Doing What You Love For A Living

I found this blog post on Moku Studios, a Creative Design team based in Hawaii.  I thought that this sums the entrepreneur angle quite nicely.

Posted by David on Sunday, January 24, 2010 · 6 Comments  

I love creating design for a living. I love the aloha lifestyle. I love working for myself. I love being able to surf when the waves are perfect. And once you’ve tasted that freedom, it’s hard to consider doing anything else no matter how difficult times may get. It can be done. With some risk and sacrifice you can do what you love for a living. Here are a few tips I’d like to share to get you on your way:

1. You Don’t Have To Be A Starving Artist
Most people don’t believe they can be paid well to do what they love. This is simply not true. Unfortunately, it’s a trap many creative people fall victim to. They’ve been raised to believe that all artists are starving, and the work they provide isn’t of any value. There are hordes of people that prey upon this, sometimes unknowingly. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard phrases such as, “It will look great in your portfolio.” Be wary of these words. It implies that they are doing you a favor, and it’s an attempt to elicit cheap work. Phrases like these are traps for artists not confident in their abilities. Which brings me to my next point.

2. Have Confidence In Your Abilities
If you want to be successful doing what you love, take pride in your work and be confident that your time and abilities are worth money. You are providing a skilled service that comes with years of education, talent and hard work. When is the last time you heard of an architect designing a house for $50? Just because your work might not be tangible doesn’t mean it’s not real. In most cases it took a great deal of time and energy to produce. Not only will you be doing yourself a favor by charging fair rates, but you’ll be helping the entire industry.

3. It’s 1000 Times Harder Than Doing What You Hate
But potentially 1000 times more gratifying. Doing what you hate for a living is easy. Essentially your entire life is a strict schedule. As long you color within the lines, your bills will be paid every month. If losing your job is the worst case scenario, you’ll still get unemployment. It’s a relatively risk free lifestyle. That’s what’s so appealing, and so difficult to sacrifice. Doing what you love takes a degree of motivation, dedication and responsibility rarely found in a day job. Not to mention the risk of going broke. You have to set your own hours and be your own boss. It’s easy to fall in to negative routines when you don’t have the constant threat of being fired. Also, your work load will increase 10 fold, and 90% of it will be completely unrelated to doing what you love. But when something you’ve created does get exposure with your name on it; man it’s a great feeling.

4. Always Be Productive
I love to surf, but I can’t do it all the time (as much as people think I do). Work takes priority. And if I don’t have any client work, I always stay productive with personal projects, marketing, promotion, updating my website and much more. In fact, I usually work at least 12 hours a day and most weekends. Although I’ve been trying to cut back on the weekends. I’m lucky if 2 hours a day are actually billable work time. When I do surf, it’s a meditative state for me. The place I go to clear my mind, stay healthy and reflect on what I’ve done and what I need to do. Which I consider to be productive and just as valuable as working.

5. You’re Crazy
The second you decide to give up a successful career to pursue doing what you love, you will be labeled crazy. It’s unavoidable my friend. Your family and friends probably will not understand. And people will secretly want you to fail. There’s a quote from The Pursuit of Happyness, “If people can’t do something themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it.” So, be prepared for opposition. If you’re like me, the corporate lifestyle and monotonous daily grind seems crazy. Personally, I think waking up at 6 a.m. to sit in traffic for an hour to sit in a cubicle for 8 hours twiddling my thumbs to sit in traffic again for an hour every day is insane. It’s such a weird concept to me, but to each his own.
When doing anything on your own there’s a potential for great success and great failure. The trick is to keep your head above the water. Don’t become too disappointed and more importantly; don’t let your failures make you bitter. Because you will experience failures. Clients don’t want to work with bitter people. Be proud and happy doing what you love. If you’re good at it, work hard and stay inventive — success is bound to catch up with you sooner or later.

Growing Up in a Immigrant, Big Hearted Family

This morning I reflect on my childhood and how it affects my outlook on life and feeling towards those in need. 

By the way, happy birthday Mom - I love you

My parents immigrated to the United States, immediately following the Vietnam War in the 70's.  Their young marriage was going through a massive challenge that no one could have anticipated..... the war separated them from 1975-1979: 4 years on different continents, post-war environment (family members becoming prisoners of war, communism taking away family business and property), and a young child (my older sister) in the middle of this.  Neither of them wanted to be separated, but war circumstances dictate above wants.  In 1980 they were finally reunited and I was born (can't imagine the stress of an unexpected baby on top of not seeing each other in four years).

