We recently connected with Saioa Arellano and have shared our conversation below.
Saioa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us a story about a time you failed?
In my opinion, failure is something imposed by society and that pressure can sometimes make us think that when something does not turn out the way we want, or that at an age we have not achieved these or other things, then we have failed. I believe that everything in life (personal and professional) is trial and error. To reach success you have to go through error; to see the light you have to go through the darkness.
I have never truly felt failure because although at the time it was not going the way I wanted it was a kind of end of the world for me, afterwards I always took it as a learning experience that led me to create other success stories.
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’m a Spanish photographer, from some small islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa called the Canary Islands. I began to be interested in photography around the age of 15 and without much artistic influence in my family. I think it was when I started reading poetry and listening to music more consciously that I couldn’t stop attaching it to the images that were passing through my head. I have always had little patience and I knew it was my calling when I took 300 photos and only two were useful.
I currently work as a freelance photographer wherever my service wants to be hired. Although I do all types of photography and I like all fields, I think my favorites are sports, products, travel and more recently families.
It is very important that when establishing a working relationship with the client there is feeling, that we understand each other. I always like to offer a service where if people are involved, they feel comfortable, they get an experience that they would repeat and, of course, they feel like themselves. There is nothing I like more than a natural photograph where as years go by, you continue to recognize yourself in it.
I have been fortunate to be able to work for brands such as Hoka, Nike or Binter Canarias among others, but also for small companies or individuals. For me they are equally important and I am excited to work for smalls and biggers companies. I also have an artistic side that has given me the opportunity to have exhibitions in wonderful places like Berlin.
I feel proud of this and also of being able to dedicate myself little by little to what I am passionate about, to open doors if they did not open themselves and to experiment in areas that at first I could said no.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Without a doubt being able to show the world through your eyes and your way of interpreting it. Also having the opportunity to do something different every day and contribute to what we consider important.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
I think what is most difficult to understand, or at least in my experience, is that you have to dedicate many hours to achieve results. That translates into having less hobbies time, for the family, friends, saying no to trips, etc,… Definitley, making an investment of time and previous cogniment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.behance.net/saioaarellano?locale=es_ES
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saio.arellano
- Linkedin: https://es.linkedin.com/in/saioa-arellano-fern%C3%A1ndez-88940018b
Image Credits
Saioa Arellano Fernández