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Willa, Independent Media at Independent Organization: Advize Career Interview
This interview reveals a dynamic career path defying expectations.
Starting with unexpected photography work in college, this individual built a multifaceted career encompassing everything from eSports photography to assistant resident director, culminating in a fulfilling, independent media role.
The journey highlights the value of embracing diverse opportunities, even those outside one's comfort zone, building community, and prioritizing work-life balance over solely financial gain.
This individual juggles numerous responsibilities—photography, editing, marketing, and business development—while navigating the challenges of self-employment, including overcoming mental blocks and building an online presence.
The interview offers valuable advice for aspiring professionals, including the importance of compensated work, effective data management, and the significance of networking and building relationships.
A unique perspective as a trans woman in a male-dominated field adds depth, revealing both the challenges and rewards of pursuing a career path aligned with personal values.
This individual's story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of pursuing one's passion.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Willa Cutolo
Independent Media
Independent Organization
UCLA
N/A
English, Writing & Education, English
Entrepreneur
Operations and Project Management
Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, LGBTQ, First Generation College Student
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Career Path of an Independent Media Professional as a Freelancer
Willa's career path is a testament to "all the different dimensions" a career can take; starting with unexpected photography work from college, this led to various roles—from staff photographer for an eSports organization to an assistant resident director—all while simultaneously building a freelance photography business. The experience culminated in leaving a disliked corporate job after a layoff, allowing a full-time focus on their passion and proving that "it feels good" to pursue one's true calling.
Main Responsibilities of a Freelance Photographer Running a Small Business
Willa describes her multifaceted role as "dancing between the raindrops," juggling photography, editing, marketing, networking (including through the West Hollywood and Venice chambers of commerce), bookkeeping, and business development, all while managing their LLC with a partner. The constant challenge is wearing many hats as a "one woman show," even experimenting with hiring to lighten the load but finding high-caliber help difficult.
A Day In The Life Of An Independent Media Creator
A day in the life of Willa, an independent media professional, is highly varied; "every day can look different," ranging from photographing events across a city to later editing and sharing this work. The flexibility allows for a self-directed schedule, balancing photo shoots with post-production tasks and client communication.
Most Important Skills for an Independent Media Professional
For a freelance artist or independent media specialist, the most crucial skills aren't technical abilities, but rather "being okay with instability" and financial sacrifices, maintaining strong relationships within their community through consistent engagement even outside of work assignments. This commitment to community building and financial resilience are key factors for success in this career path.
Favorite Parts of Being an Independent Media Creator Working For Myself
Willa's greatest enjoyment stems from the "flexibility and freedom" afforded by their independent media role, contrasting sharply with previous experiences in corporate and higher education where rigid schedules negatively impacted their well-being. This autonomy allows Willa to prioritize personal life, "go[ing] home and see[ing] family every six to eight weeks," demonstrating a successful prioritization of work-life balance over financial gain.
Biggest Challenges Faced By An Independent Media Professional
Willa's biggest challenge as an independent media professional is overcoming "mental blocks" and building an online presence that aligns with their service-oriented work, relying instead on word-of-mouth referrals. The difficulty lies in trusting their work's value, accepting imperfections, and navigating the personal aspects impacting their ability to engage, highlighting the internal struggle to balance self-belief with the demands of a freelance career.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Media Industry as an Independent Media Professional
Willa, an independent media professional, most enjoys the diverse community engagement and varied experiences their work provides, stating they've "done everything from nudes to newborns," building trust with clients to capture meaningful memories and feeling grateful for the opportunities to connect with "so many different kinds of people, so many different events."
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Photography Industry According To An Independent Media Professional
Willa's perspective on thriving in independent media reveals a nuanced understanding of success, distinguishing between high income and personal fulfillment. While acknowledging that those with "really strict expectations and boundaries" can achieve high earnings in commercial work, Willa prioritizes working with "community-based organizations" and feeling "connected" to the work, even if it means lower financial returns; this reflects a career deeply rooted in values rather than solely financial gain.
What a Freelancer Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Arts Industry
Willa, a freelance photographer, advises aspiring professionals to embrace diverse opportunities beyond photography, even if outside their comfort zone, emphasizing that "it's really important to say yes, it's really important to put yourself out there". Additionally, effective data management, including "three different places for redundancy", is crucial for long-term career success and should be prioritized early on.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Independent Creatives
Willa, an established photographer, suggests entry-level aspirants seek "production assistance" roles on short films or events, emphasizing the importance of compensated work, stating "I don't let anyone do anything for me that's uncompensated." Directly contacting photographers or utilizing platforms like Craigslist for gigs, even seemingly unrelated ones, is advised to gain experience and build connections within the industry.
Significant Career Lesson From An Independent Photographer At Their Own Business
Willa's most significant career lesson is that procrastination leads to subpar results and avoidable consequences; "the worst that can happen happened," illustrating the high cost of delaying tasks like photo editing or employee training, impacting both quality and finances.
College Experiences That Helped An Independent Media Professional Succeed
Willa's undergraduate success stemmed from embracing opportunities, even low-paying ones, to learn and network, emphasizing the importance of "putting yourself around people that have shared goals," and building lasting relationships with peers. This proactive approach, despite acknowledging exploitation in some early experiences, allowed for valuable skill development and the establishment of a strong professional network.
How Identity Has Influenced An Independent Media Professional's Career
As a trans woman in a male-dominated field, the interviewee navigates daily microaggressions and inappropriate advances, highlighting the challenges of balancing professional success with personal safety and values. Despite these obstacles, this experience has fostered a critical perspective, allowing for career choices aligned with their values and a commitment to creating space for other trans women in the industry— "I'm so grateful to be trans, to be a trans woman and to do this work as a trans woman, it's, I really wouldn't change a thing."
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