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Topic Name
tools + gear
Reading Time
12 Min

How Urth is Making Creative Tools with a Positive Impact

How Urth is Making Creative Tools with a Positive Impact - Palette Supply
Using Lens Filters to Achieve Creative and Unique Effects - Palette Supply

Using Lens Filters to Achieve Creative and Unique Effects

Artist Lauryn Alvarez Creates Coastal-Inspired Paintings and Photographs - Palette Supply

Artist Lauryn Alvarez Creates Coastal-Inspired Paintings and Photographs

Reed Prints: Photographs Printed by a Person Instead of a Place - Palette Supply

Reed Prints: Photographs Printed by a Person Instead of a Place

Outsourcing Your Bookkeeping for More Creative Headspace - Palette Supply

Outsourcing Your Bookkeeping for More Creative Headspace

David Urbanke's Minimalist Portraiture - Palette Supply

David Urbanke's Minimalist Portraiture

Diversifying Your Income with Stock Photography - Palette Supply

Diversifying Your Income with Stock Photography

Introduction to Basic Studio Photography Equipment - Palette Supply

Introduction to Basic Studio Photography Equipment

All11

  • All
  • Tools + Gear
  • Artist Interview
  • Creative Business
  • Studio + Supply
How Urth is Making Creative Tools with a Positive Impact - Palette Supply

How Urth is Making Creative Tools with a Positive Impact

Topic

tools + gear

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Urth is a company that bridges the gap between premium camera gear and environmental consciousness. Their ethos revolves around providing high-quality camera accessories without compromising the health of the planet.


At the heart of Urth's mission lies a profound commitment to sustainability and conscious design. Founded on the belief that creativity can be a powerful catalyst for positive change and environmental regeneration, Urth strives to make a 10x greater impact on the planet through their innovative practices and products.

Urth believes that every purchase has the power to make a difference. That's why they've woven environmental responsibility into the fabric of their business model. With every item purchased, Urth plants trees in areas ravaged by deforestation, replenishing ecosystems and providing vital habitat for countless species.

With 7,355,385 trees planted, 265,458 tonnes of CO2 offset, and 73,553 days of employment generated, Urth is making tangible strides towards their mission of environmental stewardship. But what sets Urth apart is not just the numbers; it's the ethos that drives their every action.

For conscious photographers seeking sustainable options, Urth offers a range of low-impact camera accessories meticulously designed with eco-friendly materials and processes.


Disclosure: This post may contain referral links, which means that if you make a purchase or sign up through these links, we may earn a small commission or referral bonus. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the maintenance and development of this blog. We only recommend products or services that we have personally used and believe will add value to our readers.

Diversifying Your Income with Stock Photography - Palette Supply

Diversifying Your Income with Stock Photography

Topic

Creative Business

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As photographers, we can diversify our income by venturing into stock photography, which involves licensing our images for commercial use. Here are some steps and strategies you can use to start your journey with stock photography.


Research Stock Agencies

Start by researching and identifying reputable stock agencies that accept submissions from photographers. Some popular ones include Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Getty Images, and Stocksy United. Each agency has its own submission guidelines and pricing structures, so it's important to research and understand their requirements and terms.

High-Quality and Versatile Images

Stock agencies typically have strict quality standards, so it's crucial to produce high-quality images that meet their technical requirements. Focus on capturing versatile images that have a broad appeal and can be used in various contexts. Many photographers think they need to shoot differently for stock photography, however in reality, agencies are seeking unique perspectives, so don't doubt your own style. It's worth looking through what each agency has in their libraries and seeing the range of photographic styles that they represent. 

Keyword and Metadata Optimization

Properly key-wording and adding relevant metadata to your images increases their visibility in search results. Invest time in accurately describing and tagging your photos with appropriate keywords, titles, descriptions, and categories to improve their discoverability.

 

 Build a Diverse Portfolio

Aim to create a diverse portfolio of images that cover different subjects, concepts, and styles. By offering a wide range of content, you increase the likelihood of attracting buyers with diverse needs and preferences.

Stay Current with Trends and Market Demand

Keep an eye on current trends and market demands to align your photography with popular topics or themes. Stay updated with news, events, and seasonal trends to capture images that are in demand by advertisers, designers, and publishers.

Model and Property Releases

Ensure that you have model and property releases for images featuring recognizable people or private property. This allows potential buyers to use the images for commercial purposes without legal issues. 