But they fought for their family, home, and their new life in America.  My father became a refugee social worker and during my childhood we also fostered refugee children... alot of fun in my house from a kid's point of view!!  I watched my parents selflessly raise many children like their own, be there at the toughest points in their lifes, and make a difference.  We were certainly not a rich family, we had middle class struggles and my mother often worked two jobs to add supplemental income.  I believe that it was my parents' love of children and conviction in representing a stable home for kids to look up to which kept them together during the tough times.

I saw them go through immigrant challenges while growing up: they spoke/wrote broken English, had a tough time tutoring me on my studies because the curriculum was in a non-native language (luckily I was quite nerdy, enjoyed self study, reading by myself), cultural differences in raising your children eastern vs. western culture style.

Until I moved to a foreign country in my adulthood could I appreciate what its like to be "a fish out of the water" as a foreigner.  And still, I had the advantage of full corporate support, a top education, and resources.  My challenges as a foreigner were minute like what my parents experienced, yet was enough to teach me to appreciate the depth of their character.

"Hardship builds Character."

My inspiration to succeed is based on this story.  I work hard to honor my parents and allow them to live their dreams vicariously through me as I am a product of their life's efforts.  They missed opportunities in life because of the war, communism, having a family to raise, and providing stability to kids who needed role models to look up to.

Surround yourself with those you admire for their character, intellect, selflessness, and drive.

Stories like this are the foundation of America's Declaration of Independence and can be summed up from the direct quote -

That all men are by nature equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights, of which, when they enter into a state of society, they cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their posterity; namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.

We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Q&A - Self Confidence

Here's a question that I received via email which I would like to share with you...

------

Q

Thank you for getting back to me Natalie. It is amazing to me that you are so diversified in the fitness/modeling/photography industry. I have some modeling experience as well.

I have struggled quite a bit in the past few years. I was in an emotionally abusive relationship for 2 ∏ years and I allowed that to eat away at my confidence. I finally got out of it about 9 months ago, but have not been able to truly motivate myself to get back in the shape I used to be in. I grew up dancing and absolutely loved it. I stopped dancing a few years back though. I also love kickboxing and regular gym workouts when I’m motivated. My eating habits are also not the best. First of all, growing up I was super skinny and never had to worry about my weight. I could eat all the fatty foods in the world and not gain a pound. Now that I’m a little older, this is not the case anymore. I am also a stress eater. So, I really need help with my eating habits, because they have never been great.

My main goal is to be confident with myself. I want to be a healthy person and feel great.

I am 5’5” and about 139 lbs right now. This is the heaviest I have ever been. The last time I really felt great about my body was a few years back when I was working out hard and I got down to 125 lbs.

A

I can understand your struggle with relationship and how it impacts your life... I went through a tough breakup myself a few years back and it was the negative energy from that experience that I channeled into my fitness (otherwise would have eaten me alive!).  For myself, I said that the “greatest revenge is massive success” so that was part of the motivation to move to Europe, start a new life, and to transform my physique into a world class one. 

My mother also gave me wonderful advice during this time and that was "When you are having the worst day, put on some nice clothes, do your makeup and hair, make yourself feel beautiful, go outside and put a smile on your face. Your day will feel better." The little things you do to improve your life and how you feel makes a huge difference.

Set yourself a goal of losing 2-3 lbs a month and determine when you would reach your goal weight.  I’m 5’4, 130 lbs off season and 122lbs on season @ 16% bodyfat ( I carry a lot of muscle).  I used a 4 month goal and did weigh-ins every week to keep myself in check.  You can do it!!  Here’s a blog that I wrote on my motivation to stick to my program.

Here’s an interview that I did that is extremely comprehensive regarding my lifestyle, diet, exercise, motivation, life goals.

In addition, take a look at this site which features interviews of many normal people like you and me who are now fitness models or fitness competitors.

Best of luck, let me know if have any questions and I’m rooting for you!

Natalie

Jay Cutler 11 weeks out from the 2010 Olympia

I had the wonderful opportunity to shoot the biggest name in the Bodybuilding world while I was on holiday in Las Vegas during the 4th of July weekend.

Muscular Development athlete, 3x Mr. Olympia, IFBB Pro Jay Cutler 13 Weeks Out from Olympia (July 4 weekend @ Golds Gym Vegas). He is supported by Team Cutler, Eric Di Lauro (Mr. Canada) and Brian Glynn.

Weighing in at 290 lbs, this gentle giant shows me in 90 minutes how intense his workout are.

Multi Page Feature in Ultra Fit Magazine (UK)

Thanks to Ultra Fit Magazine for their kind feature.  I also contribute articles and photography to them as well.  I just love fitness.

