For the digital creator - trust the process

It’s so important, if not crucial in this creative industry but basically any professional industry if you want to thrive in it and not just survive. There’s a HUGE difference, we’re going to talk about it a bit more in this post. So, if you’re new to creating photo/video and digital media content; you’ll learn a bunch of tangible info you can implement here that’s not easy but doable for anyone out there reading this today. If you’re a seasoned pro, or shifting career paths - my biggest recommendation for you, although ‘cliche’ - make it a mantra: KEEP GOING! My Youtube channel here is a great POV for the keep going mantra - It’s a statement that will refocus you when you get in a rut, get stuck or feel like you’re not growing your business like you should. I’ve been there, and arguably there right now, so it’s a reminder to myself to keep going, striving, improving and honing my skill set.

For me, a varied experience for nearly ten years in digital media that was, by necessity brought on full time due to the pandemic. I had years of knowledge and experience acquired from just grabbing my camera and creating content in many facets that we’ll talk about during this blog series. From photos on trips; to social media posting and taking the occasional freelance hobby project, it all has gotta start from somewhere. With the video aspect, my experience reaches back to filming for our fitness business for online content, demonstrations and coaching. Blog experience in some capacity or another starting in 2012, then again in 2014, and 2018, and again now in 2022! Oh, how I wished I would have never dropped it as it’s still completely relevant and a great funnel for your business. For me, it started as a small part of our business, plus a way to for me to create, learn and document the process and learn along the way. My man, Gary Vaynerchuk with a bit more on that here in this video. 

To trust the process takes a lot of patience, practicing gratitude and a desire to change your life, the outcome and how you make a mark on this planet during the time we are here. There are no guarantees but if you’re willing to grind, be open to opportunities and be patient enough, it will happen for you. During that time, get really really good at everything from the fundamentals to those things that might set you apart. Let’s go into this a bit further so you know more on what I mean here. 

Get the fundamentals down, like a professional athlete

Get the fundamentals down; there’s not much of a way around it. All you have to do is look at most professional athletes who excel in their craft - they still practice the fundamentals regularly and often. It’s one of the unavoidable tasks as part of mastering your craft and becoming one of the great’s in your field - so don’t avoid it!  

For me, what has helped me with the fundamentals is when working on a project that required lots of different styles, capturing content indoors/outdoors, multiple looks and going from photo to video. Knowing the shutter, aperture, and ISO for similar settings from previous projects always helps me do my work more effectively and efficiently. At the end of the day, my work is better because of it. The fundamentals are just part of my workflow and doesn’t get in the way of the process. 

It’s not supposed to be easy

If it was easy; everyone would be doing it! Pretty simple words to hear but so much depth behind it. First off, if it’s worth it in life, it’s not easy. So, now that we got that outta the way. The best way to make it as easy as possible is to absolutely go ‘all in’ on it. Have your camera with you at all times, practice daily, put yourself in situations that get you to really have to focus on that content, whether it be a time constraint or otherwise. Immerse yourself in learning - should be what you watch most on Youtube. The type of content you create and consume on social media. This is an incredibly powerful tool as it will align you with others in your field but also, over time help you become recognized as one of those standout performers in your industry. So make it part of everything you do! 

CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO IMPROVE - Read that statement over again. All too often, we get in a comfort zone or don’t want to be a noob at something but if you really want to excel, and standout in your field - it’s going to come from growth outside of your comfort zone. There’s really no other way to make it happen!

Just keep going

All too often, we want to quit when it’s not going our way or the way we anticipated but if it’s like that. You’re on the right path, so keep going! So many people give up on their dreams, don’t ever become the creator they’d want to watch on Youtube, etc. The difference is, those that are doing it, didn’t give up. And, hopefully after you read this blog, you’re fired up to not give up and keep on pursuing your dreams! 

Got any Q’s - find me on Youtube here, you can send me a message on Instagram or email here. Happy to help you navigate this digital world and make your mark on it!