Kara Hamilton
Director / Creative Director / Photographer / Founder of Seaglow
Denver, CO / Chicago, IL / Los Angeles, CA
www.kara-hamilton.com
instagram @karahammy
vimeo
Q What do you do?
“I am a creative director, video director, and photographer. I like bringing an experimental visual style to commercial storytelling. I’ve worked on countless campaigns over the years, directing video and photo content and designing disruptive visual identities for world-renowned brands.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I have a BFA in Printmaking after first going to school for Parks & Rec and spending “class” learning how to start fires while backpacking in the desert. After graduating, and unsatisfied with my first design job out of college, I started shooting fashion editorials in my free time, reaching out to designers, MUAs and models. It was that photo work that got me noticed by a hiring team and essentially kicked off my career in advertising at an in-house beverage agency. I discovered my love for video and photo production working there, and took a cinematography course on the side to get better, eventually seeking out a more experimental agency where I really began creative directing and directing most of that agency’s campaign and production work. I have recently gone freelance full-time, doing a mix of directing, creative directing, and experimental photography. And if I’m ever outdoors for productions I can still start a campfire like nobody’s business!
Q How do you stand out in your field?
By never being afraid to weave in my own aesthetics and creative instincts into commercial work. It’s been a recurring theme in my career that making personal work has led to paid client work. It can feel so scary (especially early on) to bring your style into professional work, but later on you start realizing that it happens to an extent regardless, and the more you empower that personal style, the more people will seek you out because of it.
Q What are you working on right now?
I’m working simultaneously on directing a commercial project for a beverage brand, and a director’s treatment for a narrative short film.
Q What’s your style?
My style is all about bringing a bit of magic into the everyday, oftentimes through my own feminine perspective. I like something a little surreal and unexpected, whether that’s through a more poetic or humorous lens. And I love colored lighting 💖! I led the creative direction and video direction for Mijenta Tequila, a sustainable, women-led brand that wanted to tell their story through a nature-focused lens. This project was the perfect trifecta for me of expressing through nature, magical realism, and femininity.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I’d like to spend more time on narrative film projects amidst commercial ones. I’m also still trying to finish a music EP and would love to get back into painting again!
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I think trusting in the ebb and flow of freelance is challenging. I’m so grateful for the advice from others who have been where I am now to keep me inspired and motivated.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I would LOVE to have someone help with outreach and social media promotion. Self-promotion and networking can still be a bit tough for me - my work can be loud but my online presence is often too quiet ✨
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I think I’d pass on using the time machine…that’s a dangerous game to play! BUT, if I did, I would probably go back just to tell myself to not give up on the personal work I was spending time on that felt like it didn’t have a point, because it will lead to several jobs over the years.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I would love Katsuhioro Otomo’s insights and advice on how to carry through an ambitious creative vision from story to finished film, and how he handled keeping his team invested when his techniques involved more time, effort, and money.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m looking for outdoor, lifestyle, fashion, and beverage brands that are down to get a little weird.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I always say I really want to be able to one day direct a perfume or cologne ad because it feels like the category that can get the strangest without the need to justify why.
Q: What is your rate?
For directing, I typically ask for around 10% of the production budget for my fee + expenses. For creative direction, art direction, or design, I typically ask for $100-150/hour depending on the lift. That being said, it’s all variable depending on the scope of work and my specific role on the project. I often work on projects where I both creative direct and direct, so it just depends on what’s involved. Also I’m flexible depending on the opportunity so don’t hesitate to reach out!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
In terms of reaching out - email, phone, social media, whatever! You can reach me at kara@karaham.com. As for starting the process - I love knowing the general budget and scope of work as soon as possible, even if it’s loose. Budget and deliverables don’t hinder creativity, but it does affect the creative process, so the sooner I have a sense of what’s needed the sooner we can make something great!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Sabrina Siegel is an incredible designer, illustrator, and art director, and she’s the best type of creative collaborator on a project.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Stay weird & take play seriously.
This member profile was originally published in May 2025.