Some stock agencies, like Stocksy United, provide their own template for these releases.

Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive

Decide whether you want to submit your images exclusively to a single stock agency or distribute them across multiple platforms. Exclusive agreements may offer higher commission rates, while non-exclusive arrangements allow you to reach a broader customer base.

Promote Your Portfolio

Take advantage of social media platforms, your personal website, and photography communities to promote your stock photography portfolio. Showcase your best work, share behind-the-scenes stories, and engage with potential clients and fellow photographers.

Regularly Update and Refresh

Keep your portfolio fresh and up to date by regularly adding new images and removing outdated or underperforming ones. Stock agencies often prioritize fresh content, so ongoing contributions can improve your visibility and potential earnings. 

Analyze Performance and Adapt

Monitor your sales, analyze which images perform well, and adapt your shooting and marketing strategies accordingly. Identify trends in buyer preferences and adjust your approach to meet market demands.

Remember, stock photography can be a competitive field, so patience, persistence, and continuous improvement are key. Building a successful income stream from stock photography requires dedication, adaptability, and a focus on producing images that meet market demands.

 

Disclosure: This post may contain referral links, which means that if you make a purchase or sign up through these links, we may earn a small commission or referral bonus. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the maintenance and development of this blog. We only recommend products or services that we have personally used and believe will add value to our readers.

Studio Basics: C-Stands - Palette Supply

Studio Basics: C-Stands

Topic

Studio + Supply

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What is a C-Stand?

C-stands, also known as grip arms, are versatile and sturdy stands with an adjustable arm that can hold various accessories like reflectors, flags, seamless paper or even cameras. They are particularly useful for holding and positioning items precisely. Here are a few common uses of C-stands:

Lighting Support

C-stands are commonly used to support lighting equipment, such as strobes, continuous lights, or modifiers like softboxes or umbrellas. They provide stability and allow precise positioning of the lights to achieve the desired lighting effect.

Holding Backdrops and Backgrounds

C-stands can be used to hold and support various backdrops, including seamless paper rolls, fabric, or vinyl backgrounds. This allows for easy adjustments and positioning of the backdrop during photoshoots.

Flagging and Light Control

C-stands are equipped with grip heads that can hold flags, scrims, or gobos. These tools are used to block or shape the light, control spill, or create specific lighting patterns and effects.

Camera Support

C-stands can be used to mount cameras for overhead shots or to hold cameras in position for time-lapse photography or self-portraits. They provide stability and allow for precise camera positioning.

Support for Props and Accessories

C-stands can be used to support and hold various props during photoshoots. They provide stability and ensure that objects and surfaces stay in place.

These are just a few examples of how C-stands can be used in a photo studio. Their versatility and adjustable nature make them indispensable tools for photographers to support lighting equipment, manipulate light, and provide stability for various photography setups and creative needs.

Using Lens Filters to Achieve Creative and Unique Effects - Palette Supply

Using Lens Filters to Achieve Creative and Unique Effects

Topic

Studio + Supply, tools + gear

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Photographers can use lens filters to achieve various creative effects and enhance their images. Here are some common types of lens filters and the effects they produce:

Polarizing Filter

A polarizing filter reduces reflections and glare, enhances color saturation, and improves overall contrast. It is particularly useful for landscape photography, where it can deepen blue skies, make clouds more prominent, and reduce reflections on water or glass surfaces.

Neutral Density (ND) Filter

ND filters reduce the amount of light entering the lens without affecting color. They allow photographers to use longer exposures or wider apertures in bright conditions, creating effects such as motion blur in moving subjects or achieving shallow depth of field in well-lit scenes.

Graduated Neutral Density (GND) Filter

GND filters have a gradient that transitions from dark to clear. They are used to balance exposure in scenes with a significant difference in brightness between the sky and foreground. By placing the dark portion over the brighter area (usually the sky), GND filters help retain detail in both areas, preventing overexposure or underexposure.

Soft-Focus Filter

Soft-focus filters create a dreamy, ethereal look by diffusing light and reducing contrast. They can be used to add a romantic or nostalgic feel to portraits or create a soft and hazy atmosphere in landscape photography.

Star Filter

Star filters create star-shaped patterns around bright light sources, such as streetlights or the sun. They add a dramatic and glamorous touch to night scenes or images with prominent light points.

