In this inspiring episode of The Vocal Lab Podcast, hosts Shelby Rollins and Jason Catron sit down with the incredibly talented Sarah Barlow. Sarah shares invaluable advice for aspiring creatives, drawing from her own journey and extensive experience in the music and photography industries. Tune in to learn how to build a personal brand, navigate career challenges, and leverage tools to enhance your creative journey.

Key Themes Discussed:

1. Building a Personal Brand:

Sarah emphasizes the importance of having a cohesive personal brand. She advises aspiring artists to use tools like Pinterest to create a brand board that captures the essence of their creative vision. This brand board can serve as a foundation for all visual and marketing efforts.

2. Practical Tips for Starting Out:

Sarah shares her journey of starting in wedding photography and transitioning into music photography. She highlights the significance of learning on the job, taking on internships, and being open to various experiences. Her story underscores the importance of persistence and seizing opportunities.

3. Leveraging Free Tools:

For creatives on a budget, Sarah recommends utilizing free resources like Pinterest and Canva. Pinterest is great for finding inspiration and creating brand boards, while Canva can help in designing professional-looking graphics that align with your brand.

4. Overcoming Challenges:

Sarah candidly talks about the challenges she faced, including the pressure of professional critiques and the mishap at her best friend's wedding. She discusses how these experiences taught her valuable lessons and contributed to her growth as a creative professional.

5. Finding Your Unique Path:

Sarah encourages artists to embrace their individuality and not be swayed by trends or external pressures. She believes that clarity in one's creative direction is crucial and advises staying true to one's vision while being open to new ideas and collaborations.

Quotes:

From the Hosts:

• "You have to mine for the golden people in your artists and find the beauty in every subject that you're working with." - Shelby Rollins
• "It's important to have clarity in your personal branding and creative direction." - Jason Catron

From Sarah Barlow:

• "I believe in the philosophy of photography where the subject emulates the photographer’s energy."
• "Pinterest is amazing and free for building your overall brand board."

Follow And Connect with Us:

• Follow us on YouTube for more exclusive content: Vocal Lab Collective YouTube
• Connect with Jason on Instagram: Jason Catron Instagram
• Connect with Shelby on Instagram: Shelby Rollins Instagram
• Connect with Sarah on Instagram: Sarah Barlow Instagram