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

Alright, Thomas thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today.

To be honest, I wouldn’t do things very differently, as it’s really important when you are starting out to try various different things, equipments so you understand better what suites you, build a taste, train your eye etc… But if I would say that I already know this and have to start from over, I would really try to push my social media, go outside a lot and connect/network with people as it’s the key in this profession. Your network is your power.

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.

I’m a 27-year-old photographer with a focus on music and fashion, as well as a graphic designer specializing in web and product design, including iOS apps. I’m based in Prague, Czech Republic.

My journey into graphic design began at the age of 8 when I started making YouTube videos for games like Call Of Duty. This led me to experiment with visuals in Photoshop to create logos and graphics for my videos. Not wanting to depend on others, I taught myself graphic design, eventually attending a graphic design high school in Prague. Following school, I joined the prestigious graphic studio called Soulmates and later transitioned into freelancing.

As for photography, it was a swift evolution that complemented my graphic design endeavors. I always enjoyed capturing moments on my old iPhone 4. The turning point came when I saw friends taking stunning pictures with their cameras during our adventures. Selling my PlayStation, I purchased my first camera, a Canon 7D, along with a budget lens. Despite early challenges, I found my passion for photography during a festival photoshoot for a hip-hop magazine. This experience connected me with artists, expanded my network, and catapulted my photography career.

From that point, I ventured into various events, collaborated with rap artists, and garnered interest from local stores. Over time, my focus narrowed to fashion, lifestyle, and music photography. Rooted in hip-hop and urban culture, I believe my background reflects in my recognizable photographic style.

What I’m most proud of is where my camera has taken me – from Paris Fashion Weeks to exotic locations worldwide. The journey has allowed me to meet incredible creatives and individuals. While graphic design has its own appeal, the unique experiences and connections fostered through photography make it my preferred passion.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the unparalleled sense of freedom and the ability to chart my own course. There’s something incredibly liberating about expressing my ideas and visions without constraints. Unlike traditional professions, I have the autonomy to decide what projects I take on, the style I want to explore, and the stories I want to tell through my work.

Beyond creative expression, the freedom extends to managing my own time. It’s a game-changer to set my schedule based on my natural rhythms and creative peaks, which could be sometimes also pretty challanging as you could fall pretty easily into procrastination. Whether it’s the early morning spark of inspiration or the late-night bursts of productivity, I can tailor my work hours to maximize my creative output. This flexibility not only enhances the quality of my work but also allows me to strike a balance between my professional and personal life.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe a significant portion of my reputation within the market has been shaped by the power of word of mouth. In my view, it’s the personal experiences and positive interactions that people share that truly contribute to establishing credibility.

For me, leaving a lasting positive impact on clients and individuals is paramount. I’ve always adhered to the principle that a happy client not only ensures repeat business but becomes a vocal advocate, spreading the word about their positive experiences. This word-of-mouth marketing, driven by genuine satisfaction, has proven to be a key factor in building and solidifying my reputation.

I see each interaction as an opportunity to not only meet expectations but exceed them. Going the extra mile and ensuring that every client or individual I work with has a positive experience is not just a professional goal but a personal commitment. This dedication to delivering exceptional service not only fosters client loyalty but also creates a ripple effect as satisfied clients share their experiences within their networks.

Moreover, I believe in injecting an element of fun into every project. Enjoying the creative process is crucial to producing outstanding work. I approach projects with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, aiming to create an environment where everyone involved, including the people working with me, models, and collaborators, can have a good time. I’ve found that a relaxed and positive atmosphere not only enhances creativity but also contributes to the overall success of a project. After all, a project becomes truly great when it’s not just professionally rewarding but also a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://thomashabr.com/
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/thomashabr/
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/thomashabr/
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/thomashabr
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/thomashabr
• Other: http://dribbble.com/thomashabr http://instagram.com/design.thomashabr/

Image Credits
Thomas Habr