Infrared (IR) Filter

Infrared filters block visible light and allow only infrared wavelengths to pass through. They can produce surreal, otherworldly images with unique color shifts and ethereal qualities. IR filters are commonly used in landscape and black and white photography.

Close-Up Filters

Close-up filters, also known as macro filters, allow photographers to get closer to their subjects and capture fine details. These filters are a more affordable alternative to dedicated macro lenses and can be stacked for greater magnification.

When using filters, it's essential to consider their impact on image quality. High-quality filters made of optical-grade materials and coatings minimize any potential degradation of image sharpness, clarity, or color fidelity. Experimentation and practice will help you understand the specific effects each filter produces and how they can be creatively applied to enhance your photography.

7 Ways to Use Apple Boxes - Palette Supply

7 Ways to Use Apple Boxes

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Studio + Supply

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If you're asking "What even is an apple box?" This post is for you.

Apple boxes are wooden crates or boxes used in photography and filmmaking as versatile and multipurpose grip equipment. They are named "apple boxes" because they were originally used in apple orchards before finding their way into the entertainment industry. Apple boxes come in standardized sizes and are typically made of high-quality plywood or hardwood.

Here are some common uses of apple boxes in photography:

Height Adjustment

Apple boxes are often used to raise the height of a subject or prop. By stacking them, you can create platforms of various heights to bring objects or people to the desired level.

Seating and Support

Photographers and subjects can sit or stand on apple boxes to achieve comfortable and stable positions during a shoot. They provide a sturdy base and can be easily rearranged as needed.

Camera Support

Apple boxes can be used as stable platforms for cameras or tripods. They can provide added height and stability when shooting from different angles or positions.

Product Placement

When photographing still life or product photography, apple boxes can be used to elevate or position objects in creative ways. They allow you to achieve the desired composition and create visual interest.

Prop Support

Apple boxes can serve as a support system for props or set pieces. Whether it's creating a raised platform for a small table or providing stability for larger objects, apple boxes are versatile tools for prop management.

Fillers and Leveling

In photography studios, apple boxes can be used to fill gaps or uneven surfaces. They help create a level and uniform backdrop or set, ensuring a clean and professional look.

Safety and Protection

Apple boxes can act as safety barriers or guards, preventing accidents or injury by creating physical boundaries or marking off hazardous areas.

Introduction to Basic Studio Photography Equipment - Palette Supply

Introduction to Basic Studio Photography Equipment

Topic

Studio + Supply

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Setting up or using a photography studio requires various grip equipment to help you control and manipulate lighting, support and position your equipment, and create a safe and efficient working environment. Here are some basic grip equipment items commonly used in a photography studio.

Light Stands

These are essential for supporting and positioning your lighting equipment. Light stands come in various sizes and are adjustable in height to accommodate different lighting setups.


Boom Arms

A boom arm is an extendable arm that attaches to a light stand and allows you to position lighting equipment overhead or in hard-to-reach places. It provides flexibility in lighting angles and positions.


Clamps and Clips

Clamps and clips help secure backgrounds, modifiers, and other accessories. Gaffer tape, spring clamps, and A-clamps are commonly used for this purpose.


Sandbags

Sandbags add weight and stability to light stands, boom arms, and backdrop stands to prevent them from tipping over. They are especially useful when working in outdoor or high-traffic areas.


C-stands

C-stands, also known as grip arms, are versatile and sturdy stands with an adjustable arm that can hold various accessories like reflectors, flags, or even cameras. They are particularly useful for holding and positioning items precisely.


Background Support System

This typically consists of a set of stands and crossbars that hold up various types of backdrops. The support system allows you to change backgrounds easily and maintain a clean and professional look for your photos.


Umbrellas and Softboxes

These are light modifiers used to control and shape the light from your studio strobes or continuous lights. Umbrellas and softboxes help diffuse and soften harsh light, creating a more flattering and even illumination.


Reflectors, Diffusions and Flags

Reflectors bounce light back onto the subject, filling in shadows and adding highlights. Flags, on the other hand, are used to block or control light spill, preventing unwanted reflections or shadows. Diffusions such as scrims and silks soften and spread light.

Apple Boxes

Apple boxes are wooden crates or boxes used in photography and filmmaking as versatile and multipurpose grip equipment. They come in several standardized sizes, including full, half, quarter, and pancake. Each size refers to its dimensions, with the full being the largest and the pancake being the smallest. These different sizes offer flexibility in terms of height adjustment and support needs.

