Dami Fawehinmi is a freelance photographer and university student. Her Photography brand is called Visuals by J.O.D In this interview, she shares her relationship with freelancing and tips she has for fellow freelancers.
What influenced you to become a freelance photographer?
Originally my love for photography began as a hobby, I would take my camera on day trips or holidays but at the time I never knew it could become a full-time career. Once I started seeing photographers like Jessica Kobeissi, Diego Palomino, Krystal Neuvill, Shingi Rice aka Blue Spit on my Instagram, I began to see photographers that not only had a career in this industry but used their abilities to create representation and powerful messages.
After taking a BTEC in photography and having that year to connect with myself to understand what I want to see in this world and bring to this world it gave me the confidence to combine these two and become a freelance photographer.
I’m a big believer in “everything happens for a reason” and a lot of significant events have led me down the route of photography, it’s been a really interesting journey that has allowed me to help people with my work, this inspires me to keep going every day.
Are you a full time or part-time freelancer?
Right now I am a full-time freelancer, I am currently on my placement year, however, my university has allowed me to work for myself for the year, giving me the time to completely focus on my business, which I am extremely grateful for.
I plan to use this time to create solid foundations and expand, there are a lot of people I want to work with and help so I aim to make the most of this year before I return for my final year of university.
During lockdown I was inspired to sell my artwork on prints and T-shirts. It’s been a really fun experience and one I aim to build within my business.
Creating representation for people to see on their screens, in their homes, and on their clothes is something I didn’t know would happen for me one day, I can’t wait to see where it goes.
How long have you been freelancing?
I began freelancing when I started sixth form in 2015 with odd jobs for family and friends, but I began to take it more seriously after not getting the exact grades I needed to get into my current university.
In order to get back in, I had to take a course equivalent to the grade I missed, the BTEC photography course.
With sixth form I would be in classes four or five days a week, sometimes even with study sessions on the weekends, and during the holidays, I was revising all the time, so when I did have a slot of free time it would go towards photography.
With my BTEC course, however, I only went in one, to three times a week, giving me the time to work on my craft and work harder, especially as the course was photography focused, I was constantly in photography mode, allowing me to get better at it over the year.
Eventually, I got the grade and was let back into my dream uni. When I got there I was able to take what I had learnt, business-wise and creatively and work with some amazing societies and people- both inside and outside of the university in the two years so far.
Although on sixth form results day I was far from happy that I hadn’t gotten in when I wanted to, today I am extremely grateful everything went the way it did.
Do you think it’s important to have a niche?
I think having a niche is helpful. It helps you create a target market and attend relevant courses, events, and groups that can help you grow and connect with them.
However, I know photographers that don’t have niches and they’re doing just fine, just as the photographers that do have niches.
It really depends on the person, if you focus better on one thing at a time then a niche would be for you. But you’re allowed to have a niche and try things out. That’s what is so much fun about the creative industries; discovering what is for you out there.
What would you describe your niche as?
I would describe my niche as fashion and documentary, I love telling stories and I love capturing people in interesting clothing, what describes them, who they are, etc. We all have a different story to tell and capturing this I believe lets other people know they aren’t alone.
A lot of my photography focuses on Black womxn, I want to let the world know we aren’t a monolith, Black people come in all different shapes and sizes, tones, etc.
Our stories deserve to be told.
What resources have you found useful as a freelancer?
I found out about UKBFTOG (UK Black female photographers) on Facebook.
It’s an amazing group created by Jemella aka @Mellzphotographyltd
I went to one of their summer picnic and photography events at Hyde Park and had the best time.
It was so beautiful to connect with other Black womxn that had a similar love for photography like me.
I also learned a lot and made some wonderful friends. That would definitely be one of the best resources.
Also, attending art and culture events like Black Girl Fest, for example.
I’ve photographed in these places and also left feeling so inspired.
Sometimes when you’re in a creative rut being around people like you, letting off a bit of steam and embracing new things can push you in the right direction.
