The Road Ahead: Getting a somewhat late start on 2014

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DaniMorales513d95dbb8120.jpgAs my month long sabbatical comes to a close I am getting ready to head back to New York for Fashion Week (somewhat hesitantly because of the nasty weather). I am beginning to think about what kind of goals I would like to set for myself for the year. Last year I focused on gearing my career in the right direction by focusing on being on set, working for the right people and getting myself published. This week my latest spread was published in MOD magazine making it the 4th editorial of 2013. This year I really would like to redirect my focus towards creating a more steady income through styling. Creating and doing art is something all of us enjoy doing and are happy to do for free but up to a certain point. It is now time I focus on culminating an income from my specific expertise.

I want to also do this and still maintain my main focus and point of view as an artist. This means continuing to also create editorials, but I may also spend some time branching out into styling for film and production or television. Networking and word of mouth continues to be the main way I get jobs so I think a good place to always start is beginning to tell people I come in contact with I am looking for work. While I was traveling in Seattle I ran into a friend in Barneys who set me up on a shoot the week I was there. Just by putting out into the universe you are available can certainly bring fast options. I would also like to look into taking more classes that put me in the path of working professionals that may be able to help me out. This is how I got my first internship in New York.

My other goal this year is to travel abroad at least once. Hopefully for work, either on a production or for a Fashion Week somewhere else. I have found that even during my time away I am at my most happiest when I am working in some capacity. Having nothing really to do for the past month has driven me a little crazy. And idle hands really are the devil’s advocate!

Some of the best advice I ever got career wise was to “not compare your path to anyone else’s.” And as I set my goals I keep this in mind. My path and purpose is very different from those I admire. So even when you may feel a set back or inadequate in some way it is important to know that your path is supposed to be very different than anyone else’s. It is what gives you your unique outlook and eventually is what will set you apart from the rest.