Olivia Emmer

Olivia Emmer is a photographer whose work has been featured in USA Today, Edible Aspen, Plough to Pantry and more. She is a lover of mountains, adventure, vanlife and the handmade. She lives in Asheville with her husband, Jackson, and their dog, Willoughby.

<iframe frameborder='0' height='200px' scrolling='no' seamless src='https://embed.simplecast.com/09ba3163?color=f5f5f5' width='100%'></iframe>

Every day is different. Some days I make work and I’m like, “Oh man today really clicked. Everything is perfect and amazing and I’m so happy.” And some days I feel lonely. Running a business yourself can be very lonely.

Some things we talk about…

  • making the switch from creativity as a hobby to a full-time gig
  • some of the biggest challenges when just starting out
  • charging for your work, knowing when to leap and
  • claiming your space as an artist

“I was scared to start my own business and then I was like, ‘Oh my god. What a load of crap. You’re young. You are healthy. You don’t have a family yet. If you’re too scared to move forward now when are you not going to be.’ I just felt that I had to man up because it’s just never going to be easier.”

“This is the artistic process. You’re going to love and then hate and then love your work over and over again. You’re an artist.”

Don’t Miss Another Conversation

No bullshit. No fluff. Just what’s true.

The insight, advice, and stories of successful artists. Every episode.

daphne cohn