We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hannah Kik a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hannah, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Over the course of many years, I’ve cultivated a sense of confidence and self-esteem through a journey marked by persistent trial and error. Much of my life was consumed by my battle against my internal demons, characterized by negative self-talk and the pursuit of perfection, largely influenced by a diagnosis of OCD at the ripe age of 23. Contrary to common misconceptions associating OCD solely with cleanliness and organization, my internal battles have centered around the incessant questioning of the moral and ethics of my choices and actions, manifested in a constant loop of self-doubt.
When I reached 25, I reluctantly, due to factors outside of my control, began a transformative journey to unpack the layers of deep-seated insecurities that had subconsciously impacted me. Gradually, I began to trust myself. This shift has propelled me into a new era, both creatively and professionally, where I am acutely aware of my inherent value and the unique contributions I provide in the creative space. I’ve come to realize that there will always be someone “better”, but rather than viewing this as a comparison or competition, I’ve redirected my focus towards learning, improvement, and understanding what I can bring to the table.
Confidence is not an instantaneous achievement; it demands time and unwavering dedication to foster growth and heal the internal wounds that originated early on. It’s a gradual process of evolving into an authentic self. As an artist, I’ve found that expressing one’s internal conflict and growth through art is a powerful way to capture those emotions. However, I’ve observed that the most meaningful work I have created happen when I’ve navigated through the emotional complexities, gained a comprehensive understanding of their significance, and closed the chapter of insecurity.
Reflecting on my journey, I appreciate the trials I’ve faced, as they have shaped me into who I am today and lead me down the path towards the person I am meant to be.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a Photographer and Creative Director based in Nashville, Tennessee, focusing primarily on editorial and commercial photography. My photography career began at the age of 13, and over the past 15 years, I’ve fine-tuned my skills to really capture the overarching story a brand wants to communicate with an audience. In tandem with my photography, directing all forms of events and projects has been a key part of who I am.
I began working in the women’s fashion e-commerce space when I wast 19 while studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design. For years, I’ve aligned and woven my creative vision into the fabric of the industry, bringing my artistic eye into any project I lead.
One of the key joys in life for me is traveling. Living in a new culture is always inspiring and teaches me gratitude for all of the things I have yet to learn. I have a thrill-seeking personality- and that thrill, or what some would call drive, leads me to new ideas and concepts that spike a rush in adrenaline when planning a new project. I thrive on the energy in the production and planning of exhibits and large-scale productions, where every detail plays a crucial role in creating a seamless visual experience.
Currently, I hold the position of Photography Manager at Pink Lily, a leading women’s e-commerce company where I orchestrate and manage large-scale productions for photography shoots, ensuring that as a team we focus on the final product and the quality we produce in our professional photography content. It’s a role that encapsulates my passion for visual storytelling and my commitment to delivering excellence in every frame.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Mastering certain skills is not just advantageous but indispensable for a lead photographer’s success. Among the range of skills I would deem as necessary to succeed, three stand out as particularly crucial: Time Management, Contracts, and Building the Right Team for the Job.
Time Management is the grounding level for a successful photography career. The ability to efficiently allocate and utilize time is key, considering the dynamic nature of shoots, deadlines, and client expectations. Effective time management requires me not only to meet my commitments but also maintain a level of creativity. By creating realistic schedules, prioritizing tasks, and being flexible to change, I can fully manage the workload. I use numerous apps and spreadsheets to keep track of all factors in my schedule and absolutely have to compartmentalize my personal life and work life to maintain balance and be able to show up as a friend, partner, and manager in the best way possible.
Contracts serve as the legal backbone of any professional freelance-client relationship. Understanding the intricacies of contracts safeguards both parties involved and establishes clear expectations. I believe EVERYONE should be, at the least, aware of the importance in crafting contracts that delineate the scope of work, usage rights, payment terms, location releases, and protection of intellectual property. By formalizing agreements in writing, creatives can mitigate potential disputes, protecting their ideas. Unfortunately, so many artists learn the hard way for how important contracts are in this industry.
Equally significant is the skill of building the right team for the job. Photography production is often a collaborative effort, requiring a diverse set of talents to bring a vision to life. A successful creator often needs to be a clear communicator and leader, having the ability to assemble a team that complements their strengths and fills in the gaps in expertise. From makeup artists to stylists, choosing individuals who share the same dedication to excellence ensures a cohesive and successful project. The synergy within the team translates into a harmonious workflow, elevating the quality of the final product.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
Anthony Bourdain’s “Kitchen Confidential” has been huge for me. The book’s raw honesty left a lasting impact when I was required to read it as a freshman in college for a language arts course. I had never worked in the service industry, so this gave me a new perspective on the inner workings of the kitchen culture. Something I love about Anthony Bourdain is his crass tone and brutal interpretation of the world. In a way, he taught me to not take things so seriously, and not to glamorize what is deemed as status quo.
“Do we really want to travel in hermetically sealed popemobiles through the rural provinces of France, Mexico and the Far East, eating only in Hard Rock Cafes and McDonalds? Or do we want to eat without fear, tearing into the local stew, the humble taqueria’s mystery meat, the sincerely offered gift of a lightly grilled fish head? I know what I want. I want it all. I want to try everything once.”
His emphasis on the importance of curiosity and an open mind has been a guiding principle in my adult life. His curiosity about different cultures, cuisines, and people reflects an understanding that life’s richness is found in exploration and connection. It’s truly inspired me to seek out new experiences, engage with different perspectives, and remain open to the process of self-discovery through diversity.
Another favorite quote I have from the book:
“Assume the worst. About everybody. But don’t let this poisoned outlook affect your job performance. Let it all roll off your back. Ignore it. Be amused by what you see and suspect. Just because someone you work with is a miserable, treacherous, self-serving, capricious and corrupt asshole shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying their company, working with them or finding them entertaining.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hannahkik.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahkikphoto/
Image Credits
Christian Muñoz @christianmoonz