 

Reed Prints: Photographs Printed by a Person Instead of a Place - Palette Supply

Reed Prints: Photographs Printed by a Person Instead of a Place

Topic

Artist Interview

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Reed Klass (1997, Ohio) is a photographer, journalist, and printmaker based in Ohio, exploring rural America, politics, the land, and the human condition through his work.

We're excited to partner with Reed Prints to bring his quality and personal service to professional photographers. Use code PALETTE15 to receive 15% off your first print order with Reed.

At what age did you first feel creative?

I can’t pinpoint the year specifically, but I remember feeling creative from a really young age. I had this really great childhood where I got to spend time in the woods all the time and build legos and travel a lot, and I vividly remember always being inspired by all of that and making up stories while playing. It was really simple creativity, but those things were definitely early creative expression for me. I remember one of my first big creative projects being this documentary I made about my friend group in high school. It was all about our real lives at the time - I’ve always been inspired by and interested in the things that are naturally around me, and am able to creatively draw from that in one way or another.

Did someone in your life inspire you to be creative?

Without trying to sound pretentious, I think I inspire myself to be creative. I didn’t grow up around a lot of art or creative people, but I’m really self-motivated and somehow I’ve always felt the freedom to do whatever I want to, the hard part is just figuring out how to do those things logistically and financially. My family definitely set me up for success in always supporting the rabbit holes I was interested in pursuing through education and different opportunities. As I’ve gotten older I feel like I now have this constant mental rolodex of artists that I’m aspiring to be more like, people I either know about from following them or have met through other relationships I have, and that list is always growing and changing.

How did you start your creative business?

I learned what photojournalism was in high school, and it fascinated me, so I decided to pursue it as a career. I started photographing seriously when I was in college, mostly journalistic assignments and stuff for school. It didn’t take long for me to get curious about all the different directions photography could take me, and I found that printmaking was this really natural extension of photography where I could begin transforming literal things I was documenting and make them more expressive without being bound to the burden of having to tell the truth. Over time, I’ve just pursued both photography and printing hand-in-hand and as I’ve grown as a photographer I’ve also grown as a printmaker, and both of those things have made me grow as an artist. At this point photography and printing are inseparable for me.

Do you feel the environment / geographic location where you live affects you work? If so, how does this influence show up in your work?

The environment I’m in definitely affects my work. I started Reed Prints when I was living in a small apartment in DC, and it wasn’t a city or space I felt free and creative in at all. At the time, I had ideas, but I didn’t really see a way the business could grow because I felt stifled there. I moved home with the intention of growing as an artist and a business owner. Even though you might expect moving to New York or LA to be a more typical decision for a creative, I’ve found being around family and old friends - many of whom were in that first documentary I made - has been a really comforting environment to be in while taking risks professionally, personally, and financially. Eventually I want to move somewhere much more beautiful and exciting than Ohio, and I hope that will inspire me even more, but for now I know I’m in the right place.

My personal photography is entirely influenced by place too. My work is documentary in nature, so I’m just always photographing the things around me, trying to make art from my life as it naturally is.

When I was in DC, I was photographing a lot of political events, because that was the most interesting thing happening to me there, but I didn’t have a connection to the place or the people in a meaningful way. Eventually I knew I needed to leave, because I wasn’t fulfilled feeling like a supporting actor all the time. Now that I’m back home, my personal work is shifting more towards relationships, the land around me, and memories of my boyhood, which I have a much deeper connection to. I feel myself developing a new body of personal work here and it’s exciting.

I’m heavily influenced by photographers who are toeing the line between documentary and abstraction. Martin Bogren, Robert Adams, Mark Cohen, Antoine D’Agata, Jack Davison, Eugenie Shinkle, Steinmetz, Meatyard, Steiglitz. I also get influenced by people I see making interesting, meaningful prints of their work – David Abrahams, Ray Meeks, Jack Whitefield, and Eva Roefs are recent influences as far as printing goes.

I draw inspiration from all over the place. Observing the natural world, really beautiful and peaceful places, my own memories and deep emotional experiences, exciting places I travel to for work or fun. Also people who I admire not just as artists but as actual people – Josef Albers for his regimented and disciplined approach to art making, Sally Mann for her commitment to intertwining her life and art, Steve Jobs for finding a way to make impossible things happen at all costs, Dijon for deep emotional expression and making music that sounds like something tangible I can see and taste.

