We were lucky to catch up with Tina Sokolovskaya recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tina, appreciate you joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

I can consider myself a happy person because I got to do what I really love every day and I made I living out of my hobby. That’s a whole different art, mastering your craft to the level when you can pay your bills with it. It’s definitely not easy, but possible. I made my first money on photography when I was 11. I designed some postcards in Photoshop and took some pictures for the passport for people when I was 14.
When you are really good at something – the money will come along. It should never be your main focus and goal. You should be driven only by the idea and your passion. Only in this way you can earn the top dollar.
I always say to my new students: when you start to work as a photographer, pick the comfortable price. It shouldn’t be rocket high of course but at the same time not too low either. make an analysis of the market, define the average price for your style and start with 20% less than average. Increase your price 1-2 times per year.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi there! My name is Tina Sokolovskaya and I’m a fashion photographer. I’m based in NYC for 4 years since 2019 and I couldn’t be more happy to be here. I was growing up in Ukraine but in 2014 due to war I had to move. I spent some time travelling around the world, 3 wonderful years in Dubai and finally I found my home here in New York. I got my first camera when I was 5, so I like to say that it’s not me who has choose the photography but photography has chosen me.
I was taking pictures and videos of everything around me and I still remember the day when I felt the burn in my chest and realized that is something I want to do for the rest of my life.
I’m 31 soon and I’m only getting more passionate with every day about my craft. My inspiration is endless and I’m about to open new SMM content agency with very talented videographer, so you will see escalating of our products very soon. It will be new creative agency in NYC and we will be focusing on the creating the video and photo content for brands, social media etc,

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

I’m pretty sure reputation is build by multiple factors. For me its:

1) Have good social skills. You have to be a good listener, talker, feel people, understand them, Know psychology and be an empath. I would say you will need be able to read people’s mind ahead, their emotion, needs, secure their insecurities,
They are more vulnerable in front of the camera and its my job to make them feel relaxed.

2) Be efficient, be effective, be always on time, be quick but keep the quality

3) Always improve your skills and never stop learning

4) Pick the best of the best and build the strong team. People are everything and the most valuable asset

5) Always try to find the way to keep the client satisfied. I still believe that the strongest way to gain reputation and new clients – its’s the word of the mouth. If people like you – they will tell all about you. Your work will speak for you.

6) Genially try to be useful to people and make their experience with you as pleasant as you can

7) Don’t forget to be kind to your colleagues! I get some work from referrals

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding for me is that I’m creating my legacy. I want to make an impact on the art world and I want my name to be associated with opening people’s minds and hearts. An impact on the world through my art, I want to leave a strong impression and I want my art to be easily recognizable. Something that stands out. People will say “Oh that’s the original Sokolovskaya” and it’s already been this way – with my famous picture ” On the wave”. People have been copying it hundred of times but everyone just know who is the original author.

Contact Info:

• Website: tinasokolovskaya.com
• Instagram: tinasokolovskaya