibe.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imillvibe/