Christina Marie Astore
Christina Marie Astore
Creative Director / Photographer
Sarasota, Florida
www.cmtakesphotos.com
instagram @cmtakesphotos
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I intend to continue to grow my business and following by becoming a digital influencer for cause-based brands and young entrepreneurs with impactful business missions.”
I'm the founder and creative director of Green Band Productions, which for the last four years was strictly a photography business. Now that I'm out of school and have more time to transform it, it's evolving to include digital marketing strategies and tactics "for brands that matter". I intend to continue to grow my business and following by becoming a digital influencer for cause-based brands and young entrepreneurs with impactful business missions.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
So much work has gotten me to this point and I know it's just the beginning. I didn't really know what I was getting myself into when I started my business, nor was I aware of the amount of challenges that I would overcome in the process. Through branding myself, to building my website, to now generating a digital brand with influence, I've been forced to learn and grow my skills in multiple areas which I LOVE being able to do. I'm so excited that I found this network, because I truly think it will help me collaborate and work with other creatives with similar life goals and passions.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
Patience. I think that in a world where instant gratification and wanting to see results fast is so prominent, it's easy to feel like you're not making progress. My motto has always been slow and steady wins the race. Quality is always better than quantity!
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I'm working on transforming my brand and my business, as well as redefining my niche and finding those who also fall into the same category. I'm trying to be as specific as I can!
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
It's going to be fun, helpful, beautiful, and from a genuine perspective. It's all about quality and connecting with people easily because you're speaking from the heart! People buy into your message and platform if you're confident in your passion.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Design!
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Choosing a niche market for my brand. I've always been a jack of all trades and I love so many aspects of business and life- especially within the creative world. It's really hard for me to focus on just one thing.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HOUR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Research, research, and more research. What has been taking up most of my time recently has been finding those brands and fellow influencers who do fall within the digital community I am after.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I wish I could tell 18-year-old me to not get intimidated by others and the future, and that nothing comes easy. Good things come to those who wait, yes, but better things come to those who HUSTLE.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
For me, I would love to talk to someone about how to balance building a brand and transforming a business while still needing to make ends-meet. :) Talk about hard work and long hours! #WeekendWarrior
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm looking to connect with brands and entrepreneurs that have similar missions. I'm all about promoting cause-based brands and young business owners and startups with "do-good goals". I'm currently looking to be sponsored by several brands, as well as for collaboration projects with other bloggers!
WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?
I would love to work with many different brands and people. But I especially would be grateful for opportunities that allowed me to be creative with other young female entrepreneurs!
WHAT IS YOUR RATE?
Here's the link to my current services/rates page!
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Honestly, I just want to hear in it's truest form what your goal is with your project. The "why" is what's most important to me. Hilarious GIF's are always a plus. I want to work with genuine people who take pride in their work and also see value in my up-and-coming business!
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
I'm always thinking and asking questions!
This member profile was originally published in July 2016, Updated April 2018.