We are all learners and shouldn’t be afraid to learn something new, as a freelancer this is critical to know.
You have to learn to take criticism, do better, grow, go to new places. Do not be afraid to create what your heart wants to etc.
Also, check out the NatWest business classes, they’re free and are doing so many amazing sessions throughout the year. These lessons helped me do grow as a freelancer.
How did you become a freelancer?
YouTube, trial and error, and business classes at university and online.
These three things helped me especially.
It’s important to note, however, that you have to find what works for you.
There isn’t a hard-core answer on how to succeed as a freelancer.
What works for you will work for you and your art will be connected to you and your experiences which makes it even more beautiful.
I learned from each of these three things on how to write up contracts, invoices, emails, licenses, and more. It is a bit of a process, but once you get your head around it, it’s easier to do.
What method do you find most useful in finding clients?
Since lockdown, my business model has changed a bit.
With photography events, I would get jobs through word of mouth or marketing techniques like Instagram adverts and those worked really well.
However, I now also sell my artwork on prints and on t-shirts, as we can’t go out as much. I’m still using the same methods such as word of mouth and Instagram adverts.
I like to use my Instagram page to talk about things special to me like mental health, my blackness, and identities.
This connects me with some amazing people and you create genuine bonds.
If people like my art, then that is a bonus and helps me connect with clients, but ultimately being able to work with other creatives is a lot of fun.
What do you like most about freelancing?
I love the freedom of it. My job allows me to move about a lot and meet with new people whether I’m photographing them or collaborating for a project I’m being commissioned for.
With lockdown, even though we can’t go out as much, being able to adapt my business plans for being indoors has been really helpful and a real blessing.
I have to make sure I go on walks or socially distance things as much so I can to keep the creative juices going and look after my mental health.
But being in a busy job works for me and I love it.
Don’t get me wrong, having me-days are just as important especially for your mental health.
On these days I love to sit in bed and watch Marvel films with snacks, finding the balance is important.
What challenges have you found with freelancing, and how do you battle through them?
As someone who thrives on being productive, when you have a burnout or creative block this can be a real challenge.
I have to remind myself to be kind to myself and give my body what it needs on those burned out days. Whether it be rest, reading, or a therapy session.
A lot of freelancers and creatives have this issue, especially in an environment that constantly needs work and new ideas, you’re always on the go.
If I find myself feeling more and more tired or I’m not 100% with every piece I upload or work I submit, I have to tell myself to take a break, get some rest.
If it’s a creative block issue I like to go to places that inspire me like Black Girl Fest or spending an hour on Pinterest. Sometimes it’s driving down to my hometown in Southwark, and connecting with my roots.
I get my best ideas when I’m in London. It feels safe and familiar, which is exactly what I want my work to exemplify.
What tips do you have for those wanting to do freelancing or build their own business?
Patricia Bright’s book ‘Heart and Hustle’ had a really good quote in there “Think big but take small steps.”
And this is the advice I would give too.
Have your goal in mind, write up the steps it takes to get there, but enjoy the journey. You can’t rush these things.
I work best when I can visualise it beforehand and I like to keep that near me, whether that’s a vision board on my wall, or vision board on Pinterest.
My dream home as my screensaver, or my bad bitch playlist loool.
Have things that motivate you on hard and good days. Also be open to learning new things. If you want to do better, you have to keep learning.
Invest in organising yourself well. Use your phone calendar as much as possible.
Being disorganised will allow your business to collapse very easily.
Also, try not to be too money-focused in the beginning. Definitely think about it, because making your own income is important and it’s so nice.
But sometimes when you only do it for something that might not come in everyday at the beginning, it can make you want to quit.
Having a goal that inspires you while also having financial aims e.g. I want to earn X and make movies for Black womxn, then that’s great! Remember why you started. I talk about it a bit more on my main page @JournalsOfDami with a lot more tips 😊
What 3 words would you describe your freelance work as?