When / where do you think of your best / favorite ideas?

I usually get good ideas after I’ve consumed something that’s inspiring to me, and I take time to process it. This usually happens on a run or while driving, but I also get inspired when I’m around other creative people who are making things or are ambitious and aren’t afraid to dream. Also when I’m in an altered mindset - after a long run, caffeinated, drinking, high, exhausted or very well rested - that’s when ideas come.

How would you describe your work's palette?

My personal work is mostly black and white, but in a soft way. When it’s color, the colors are muted and neutral. I’m not naturally a loud or high energy person usually, so I feel this is a natural expression of my headspace.

The color palette of Reed Prints is earth tones, warm beige and light brown, colors that naturally exist in the world. Printmaking is fundamentally connected to natural elements - water is used to make ink and develop prints, the plants that paper is made out of grow from the earth, and photography as a whole wouldn’t exist without light - so those natural colors felt fitting when trying to work up an identity for the business.

Do you feel like your ideas are always translated as you planned / expected / imagined?

My ideas are definitely not always translated like I expect or imagine. Photographing for me is this way of responding to the world and trying to make sense of it, so I do very little planning, and the mystery of the pictures not turning out like I thought they would is the best part of photography to me. And printmaking is this arcane process that is much more art than it is science, so it’s hard to plan things out until you’re in the middle of a printing day. Other creative ideas I have just take way longer to eke out of me than I think they will, and they always look different in the long run than I first imagined they would.

Do you have any tools or practices for getting out of a creative "funk"?

I’m honestly not sure I’ve ever successfully gotten out of a creative rut, or actually ever successfully gotten myself into a creative flow for an extended period of time. I’m a strong believer in not waiting for inspiration or the right time to move forward with little glimmers of ideas, but instead making intentional decisions to put yourself in a headspace where you can create consistently. We find a way to eat and sleep every day pretty much regardless of the circumstances we’re in, and I think art making and creative business practice has to be the same way - a discipline born out of an internal, biological necessity. But I will say, I get burnt out on creating less often when I’m taking care of myself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

What inspired you to start your own print studio?

I had the idea for Reed Prints a couple of years ago when I started getting more serious about photography as art. I remember looking for places to have great prints made and just being uninspired by the options out there. Every printing option I found seemed offered by people who were too old or not my style, too expensive, or too low quality. The photography world is a really cool, innovative industry that seems to constantly be moving forward, but I noticed printmaking, a really important part of photography, was just this stale corner of the industry without anything exciting going on in it. Since I sort of got obsessed with photographic printmaking in college and built this base level skillset, I just decided to try to create a fun, cool, easy to use print studio that photographers like myself would get excited about working with.

So now Reed Prints exists, and it’s just what it sounds like. I’m Reed, I’m doing all the printing, and I offer photographers a personal, pleasing experience of ordering prints. Right now I offer pigment prints and black and white darkroom prints, and I hope to offer c-type or color darkroom prints in the future. I’m also helping photographers sell and distribute their work through the Reed Prints Marketplace, which is an online gallery where photographers can earn passive income by listing and selling their prints (with frames) to buyers without having to facilitate all the printing and logistics.

Where did you learn the art and technicalities of printing photographs?

I’m constantly learning more about printmaking, but I mostly taught myself my core level of printing knowledge by practicing and reading lots of boring books. Some people who have been really key along the way are Elizabeth Dove, who got me stoked on alternative process printing in college, Sergio Purtell, who has refined my darkroom printing at the Charcoal Book Club Chico Review for the past couple of years, and Tim Richmond, who recently taught me c-type printing. I’m also currently mentoring with and printing for Jesse Lenz, founder of Charcoal Book Club, here in Ohio and he’s helping me get a lot better at darkroom printing while we print his work for a show in Arles, France this summer.

What is your favorite part of the process?

Nailing a print. Sometimes prints just come out of the darkroom or the printer looking perfect, and it’s honestly a rush. It makes you want to show people your work, or if it’s for a client, it gets you really excited to mail them the final prints.


Was there a turning point in your work where you feel you found your way or style?

Does getting banned from my college darkroom because I kept breaking in count? Obviously not an artistic turning point, but it was a moment where I realized I was really interested in something and wanted to keep doing it.

Do you have any steps / tools / methods in your creative process that you’ve developed in your practice that feel unique/special to you?

