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.
Marketing, Networking, Entrepreneurship, Small Business Management, Client Relations
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
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Operations and Project Management
Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, LGBTQ, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Willa's role involves a multifaceted approach, encompassing photography, editing, marketing, and business management, reflecting the dynamic nature of freelance artistry.
2. She emphasizes the importance of networking and building professional connections, highlighting her involvement with the West Hollywood and Venice chambers of commerce to secure work and collaborations.
3. The challenges of running a solo business are also highlighted, including bookkeeping, website maintenance, and the difficulties of hiring and managing additional staff to handle workload and maintain quality standards.
Transcript
What are your main responsibilities within your current role?
I describe the responsibilities I have to juggle as a photographer, a freelance artist, and a small business owner as dancing between the raindrops. There is never a lack of something to do; there is always something to do.
If I'm not on location or in the studio actively making photos, I probably have photos to edit. I revisit photos submitted to clients long ago, deciding what belongs in my portfolio and marketing decks. I also check my website to ensure it accurately reflects my current and desired work.
Beyond that, I follow up with professional contacts and other business owners I've met through organizations like the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the Venice Chamber of Commerce, hoping to find more work. I also handle my own bookkeeping.
My girlfriend and I have a partnership LLC. She works in the arts and creative world, and we share one LLC to save on filing costs. So, my tasks can include bookkeeping, marketing, outreach, being on location making photos, or editing photos.
Essentially, if it's something a person would need to do to run their own business or make a living from their creativity, I'm doing it. Ideally, I will hire more people one day, but right now I'm experimenting with hiring video editors.
Hiring is another major challenge. It's difficult to find people who can handle the workload and produce final results of a high enough caliber for my clients and me. When you're a one-woman show, you do everything.