We recently connected with Albert Suarez and have shared our conversation below.
Albert , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome has truly been a personal journey, one where I’ve really had to ultimately learn how to prioritize progress over perfection. It took some time and a lot of rock botttoms, but I’m at a point in my life where I feel like I bid farewell to the relentless pursuit of perfection, choosing instead to unveil the essence of “me” in the spaces I get to create and take ownership of all the parts that feel truest to self.
Regression happens — the downward spirals creep in and I get caught up in all the noise of things I see on social media, comparison games on how “far” other peoples lives are progressing more than mine, etc. And truthfully, I feel like imposter syndrome will always be a thing I’m going to have to wrestle with…we all will. But you just learn to manage the noise better. You acknowledge those thoughts and emotions, sit with them for a bit, then learn to release it. And once you’ve practiced how to acknowledge and release, it’s one of the best things to reflect on as I’ve gotten older.
Each day, your better will look different and that’s okay. Stay present and remember that all the past versions of yourself are rooting for you.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
That’s a loaded question… How much time do we have? LOL Let me see if I can warp speed through this… To start, my name is Albert Suarez — the guy behind the camera, one hella passionate designer, big music junkie, and self-proclaimed #1 fan of HEB.
When I was younger, I was always that kid with some sort of camera or camcorder at events. I was fascinated by storytelling and had a genuine curiosity towards creative mixed media like photography, videography, design, art, production and music. I loved every part of the fine arts growing up. Anyways, fast forward to high school and I was in a multimedia magnet program, became my band program’s historian for two years, and an intern for my school district’s Public Relations dept. I learned a ton during that time, and creative work always just felt very much at home for me. Fast forward again to my years at Texas State University, where throughout college I’d bug my coworkers and friends about needing photos, snap pics at various events for free, and do graduation sessions to build up my portfolio and figure out my unique style.
After college, I had big dreams of becoming an art director or working for a design agency. I had a few contract design gigs offered, but nothing really full time because the market was flooded with other really talented creatives. During that time, I career explored everything from being a Sales Associate at a fitness studio, an account executive, substitute teacher, freelance designer and photographer — you name it. It was a true time of trial and error, and learning what stuck. And the one constant was always creative work in photography and design. I kept growing in my craft and now I’ve owned my business now for 5 years and its been the greatest life experience I’ve embarked on so far. I never imagined myself pursuing this if I’m being honest, but I am most proud of what I’ve been able to build and see how it can impact others.
I’ve always valued the creative mentors in my life, and I ultimately want to teach and mentor at the high school and university level so that younger generations know that they can really materialize their creative pursuits and watch their dreams come to reality, just like mine did.
And, if I may add, my favorite part about this job as a queer, hispanic creative business owner is dedicating myself to using my creative platform and brand values to ensure everyone feels genuinely seen and celebrated for who they are. Absolutely nothing compares to that.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Insatiable Curiosity: Curiosity is like the compass that’s guided me through uncharted territories. It’s that relentless hunger to learn, explore, and question that’s propelled my growth. In photography and design, staying curious has allowed me to continually experiment, adapt, and evolve. It’s the driving force that leads me to discover new techniques, perspectives, and innovative ideas. Curiosity keeps me engaged, passionate, and always striving to improve to better serve the people I get to work with.
Rehumanizing Myself: In a world where technology and trends often steer us towards detachment or just going with whats popular, rehumanizing myself has been a game-changer. It’s about understanding the human element in every interaction. Whether I’m photographing a couple’s special day or working on a branding project, I’ve learned that connecting with people on a genuine, empathetic level is where the magic happens. It’s not just about capturing images; it’s about capturing emotions, stories, and authentic moments. For design, it’s not just about making pretty things. It’s about intentionally understanding the needs and wants of the brand or client, and communicating that in the process and final product. This skill has enriched my work and allowed me to create meaningful connection to the world around me.
Prioritizing People Over Everything: At the core of my journey is the recognition that people are the heart of what I do. Prioritizing their needs, desires, and experiences has been paramount. This means actively listening, understanding, and tailoring my work to serve their unique stories and aspirations. It’s about valuing the relationships formed through my work and recognizing that making people feel seen and heard is the ultimate measure of success.
My main piece of advice I would give to young creatives? Empathy goes a long way, trust the gut, ask for help, remember your humanity.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
In my household, my parents were not just providers, but they were also the embodiment of relentless work ethics and dedication. They worked tirelessly to provide for our family, often making personal sacrifices for our well-being. Witnessing their commitment to their jobs and our family instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and the importance of hard work. It’s not always easy, and it’s not going to come overnight. But it’ll be worth it if you stick with it.
Their dedication to family was equally profound. They prioritized my siblings and I, imparting life lessons, and instilling a strong sense of values. Their unwavering support and encouragement in pursuing my interests, even when they didn’t fully understand them, taught me the value of pursuing one’s passions even when you can’t see the road completely clear up ahead. That’s the constant in my continual character growth that I take with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: suarezcreative.com
- Instagram: @suarezcreative
Image Credits
Albert Suarez, @suarezcreative
