Tracie Davis
Tracie Davis
Photographer / Art Director
Los Angeles, CA
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a photographer and art director based in LA. ”
For the past ten years I have worked in house as a senior creative for multiple start ups and female focused brands. Since going out on my own I have focused on smaller companies that I can create a more in house relationship with that I can work with on an ongoing cadence. I am really interested in creative strategy and using photography as a tool to advance a brand. So by working with a client ongoing I am able to learn from their users behavior and adapt and advance the look of their photography and brand.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I have worked in house for a number of years working on all types of projects and roles to figure out what I'm best at. Working for startups allows you to have your hands in everything and learn a lot about your industry and all the different roles within it. I believe I am best at leading creative ideas and bringing them to life and that is what I'm focused on as I branch out on my own.
How do you stand out in your field?
I stand out in my field because I am able to be an all around creative on set. I don't just see my role as photographer or director. I'm super hands on and believe every detail is important. This is really valuable for clients that don't have the budget to have a large production.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I'm working on growing my presence in the freelance community and connecting with brands that I believe in and would love to work with.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I see my style as colorful, yet elevated. Feminine, but not young. I have worked in many different product spaces and love intertwining inspiration from everything. For example, I took a lot of inspiration from the beauty industry for a recent shoot with a non dairy creamer. The brand was looking to elevate their product and stand out in their field. So combining elements from beauty styling was a really fun way to do that.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I wish I could spend more time working on my motion skills. I can do motion and think it's fun, but I really haven't found an opportunity to bring it to life the way I have with my stills work.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
The current state of the world is very frustrating at the moment. I would love to be out there connecting with other creatives and freelancers and it has been really difficult to connect to new people in covid times.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would have them work on my accounting!
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I would've told myself to take a chance at pursuing my photography career sooner. It took me a long time to get the courage to go for it. I talk a bit about it here in my recent podcast interview.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would love to talk to them about how they built their client list and how they decide when to work with someone or not.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm looking to grow my roster of clients in the eComm and lifestyle space. I love that kind of work and am trying to figure out what my personal brand could look like through more opportunities with different types of brands.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I am more interested in clients looking to collaborate creatively instead of just needing simple photographs and dictating exactly how they should look. I want to be hired for my ability to concept and execute great work that aligns with their brand, but is also aligns with my aesthetic.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Send me an email and set up a time to chat on the phone! I love talking through things and helping people figure out what they need or figuring out how we can accomplish something great together.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Always looking, Always thinking.
This member profile was originally published in October 2020.