We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Teanna Woods Okojie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Teanna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How has Covid changed your business model?
So much of what a photographer does is based on in-person interaction. When COVID-19 hit, myself and my artist community were hit extremely hard. I remember hearing the lock down news in mid-March 2020 and not fully comprehending what would come next. I, like many other artists and small business-owners, were faced with unthinkable challenges, and quickly needed an immediate plan to save our businesses financially.
Pre-COVID, I was working on restructuring the digital component of my business plan. Once lockdown hit, I dedicated majority of my time to it. All my shoots were canceled and I leaned more into selling my photography images through online platforms. I established my Artist Shop in 2018, where I sell my photography images and inspirational mantras imprinted on apparel and other products. Initially, my Artist Shop was featured on a singular platform, Threadless. During lockdown, I was able to expand T.Woods Artist Shop to SOCIETY6 and Merch by Amazon. Which added multiple streams of income to my business. I was asked to speak at a few virtual events as well, which ultimately led me to launch the speaking engagements section on my website and incorporating it into my business plan.
With more time to just simply focus on creating, I was able to gain a broader audience and expand my brand{s} T.Woods Photography + T.Woods Artist Shop. As an artist, often I spend time in self appointed isolation, in order to develop a certain creative idea. That practice has always been apart of my creative process. In 2020, with what seemed like unlimited amounts of time. With normal life distractions no longer needing all my attention, provided me with an unexpected amount of creative inspiration. Sadly, I was not able to secure any direct financial relief, such as, Artist specified COVID-19 grant funds due to the overwhelming need. An unexpected blessing was obtaining my Artist Shops trademark, with help of the kind individuals at, Lawyers for the Arts, {California sector]. They provide low or no cost legal support to artists of all mediums.
Now that we thankfully are able to meet in-person with necessary precautions, it’s surreal to reflect on the challenges I faced in 2020-2021.The first photo shoot I conducted, once it was safe to do so, was very difficult. I’d become so accustomed to interacting closely with my clients, having conversations face-to-face and directing them during shoots. Not being able to communicate directly with them but from a distance was challenging. I was practically shouting through my mask the entirety of my first shoot post lockdown. Thankfully, my client was very understanding and we successfully completed the project. Through all the challenges I’ve faced and am still facing in the pandemic. I’ve gained invaluable experiences that continue to teach me the importance of resilience as a business owner and the power to excel through unimaginable circumstances.
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 Teanna, “T.’’, Woods Okojie. Professional Photographer, Visual Storyteller, Filmmaker, Producer and Arts Educator. I am a sunny San Diego California native. I’ve found a special and unique way of integrating my love for children & families through photography. I have a heart for social change and passion for ethical representation in Documentary and Humanitarian Photography. My visual focus remains within; non-Profit storytelling, cultural preservation, cultural diversity and accurate representation of marginalized populations.
My early stages in photography began as a sophomore in high school. I later attended Brooks Institute, receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Still Professional Photography & Commercial Advertising. I’m traditionally trained in film photography/film development, darkroom printing, digital photography and digital editing. I received early recognition for my work, entering local state and county fairs, placing first and second place amongst my peers.
After receiving my degree from Brooks Institute, I pursued a career in children’s and teens editorial fashion. Which later evolved into documentary/humanitarian photography, with a focus on children and families. I also began teaching photography to adults and children in the United States and overseas. In 2017 I began filming and producing short documentaries. In the fall of 2018, I established my Artist Shop, T.Woods Artist Shop. Where I sell my photography images and inspirational mantras, imprinted on apparel and more. Through the digital platforms, Threadless, SOCIETY6 and Merch by Amazon. My work has been exhibited throughout Los Angeles, Brooklyn, New York City, South Africa & West Africa.
You can find my portfolio and hiring contact information on these three artist collective platforms; Black Women Photographers, girlgaze, and Native.
I am currently working domestically & internationally. My current project locations include extensive work throughout the continent of Africa, and a continuing photographic series in Lagos, Nigeria.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Yes, there are several. I’ll just share a few.
The first being affordable access to legal counsel specifically for Artists. The second being a strong photography network.
I am beyond grateful to currently be a part of the newly established phenomenal network, Black Women Photographers, founded by Polly Irungu. Being it was created only a few years ago, I very much wish it was available in the early stages of my career.
Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
Very great question. I was recently having a conversation with my niece on this topic, who is a recent Architecture graduate. We were discussing how NFT’s are being discussed in our creative circles.
My perspective on NFTs currently is great, it’s innovative for artists and art buyers. I’m always curious about the new digital idea wave and seeing what will stick. The concept of an NFT itself intrigues me but the business model and profit equability behind it, is what causes pause within me. Meaning, I’m not seeing tangible resources provided to local artists and non-white artists on how to make an actual profit from selling your NFTs and what connections you need {if any} in order to get your work seen and purchased by the right buyer. Is this NFT space equitable and navigational for all artists? Is this profitable for all? Those questions I’ve seen asked throughout my creative circle and there does not seem to be a direct answer.
I’m still navigating through understanding the NFT space myself, I do hope in the future more resources and guidance will be provided for all artists.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.teewoodsphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twoodsphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twoodsphotography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teannawoodsokojie/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/twoodsphoto
- Other: T.Woods Artist Shop IG: @twoodsartistshop Artist Shop Website: https://teewoodsphoto.wixsite.com/twoodsartistshop
Image Credits
T.Woods Photography LLC.
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