We were lucky to catch up with Madelyn Van Trieste recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Madelyn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

In all honesty, the first couple years of freelancing were tough. I was in college at the time and trying to balance my work with school was more of a challenge than I anticipated. There were also a lot of jobs I got back then that were unpaid, since I was so new I did it for the experience and to add it to my resume. But, what I’ve learned is that making connections are priority in this industry. Getting to know the people you work with on a personal level helps to create a substantial network of people you not only can rely on but can help you grow as a creative. So now, pretty much every job I get is from a recommendation from a friend, and now have a pretty solid client base.

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?

I mainly work as a freelance photographer, mostly focusing in experimental portraits and concert photography. I also do work as a producer in the film industry, and am currently working on 2 documentaries. I started finding interest in this work when I was very young and made silly short films with my friends on my dad’s old digital camera. It expanded into me getting involved in my highschool’s TV department, and then going to school for film. Since graduating from college, I’m really proud of being able to hone in my personal style. I also won my first photography contest back in December and had my work displayed in a gallery in my home city of Philadelphia, which was one of the coolest things I’ve experienced so far! Currently, I’m on the road for the first time as a concert photographer and hope to continue doing that work as well!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

The pandemic hit creatives really hard, it was impossible to find work. I had just graduated in December of 2020, and I ended up working in food service for a good amount of time. When I did have time off, I dedicated it to my art. I made a lot of different collages, self portraits, and mixed media pieces during this time that really helped me figure out my style. Once 2021 came around and things started to slowly go back to normal, I was able to find new clients from expanding my skillset to these other art forms. It helped me get back into the industry pretty quick and with much more knowledge under my belt.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Truthfully, just knowing I get to do what I love every day is incredibly rewarding. I know that may be a bit corny but, I was told many times growing up that this wouldn’t be a substantial career, and being able to do it against all odds means everything to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: madelynslens
• Instagram: @madelynslens

Image Credits
for my personal photo, photographer is Oliver Snook