We were lucky to catch up with Michael Rodriguez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Michael, appreciate you joining 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?
This August will be one year since I’ve made the jump to full-time. It feels like it happened so quickly, and took forever simultaneously.
I was working at a digital marketing agency for about 3 years, while also freelancing on the side. Sometimes the two would cross paths, but I mostly found my clients through Instagram or referrals. Every year, I started to get busier and busier. My work got better and better. And I got more comfortable with the business side of things. Meanwhile, I had been saving up enough living expenses to cover me for about 6 months. So when the time came, I was ready.
In August 2022, My CEO asked to meet up with me in person to chat. I thought it was going to be about a project we were working on. So I showed up early, got all my notes out, and was totally ready to present. Once she arrive and started taking lead of the conversation, I quickly realized I was getting let go. Of course a million things are running through my mind at this point. But ultimately, I saw this as the universe pushing me to take that leap I had been preparing for.
The next 4 months, I made the most income solely off freelance work that I had ever made. I couldn’t believe it.
Of course, since then, not every month has been like that. Being self employed comes with it’s very humbling moments. But over time, I have learned to take advantage of the down time, enjoy it, work on bettering your business, and wait for the next wave.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am published editorial, commercial, and portrait photographer based in San Antonio, Texas. With a keen focus on lighting, detail, and composition.
About 10 years ago is when I got my first camera. I used to mess with my Mom’s old film camera here and there. It was always just for fun. I’d say out of all the hobbies I’ve picked up throughout my life, photography was the one that stuck with me. I never anticipated it being something I could do as a career.
Over the years, I’d say that the ‘type’ of photography I gravitate towards the most is portraiture. Specifically with an editorial look. I spend a lot of time focusing on lighting and composition at the forefront.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Absolutely. Steel sharpens steel. Another words, your greatest resource is to surround yourself around people with great talent. Consume content that is better than yours (be very intentional with this). I’m not saying copy someone. Find inspiration, but always create something that is your own.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I think that finding my own style and what works for me has helped me to stand out. The only way to do that is to just create as much as you can.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://michaelxgabe.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelxgabe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelxgabe
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mgr/