Offering very personalized service. I haven’t been running Reed Prints that long, but every client I’ve worked with so far has been really excited about the personal, one-on-one aspect of ordering prints. And being relatable. I’m roughly the same age as most people I work with and exist in the same creative/digital ecosystem, so I think photographers understand that I get what they’re looking for.

What is your favorite medium / material / subject to work with?

I’m not sure I have a favorite. Different types of prints and paper serve different work well, so finding the right medium for each client’s work is really rewarding.

How has your work / style changed / evolved since you started?

I think like any skill, I’m just constantly trying to improve technically and artistically. I look back on old prints and wonder how I was okay with them years ago, but I’m sure years from now I’ll be doing the same thing about the prints I’m making now. Learning how to live like a better artist has made me a better printmaker, and becoming a better printmaker has made me a better artist.

We're excited to partner with Reed Prints to bring his quality and personal service to professional photographers. Use code PALETTE15 to receive 15% off your first print order with Reed. 

Outsourcing Your Bookkeeping for More Creative Headspace - Palette Supply

Outsourcing Your Bookkeeping for More Creative Headspace

Topic

Creative Business

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As a creative business owner, you may find it helpful to consider hiring a bookkeeper at certain points in your journey. Here are some signs that indicate it could be beneficial for you:

Increasing Workload

As your workload starts to grow, you may notice that managing the financial aspects of your business is taking up more and more of your time. If you find yourself overwhelmed with bookkeeping tasks, it's a clear signal that bringing a bookkeeper on board could provide much-needed relief. It will allow you to focus on what you love most—your photography work.

Financial Complexity

As your business expands, the financial aspects can become more complex. Juggling multiple projects, invoicing and billing, tracking expenses, and dealing with various revenue streams can quickly become overwhelming. If you feel like you need specialized knowledge or guidance to manage these complexities effectively, a bookkeeper can bring their expertise to ensure accuracy and peace of mind.

Tax and Compliance Matters

Let's face it, tax regulations and compliance requirements can be daunting. It's crucial to stay on top of your tax obligations and maintain proper record-keeping. If you find yourself unsure about navigating tax matters, want to maximize deductions specific to the photography industry, or simply desire peace of mind knowing you're meeting your obligations, a bookkeeper can provide the necessary guidance and support.

Cash Flow Management Challenges

Cash flow management is a critical aspect of running a successful business. If you find it challenging to keep track of income and expenses, monitor accounts receivable and payable, or plan for future expenses, a bookkeeper can be your ally. They can optimize your cash flow, provide valuable insights, and help you make informed decisions about your finances.

Focus on Core Business Activities

Your passion lies in capturing exceptional images and delivering them to your clients. Spending excessive time on administrative tasks like bookkeeping can pull you away from what truly drives you. If you feel like you're spending more time on paperwork than on your creative work, it's a clear sign that bringing in a bookkeeper can free up your time and allow you to focus on what you do best.

Strategic Planning and Growth

If you have aspirations for business growth, seeking funding, or expanding your services, having a bookkeeper can be a game-changer. They can provide financial analysis, assist in budgeting, and offer valuable insights into profitability and growth potential. With their support, you can make strategic decisions confidently, positioning your business for success.

So, where to begin?

There are a number of ways to start: Do some online research on popular bookkeeping services, ask your fellow freelancer friends what they use, or try a local accounting firm. Our recommendation is to check out Bench (we use them, we love them - truly). Bench is an online bookkeeping service that focuses on small businesses, including those in the creative field. They assign a dedicated team of bookkeepers to handle your financial records, reconciliations, and financial statements.

Get a month of free bookkeeping with Bench by starting here.

Summary

When considering a bookkeeping service, it's important to evaluate their experience working with creatives, the specific services they offer, their pricing structure, and the level of support and expertise they can provide. Be sure to review their website, read client testimonials, and inquire about their knowledge of the creative industry and any relevant software or tools they use.

It's also beneficial to schedule consultations or interviews with potential bookkeeping services to discuss your business's unique needs and determine if they are a good fit for your requirements.

Remember that each business has its own unique needs, so it's essential to find a bookkeeping service that aligns with your specific requirements and understands the nuances of the creative industry.

 

Disclosure: This post may contain referral links, which means that if you make a purchase or sign up through these links, we may earn a small commission or referral bonus. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the maintenance and development of this blog. We only recommend products or services that we have personally used and believe will add value to our readers.

