1. What does a typical Thursday look like for you, starting from when you wake up – to heading to bed?  

Thursday is busy for me because I only have the morning to get a days work done. I get my seven year old to school while my three year old stays home for the morning with Dad. My partner and I decided that we wanted to be stay at home parents but also stay connected to our respective industries. We utilize daycare three days a week and share care between us for the balance of the week. About 9:30 AM I check in with my studio to make sure the shoot; artist, clients, agency and stylists have all been introduced and briefed on the project. At about 10:00 AM I head to a loft office where I have some private space to arrange portfolios and work on estimates for future projects. The balance of the morning is spent producing the next day’s shoot. I have to leave the studio by 1:30 PM to be home for 2:00 and my transformation into Mom, which I love. Together Dante, my three year old, Booker, our dog and I walk up to the school to get Kit and take him to piano lessons. Back home about 5:00 PM, it’s dinner (Thursday is always leftovers!). A few games of The Claw and Momster and we are ready for bed. Oh yeah, give the Guinea Pigs a scratch. For my clients I am always accessible by phone or email. My office can be home or wherever (yup, even the Science Center!).

2. What was your first job out of school?

I worked as a production assistant/ set photographer on movies.

3. What are the 3 skills you require most to do your job well?   

I come from the creative side of the industry so I feel I understand the sensibility of the artist well and have their best interest at heart. Being a photographer as well, gives me both the ability to produce and troubleshoot a project. I also feel you need the language around photography to communicate between the artist (photographer) and the client (ad agency) to negotiate and license a fee for the work.

4. What do you love most about your career?

I really love that I am able to make a living in my field and I get to be a mom too! I love the flexibility.

5. If a woman wanted to get into this business, what are your recommendations of how they should start?

Definitely be driven by your passion for art and in my case photography.

6. Do you have any warnings?

Too many artists, myself included, jump into business without really knowing how to get business. Apprentice first. Find a successful artist/ mentor and observe how they run their operation.

7. If you could try a different career on for a year, what would it be?

Dancer!