I mean... I do lots of things.
I write. I blog. I consult. I coach. I design. I teach. I brand. I style. I advise. I photograph. I calculate. I vision.
I do lots of things. And while I'm clear on what I do, there is no one job title that could do it all justice. I've tried on "art director", "creative director", "blogger", and even "artist" but none of them feel quite right. I've even gone more esoteric with "creator" and more utilitarian with "co-founder". If I get too narrow, my title paints an unbalanced composition of what I do. And if I go too broad the title becomes arbitrary.
I was recently interviewed by the BBC as an expert source on an article they were writing about small business and social media. The kind journalist (who surprisingly, and maybe even disappointingly, did not have a British accent) guided me through a series of questions about the best way to use social media. I could've gone on forever about using your authentic voice, sharing who you are, building trust and genuine connections with your readers. I was not at a loss for words and opinions when it comes to my expertise. But then when the journalist asked me what my job title was I got flustered. I wasn't sure how to respond and went digging for my most recent business card to see what Tara and I had last decided on. It turns out we had decided against putting titles on our cards.
At the end of the day what I do says more about me than the official title that I don't seem to have. And that's okay. I've never been one for labels.
...and yet there are five of them attached to your post!
ReplyDeleteI used to be bothered immensely about my job title/label. It was a real status thing and often seems to be the measure of success. Now I have my own business and children there is one above all that leads everything and paves the way for how I work - Human Being.
Hoorah! As a business student (and art school grad) this is something I grapple with a lot. I've been reading some good books lately that touch on the topic, and predict that in the future no one from our generation will care about job titles (as much). I'm all for it.
ReplyDeleteWhat's Mine Is Yours (Collaborative Consumption) was a particularly good read you may like!
I love this. I hate when I "have" to fit myself in a box to answer someone else's question. I know who I am and what I do and what I care about. Why do I have to make it convenient for them?
ReplyDeleteNicole - Ha! But I can't put ALL five on my business card, can I? Hell. Maybe I don't need a business card.
ReplyDeleteJess - Ooh, thank you for the book recommendation. I'm adding it to my list.
Melanie – Haha! Well... I suppose making it convenient for someone to understand what you do helps them understand how to hire you. I can eloquently explain what I do in two to three sentences – but when it comes to a one or two word job title I'm at a loss!
This. I totally get this.
ReplyDeleteWhen I decided to leave art school, I used "designer. blogger. creative mastermind." That eventually started to seem a) a mouthful and b) a bit young, so I switched to "creative entrepreneur."
While that is still a mouthful, it is at least accurate.
You are "& Kathleen - Post Apocalyptic Zombie Destroyer of the Universe! (with a caveat that says - also - kick ass creative entrepreneur)".
ReplyDeletePair it with a SHE-RA (it's the big hair and love of boots, you are a modern day her) kinda photo shoot of yourself and you're done.
I think job titles can be a confusing and frustrating thing for lots of people. Take me, for example - I'm a part-time adjunct writing instructor...but students still call me "Professor," which I know isn't a big deal, but sometimes serves as a reminder to me that I'm not "really" one yet. I'm just posing as one for now. ;-)
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad that "Jack (or Jill) of All Trades" isn't a very popular job title anymore!
Ha! Thanks for putting this into perspective. I often times find myself dreading the question, "so, Kim, what do YOU do?" (Especially as summer and wedding season/family function season approaches!)
ReplyDeleteI never really know how to answer, which comes off as flaky, then when I finally say I'm an artist, it no longer seems substantial.
I wear a dozen hats, and I love them all. Who says I need to label that?!
You are a polymath! I know many. I myself am an architect, blogger, stay-at-home mother, practicing artist, burlesque dancer and donut pan project maker, and when I was getting ready for ALT this year I had NO idea which hat to put on, because I currently do almost all of these things regularly. So I met with Rena Tom, who is a brilliant small business consultant and retail specialist (among a million other things), and she told me the same thing that you and Tara came to, that at least at this time, no title or description needed. I'm so glad she told me that. What I do next may have nothing to do with anything I'm doing now, best not to pigeonhole.
ReplyDeleteI don't know the direct answer when someone asks me what I do. But I do know what to say when someone asks what my blog is about. I say "it's about me", because it totally is.
This isn't necessarily a relevant comment for this post, but I just wanted to pop in and say that I love your writing, your perspective, your energy and your vibe! Love it. I'm working on writing posts that are more meaningful and fearless, and I frequently read posts here that inspire me. Love the blog, love your photos, love your hair :)
ReplyDeleteDesign question for you. What is the italic font you used in your above image? I would love to try it on a logo I am working on. If you need to keep it a secret, I totally understand and respect. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteDesign question for you. What is the italic font you used in your above image? I would love to try it on a logo I am working on. If you need to keep it a secret, I totally understand and respect. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI'm totally getting this! I never know what to call myself, because I do SO MANY different things, and I can never think of a term that seems to encompass them all. It has actually gotten to the point where I hate explaining what I do to people because it's a novel.
ReplyDelete"I'm a professional organizer, and a well-being coach, I have two of my own businesses and I also work for a small company in California and...."
I kind of feel like I'm seeing this scenario become more and more common, especially in younger people who are working in multiple streams instead of just concentrating on one. I've read a few articles where people call it "patchworking" but I feel like that evokes the image of someone who sews, which is something I definitely don't do.
So, for now I like to just say I'm a lady of many hats. :)
your best post yet.
ReplyDeleteEvery post gets better! Love what you do and how you frame it.
ReplyDeleteEvery post just gets better! Love what you do and how you frame it.
ReplyDeleteYou are a Renaissance Woman! A polymath is probably a better term..Love this post- THANK YOU!
ReplyDelete