Artist Lauryn Alvarez Creates Coastal-Inspired Paintings and Photographs - Palette Supply

Artist Lauryn Alvarez Creates Coastal-Inspired Paintings and Photographs

Topic

Artist Interview

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At what age did you first feel creative? 

The furthest back I can remember being creative was probably around four years old?

Did someone inspire you to be creative?

I remember my dad would take my sister and I to the art store and I loved looking at all the different supplies and tools. We would often bring home a giant block of clay and I would just go wild creating whatever my little mind imagined. Creativity was really in everything I did as a child. From drawing, to playing dress up, taking photos, creating short videos, even sewing tiny purses and stuffed animals.

How did you start your creative business?

Since I always knew I wanted to be creative for my career, I’d say falling into this “profession” was a mix of purpose and by accident. I used to think I’d have one title; fashion designer, photographer, illustrator. But as I’ve grown more as a human and an artist, I realized I can be anything and everything I want to be.  I don’t have to label myself as one thing. Initially I set out to be a photographer. I thought that was all I was meant to do and all I wanted to fulfill my creative soul. But come 2020 and all that it was that year, I was forced to find some other outlet other than photos. Since, well, no one was really willing to shoot at that time. So, I started drawing. At first just for fun, but then I picked up painting, then it got a little more serious when people actually wanted to buy my work. So, I guess I accidentally became a painter as part of my profession. But I still do photography which I’ve done for many years now.

Do you feel the environment / geographic location where you live affects your work? If so, how does this influence show up in your work?

I do feel my surroundings have an impact on my work. Being close to the coast has always been a big inspiration for me. The ocean resets me and grounds me but also puts me in a meditative mindset to let go and I definitely carry that into my painting process. It’s undeniable that we as humans have such a strong connection to the ocean. I love painting birds and fish, I love creating flowy lines and shapes. So yeah I’d say a lot of coastal influence can be seen throughout my work.

Where do you draw inspiration from
for your work?

Surfing, swimming, or just laying on the sand always bring me the most inspiration.

What are the main influences of
your artistic style?

I gathered a lot of inspiration from psychedelic and spiritual artist Hilma af Klint, legendary graphic artist Margaret Kilgallen, and various Inuit artists such as Kenojuak Ashevak, Marion Tuu'lug, and Irene Avaalaagiag. The human character you see through my work is actually inspired by Japanese kokeshi dolls. Many unique styles of artwork but all very inspiring to me.

How would you describe your work's palette?

My color palette is a rainbow! Recently I’m experimenting with more of a muted rainbow palette to balance the brightness and pop. It’s a bit odd but I actually reference vintage home decor when mixing colors. A wool blanket from the 50s, a velvet couch from the 70s, a funky lamp from the 60s. Good stuff!

 


Do you have any tools for getting
out 
of a creative "funk"?

Usually when I’m trying to get out of a creative funk, I step away from working. I go outside more, hangout with friends, get myself into some deep conversations about life haha. But seriously! Try something new, watch a movie, eat some tasty food, go see some live music. all great things to get out of a funk and inspire me to keep going.

What is your favorite medium?

It’s so hard to choose a favorite between painting and photography. I do love going between the two. I feel like being out and shooting really inspires me to go inward and be still with painting. And vise versa.

Is there anything you hope a viewer will feel or think of when they experience your work?

I hope my work makes the viewer feel happy and inspired. I hope it inspires more sunshine soaks, ocean dips, time in nature and time to ponder the world like we did as children. There’s a lot of chaos in the world and if I can contribute something to bring peace and joy, that’s ultimate fulfillment.

Was there a turning point in your work where you feel you found your way or style?

My artistic style came from my inability to draw anything realistic haha. I never saw myself as a good artist growing up. But I still loved to draw and paint. There came a point where I wanted to find a way of drawing that suited me, that I felt like I could execute well. So simple shapes and cartoon like characters became really enjoyable for me to create.

How has your work / style changed / evolved since you started?

My photo work has changed a lot in that I don’t only shoot black and white! And with painting, recently I started incorporating more of a darkness with my work, while still keeping a lot of color. I love balance so I try to show that through all my work.

 

Lauryn Alvarez is an artist
based in Laguna Beach, California.

You can view more of her work on her website: www.laurynalvarez.com and Instagram: @laurynalvarez

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