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

Tessa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I think being successful is finding joy in everyday life. Life can be rough and it’s important to take one day at a time. Success doesn’t have to be some big accomplishment, it can be as simple as knocking out your to do list for the day. It takes a good attitude and an open mind to be able to accomplish this though.

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?

Currently I am a college student studying Graphic Design and Media. I was always an artistic kid growing up, but I didn’t really start pursuing art until I got into High School. I decided I’d take a graphic design class to fill my art credit, and I ended up loving it so much that it’s my major now. My art teacher at the time encouraged me to take photography and I fell in love with it too. Now that I’m in college I’m taking as many art classes as I can, soaking up and art knowledge I can.

Currently I’ve been focusing on my photography and design portfolio. I’m mainly a portrait photographer, but I dabble in other areas of photography here and there. I love photographing people because seeing how happy they are when they see the photos is so rewarding. Graphic Design is a bit different though. It’s like a puzzle that needs solving. Trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t for a design is part of the fun.

I think what I’m most proud of would have to be just getting where I am today. There was a time when I didn’t think I’d be able to attend college and it seemed like a goal that was too ambitious, but taking each day one at a time and just focusing on myself and my goals made it possible.
After graduation, I plan to find a job in the Design career field and continue photography on the side. I will continue to do what I love and hopefully do what I love as a career one day.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I think the most rewarding part of being an artist is seeing others reactions. I’m a portrait photographer and part of the reason I like it is helping people see themselves in a different light. The majority of people hate having photos taken of themselves, but I do my best to take photos that they end up loving. I’m able to take photos that they love and it’s super rewarding and makes me happy too.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I would say my biggest goal is to make fun my future career. I find Graphic Design to be like a fun puzzle I can solve in various ways, its just which way is the best. If I can do that as my full time job, I’d be over the moon.