We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nikki Kellogg a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Nikki thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I’ve always been creative since I was a kid, doing artwork, projects, making things, and sewing costumes for myself. Photography was always a large part of my life too, I guess I liked having something to look back on to refresh my memory. Over the years I would save up some money and upgrade my camera and lenses, always taking photos of animals and nature. Then Covid-19 happened. I had some extra time on my hands, decided to go professional, and make a business out of it. I came up with Nikk Of All Trades LLC to encompass all the different jobs and things I do, with two DBAs: Cool Craniums, and Nikki Kellogg Photography. But we’ll just talk about the regular photography (I also specialize in funeral photography).

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

(how you got into your industry / business / discipline / craft etc)- See previous paragraph.

(what type of products/services/creative works you provide) – I provide alternative photography for people who want something different: Senior portraits, couples, families, weddings, all with a twist. I prefer themed photo sessions, unusual locations, odd props, costumes, anything that is not “normal”. I can do traditional sessions, but they aren’t what thrill me. Don’t get me wrong, I love my clients and want to make them happy, but getting unusual requests are what I crave.

(what problems you solve for your clients and/or what you think sets you apart from others.) – If someone comes to me for a photo session but don’t know what they want, I love sitting down with them and coming up with ideas. What to wear, locations, props, posing, all sorts of creative things. My clients have such a great time and the whole point is to have some fun!

(What are you most proud of) – I’m so proud of the fantasy sessions and photo manipulation that I do with my software. It’s become more difficult lately because of all the AI programs out there, but I still enjoy doing my artwork by hand.

(and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc.) -I just want my clients to feel relaxed with me, be part of the creative ideas, and have some fun.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

The best way to support artists is to just be supportive. I know that sounds silly, but it’s a big deal. I try so hard to share my artwork on social media and to get new clients, but if no one likes or shares my posts, no one else is going to see them because of the stupid algorithms. It was so much easier when everyone saw everything and in chronological order. Another way to support artists is to buy what they create. Like actual money. Book a session, buy a gift certificate for a friend, buy the wall prints, etc. And since it’s so easy to screenshot pictures online, that can really hurt my business (not to mention it’s theft).

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

It’s so rewarding to be an artist and to be my own boss because I can do whatever I want. Whatever sparks my imagination, I just go out and do it. I can take photos of anything, edit however I want to, and share with the world. And it’s even more rewarding when someone wants to buy my work, and clients hire me for their special sessions. That makes me so happy! It makes my little heart smile when others appreciate what I make for them.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.NikkOfAllTrades.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkofalltradesllc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nikki.Kellogg.Photography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-kellogg-90b47a3b/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/Nikkofalltradesllc/ Funeral Photography- https://www.nikkikelloggphotography.com/

Image Credits
All photos taken and provided by me, Nikki Kellogg.