We were lucky to catch up with AnnaGrace Dessez recently and have shared our conversation below.
AnnaGrace , 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.
Imposter syndrome is one of those things that can instantly take away your creativity and motivation. Social media is the worst about seeing everyone work harder, moving faster, and doing more than you. Everyone moves at their own pace, but no one sees that online. I have struggled with imposter syndrome off and on for a few years. I never felt good enough with my work or that I would ever be considered a photographer or someone with a career in marketing. I felt fake. I didn’t do anything and no one had said that to me. However, I saw everyone posting online their work. I did not know what classes they had taken or the bad photos they chose to not share. I only saw the picture-perfect work they chose to post. It’s taken a few years and falling back in love with photography on my own terms. I still do some professional work, it’s just not my main career. I adore travel photography and street photography. I love exploring the world through my camera. It’s fun, I can take my time, and I’m able to enjoy the process a lot better. The photos are just for me.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
When I was in high school, I just needed an art credit for my freshman year. I was not very good at drawing and I enjoyed painting, but I didn’t feel very good at it. I chose photography as a default and it completely changed my life. A simple class with an incredible teacher and a bunch of teenagers changed my entire perspective. I fell in love with photography. I often grew frustrated by the fact I couldn’t draw what I saw in the world but with photography, I could show the world what I saw. Throughout the following years, I honed my skills through photography classes and the yearbook club. I worked on social media, storytelling, and of course photography. I later did work with the Madison Artist’s Guild. Once I graduated high school I knew I wanted to work creatively but I wasn’t sure how to get there. I attended the Creative Circus, which pushed me to be better. I then started working in the social media realm helping with graphics, copywriting, and marketing. I am now working as a contractor in digital marketing. I help with the workload of marketing companies. I provide help with social media work, email marketing, and content writing.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Learn as much as you can! There are so many incredible teachers around you who are willing to take you under your wing. There is so much to learn and programs that can help you get there. Reach out to people who are doing what you want to do and ask them tons of questions.
2. Don’t rush the process! In this digital age, everyone is quick to post their highs on social media. People are only posting their successes and not their failures. The only pace you have to keep up with is yourself. Sometimes creative breakthroughs take time.
3. Love what you do! Being creative has its highs and lows, it’s important to love what you do. You can be unhappy with your work or feel like you’re stuck in a rut. At the end of the day, you still have to love what you do. If you don’t love the medium you’re creating in, find something new.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
One of my biggest areas of growth is understanding what I enjoy working on. It’s definitely a process. I used to think that I loved working in marketing as a whole or just wanted to be a photographer. I have found what specifically I enjoy. I love helping small businesses grow their business. It’s a complicated digital world out there and I like to help it make sense to others. While on the photography side of things, it’s something similar. I like helping capture events for people. I also enjoy taking photos of my adventures and travels in the world. I like seeing the world through my camera lens. Learning that I don’t have to be one type of photographer or marketer has helped me grow into the professional I am now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://agdessezphotography.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ag_photographs/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annagrace-dessez-83486118a/
