Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Chapin (Sarah Marie Spectrum). We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Sarah Chapin, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
It’s a choice. An active one that I make daily.
People are always arguing about the glass being half full, the glass half empty.
I just drank the glass.
I am not a person who freezes, debating the intricacies of life. I’ve known since I was little that I am here to dream. To hope. To love. To live.
Unrealistic? Perhaps. One of my core values is love over fear. I think it is a brave thing to be willing to recognize our fear for the friend that it is, but instead of running from it, we embrace it as an old friend and say: “Thank you for trying to protect me. I recognize your value and I think we should work together instead of against the current.”
I’ve seen the haunting in people’s eyes, especially those I’ve loved, of things they didn’t do, the regrets, the choices they wished they didn’t make. The traumas of their lives threatening to swallow them up.
I’ve known for a while now that I want to actively choose each day to get to the end of my life knowing that I made all of the bold choices I wanted to, for better or worse. To live fiercely and be kind along the way. I rather make mistakes and know I made my choice, instead of being haunted by my own “What If’s.”
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?
I’m Sarah Marie Spectrum, a storyteller and dreamer with glitter in my heart and adventure in my veins. As an International Cosplay and Fantasy Fine Art Photographer, I help people tell their stories, unleash their imagination, and embrace their wildest dreams. Growing up inspired by fierce women like Black Widow and epic journeys like The Lord of the Rings, I learned to fight for justice, for myself, and for others. I believe that art is a powerful tool for breaking barriers, building communities, and sparking meaningful conversations.
I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Photography from Arizona State University, and I believe storytelling is the heartbeat of culture, keeps dreams alive, and preserves our past. Through my work, I explore the limitless borders of imagination, using photography to capture moments that inspire, uplift, and build a world where creativity knows no bounds.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
One: Be okay with making bad art. Just make art! Don’t go into it with expectations. It will help you strengthen your skills and help your creative process if you don’t go into everything expecting perfection. Then, when you work with clients, you’ve honed your craft but also know that you are still constantly open to new ideas and processes.
Two: Get a support system. I know I talk a lot about my journey, but that journey would NOT be possible without the people who have supported me along the way. One cannot do this alone. We need some form of a support system.
Three: You do not need to get a degree to be a great photographer. I had been working 8 years professionally before I got my degree during the pandemic while business was at a halt. I took on that debt and did a degree because it was meaningful to me. I was a first generation student and I also wanted to prove to myself that after a lot of childhood trauma that I could complete a degree. Make sure if you want to pursue academia that you are doing it for yourself and no one else. There are so many wonderful resources out there for photography and some are even free! Youtube is a great place to start. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions–happy to answer or point you in the right direction.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
Going all-in on our strengths sounds like a very fast way to burnout, especially if you are applying heavy pressure to yourself mentally and physically to perfect your strengths.
I like to think of my strengths in a liquid form instead of an immovable force, weaving and shifting as I navigate my life. I add to the flow by learning new concepts and ideas, keeping my mind open to opportunities of growth. The world around us fascinates me. Every person has something new to bring to the table. A new idea. I am making myself a lifelong learner.
The moment we close our minds to growth is a very dangerous path as you are letting yourself be stuck. As a creative, to be stuck is a very scary place to be. Life is breathing and always moving. So should learning be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sarahmariespectrum.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmariespectrum
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahmariespectrumofficial
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmariespectrum/
Image Credits
sarahmariespectrum (self)
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