Hard. Rewarding. Adventurous.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I’ve been getting into reading more.
When I was in primary and secondary school I could read so many books, probably read 3 or 4 books a month!
But now I probably read 3 or 4 books a year (if I’m lucky)!
Funnily enough, I still love to go to bookstores all the time and buy books, my collection is forever growing.
I know I will get around to reading them.
I devote my Fridays or days off to it. Even if it’s just five pages before I fall asleep, it is so peaceful and good for my mental health.
Alongside this I love having Marvel, Pixar and Disney movie marathons.
There’s nothing like a blanket day with a good film to unwind.
How do you find the work/ life balance being a freelancer? Do you have any tips for this area?
I had to create a timetable so that I don’t overwork myself.
I give myself the chance to work during the week but also give myself the chance to rest.
I started Visuals By J.O.D. when I was 17 but my art and culture brand ‘Journals Of Dami’ technically began when I was 12/13 under a different blogging name.
Being business driven from a young age definitely set the foundations for me loving being productive and creating new things.
However, I always forget that today I am 21 but sometimes act like I’m 50! And while I am extremely proud of what I have done and achieved, I do think that being constantly in work mode from a young age isn’t the best.
I’m not saying don’t go for your business dreams if you’re really young. Just make sure to take breaks too.
As we live in a capitalist country, work is rewarded but rest is not.
So it is important to have people around us that remind us of this.
My friends and family are really good at knowing when I’m reaching my limits and force me out of the house or force me to rest if I forget.
The biggest part of finding a work/life balance, especially as a young freelancer is to enjoy your time and also have fun with your business.
Remind yourself “what is for me, won’t miss me”. So take that day off and rest.
What key characteristics are needed to become a freelancer?
You need to be able to be self-motivated, with balane. Especially when you need to push yourself towards your dream.
Time management is another thing. Showing up late to places sends a bad message or sending things late also does, which is why I recommend to-do lists, timetables, etc. It also feels really nice to cross things off when you’re finished!
You don’t have to be the most people-y person.
I still get nervous at networking events- it’s totally normal!
However, make sure to find a way that connects you with new and fantastic people in a way that makes you comfortable.
An African Proverb states “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
You can’t do everything alone and there is strength in asking for help, creating a community around you, so you can all grow together.
Create ideas and have fun. And most importantly, remember who you are.
Being in the creative industries is so easy to slowly loose parts of yourself, due to people pleasing, getting job opportunities if you come across a certain way etc.
But as I’ve been in the game for almost a decade, I’ve learnt that being like everyone else will only get me so far and I definitely won’t be happy doing it.
I am a dark-skinned Black womxn who has a lot of unique and different life experiences that allow me to connect with other people like me and create representation that never existed for us before.
This is who I am, and I am very strict to only work with or do projects that align with this.
If a brand/organisation wants me to “tone down my Blackness” or look a certain way, I drop it.
I believe I was put on this earth to be and let others know it is okay to be themselves too.
Ever since I set my morals for myself in stone, I have gotten a lot of commissions, work and projects.
Trust me, your people are out there and the right brands that want you as you are, are out there.
They will find you and you can find them.
If a job/brand makes you feel disconnected they’re not the one, and that is okay.
What is the proudest project you have worked on?
My Black Hair Memoirs.
I have some big plans for it once lockdown is properly eased.
The aim of this project is to inspire the next generation into loving their hair and knowing they can be who they want to be. Society doesn’t get to decide that for them.
Everyone who has been a part of the project comes from all different walks of life and this is important.
I have currently been commissioned for two very big projects that (depending on lockdown measures) are happening late this year/2021, I’m extremely excited and can’t wait to share them with you!
Where can we find your work?
My art and culture brand ‘Journals Of Dami’ can be found on Instagram @JournalsOfDami and my photography Instagram is @VisualsByJOD, my website is VisualsByJOD.Com and my YouTube channel is Journals Of Dami.
To read the previous freelancer spotlight interview on the Remi Reports blog, click here.
