Looking Back: One year since I quit my job.
video by Freako
Wow.
So it’s been a year.
The past twelve months have felt so short, but at the same time, October 2017 feels like a lifetime ago.
I didn’t sign up to be an “entrepreneur.” I simply wanted to pursue my happiest life and I learned this year that “living your best life” requires a tremendous amount of self work and honest internal conversations.
I’ve grown so much. It’s been hard. There have been sleepless nights, emotional outbursts, waves of doubt and depression; even moments that looked like victories on the outside that were really failures on the inside.
I played myself for not charging enough when I could have—and other times—I charged too much, and missed out on very visible opportunities.
I still have issues with creative self-confidence which leads me to defer to someone else’s opinion when, in the end, I should’ve stuck to my gut.
Each one of these lessons hit hard and it’s been ugly. Honestly, I feel like a fraud on a weekly basis.
But at the same time, I can say without a doubt, that I’m happy.I’m writing this in a cafe in Bali, in disbelief
Yes, I just wrapped a job here in Canggu, Bali. I flew here for work from LA, which was also a work trip. I meant to take four extra days off in Bali but as it turns out, I’m cutting my trip short to take a “can’t miss” opportunity back in New York. They covered my flight back to NYC via Emirates (first class!) connecting in Dubai. This means that I’ve taken a complete lap around the earth for work.
Photography has literally taken me around the world, and I love what I do.
I’ve met so many amazing people and learned so much about myself the past year. I am nothing more than a product of the people around me that have trusted in me to create at my highest level. It’s been so fulfilling to see the people around me in the creative community grow into better versions of themselves.
I’ve added Marvel, Netflix, Footlocker, Champion, Asics, BBDO, HBO, Sony and ADWEEK to my credits. I’ve collaborated and worked with Translation, the first company that inspired my move to New York. I’ve had portfolio reviews at Roc Nation and RCA records, and I’ve gotten VIP access to Made in America from Ciroc; it’s been a wild ride.
I’ve spoken on ADCOLOR panels at Microsoft. I’ve met John Legend, Ava DuVernay, Issa Rae, Deray Mckesson, Michael K. Williams, Joe Budden and more.
Wow.
It’s only hit me as I started writing this that the opportunities I’ve been afforded this past year have been incredible. I’ve been able to hire my friends and my friends have been able to hire me. (Making money with the homies is the greatest feeling!)
I had no idea how each of these moments was going to happen, but somehow, I’ve managed to manifest them, and I’m so thankful.
So, what’s next for me?
There are a few things I have on the way, but my next project could be your next project! Share my work, and tell a friend.
See you soon! In the meantime, I’ll continue to work each day to get better at my craft.
Thank you,
Mark