Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tam Morales. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Tam, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I loooove being able to speak to how I learned what I do now because my college degree is so irrelevant to what I do professionally. I went to a small seminary-esque college that afforded to ways to learn about creative arts, technical abilities, or professional mannerisms. I didn’t know how to network or edit photos. But I was always driven to create and document moments while utilizing creative storytelling along the way, so finding my passion meant turning to alternative methods of learning.

Thankfully, being a native Gen-Z, I was always familiar with Youtube. When it came to learning technical abilities such as working in the Adobe Creative Suite, camera hardware, lighting, organizational skills, or management, Youtube was always there. I taught myself most of the bones of what I do now from the internet and supplemented in asking questions along the way. While I regret not pursuing more higher education opportunities to help solidify my theory, I have enjoyed my own process and journey.

I think some skills that I found most helpful as a photographer was really getting into lighting and understanding how to work with small budgets (read zero dollars). Creativity is bred from having restraint and working with what you have aids to clarify what you really are passionate about.

Tam, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Tam!

I work in creative spheres involving social media, operating as photographer, producer, or content creator. In the past, I’ve created TikToks and Reels for major brands and myself alike, currently, you’ll find me operating as the social producer at Food52. As a freelancer and owner of my own business, I get called in to help problem solve issues and find creative solutions, whether it’s executing a single concept, growing a brand from nothing, or scaling content to fit a client’s needs.

I don’t enjoy talking about my main work, I think it truly speaks for itself, but I do love chatting about my artistic approach. I always find myself bringing creative direction into any sphere that I work in, helping to breathe fresh air and new ideas to stagnated channels. I believe that finding your voice through creative storytelling is important to our craft as humans and creating honest and vulnerable art is the best way to communicate our values.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Social media! I’ve found nearly 90% of my work through Instagram and TikTok. Having a voice and being thoughtful about how you present yourself is an invaluable skill to master early on and lean into! It’s a free skill and easily accessible to all!

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

No one told me you can just DM people you respect and want to work with and ask them to coffee or drinks and work comes from that. The power of just meeting people earnestly and learning about their creative work face-to-face is so empowering and educational! Look for mentors, ask for mentors, be friends with your mentors.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://moralescreative.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthue.morales/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-r-morales/

Image Credits
All photos taken are owned by Morales Creative. BTS stills credited to Zhenya Townley and Sydney Miller, respectively.