(Click to enlarge)

Nike Paris Ad

Kevin Levrone and Shawn Ray Revisited

Why Revisited? Check out this video from back in the day:



Went down to Costa Mesa, CA to Club Z Gym to shoot IFBB Hall of Famer Kevin Levrone as he was getting himself into top shape as he prepares for a new movie role.  Shawn was interviewing him for Muscular Development magazine.

Kevin is working on several projects now including the Levrone Nutrition Line.

Biography
Kevin Levrone was born to an Italian father and an African American mother on the 16th of July. He is known as a pro bodybuilder, actor, singer of the band Full Blown, and blogger and fitness guru on The Levrone Report, launched in 2009.

Kevin has 22 professional IFBB wins. He's an eight-time world champion, won the Arnold Classic two times ('94 and '96), and came second at the Mr.Olympia four times over the span of a decade ('92, '95, '00 and '02). He has not officially announced his retirement.

Levrone has made a career for himself as an actor. His first film was Backlash following up with Redline and I Am.

On March 25, 2009, Levrone launched The Levrone Report blog in which he resumes his training and provides tips and philosophies on a wide range of subjects.

Sexy Eva Mendes in new Calvin Klein Ads and Italian Vogue

Eva's ads caught my eye as I was walking through a CK store in Florida during the holidays. The photography and her spirit are just outstanding.

Ava Cowan Biography & Prep

She's hardcore, love it. I also love that she's the same height as me so I can relate to her regime.

Check out her stage performance as she is getting sprayed with Jan Tana tanning solution.... And folks this is why I keep myself in shape. HOT!

Teasers from work with Milano Tog Emanuel Van Holsten

Milan, ITALY. Dec 2009

BodyBuilding.com's Wallpaper of the Week!

I'm proud to announce that I'm this week's Bodybuilding.com's Wallpaper of the Week. They are ranked as the #1 resource and supplements shop on the Internet. What an honor to be in amongst these top inspiring athletes represented on the weekly wallpapers.

2010 - Los Angeles! Working behind the Lens and Chasing Dreams

After a big whirlwind trip this past month studying photography in Paris and Milan, I'm now in Los Angeles and ready to hit the ground running in 2010. I'm making a transition in life to go "all in" and to pursue my dreams back in the States, focusing on my photography, fitness, and entrepreneur plans.

I want to take a moment to thank those for enriching my photography knowledge and giving me the cutting edge. Got to give credit when credit is due and these individuals are not only highly regarded in their field but also dear friends.

To Joel Dart, Paris fashion photographer and Professor: You gave me the opportunity to study with you in Paris for a number of days during a big multi-day beauty/hair shoot with gorgeous European models, top stylists, and makeup artists (and even jump in front of the camera a bit!). And not to mention all of the post production skills that you taught me... a million euro education in my book. But most of all, thank you for the encouragement and firm input/direction to do this right.

A video of Joel on set killing it.




To Emanuel Van Holsten, Milan Glamour King: Emanuel!! What more can I say, your camera sees me in the most explosive way. You know this business very well, having worked with some of the biggest international clients such as Playboy, Marie Claire, Wolford, etc, and I highly admire your business acumen. Thank you for all of the awesome experiences during the shoots, brainstorming over expressos at that favorite Cafe of yours, and laughs.




To Wim Vanderwegen, Belgian Advertising Photographer and Professor: You were one of the first people that I met when I moved to Belgium and I'll always cherish all of the fun times, learning, and the work that we created together. I can never stop admiring your post production skill, creativity, lighting, etc that you brilliantly demonstrate, for example in the BMW and PlayStation ads. BTW, remember those talks about getting to the States? Well guess who's in LA now. ;)



Send each of you lots of love from LA, you guys are amongst the reasons why I will always love Europe. xxx

SMD: 3 Days from the MuscleMania European Championships

MuscleMania European Championships in Milan, ITALY Oct 3-4

Been following the Scarsdale Medical diet, coupled with my fitness regime, with insane results.

Sept 7: 132 lbs
Today Sept 30: 122.8lbs

Holy Crap. My eyes bugged out when I saw that this morning, feeling like Rocky!! HA!

3 days more to go and I'm keeping up the pace til Friday as best as I can. After the Euros, I have 6 weeks for the Worlds (Fitness America Pageant) in Las Vegas where I'm going to need to come in even leaner and more muscle if possible. The girls are super competitive at this show, I'd count my blessings if I could crack top 10 there. But it will be an awesome networking opportunity prior to relocating to LA in December (about 90% certain at this point). It's my dream to go all-in with my fitness/photography/modeling - I believe in myself and I'm honestly going to give this every effort inside me to make my dreams a sustainable reality.

Part 1 of 2 TV Segment: "Natalie Minh: Life through the Lens"

Check out my part 1 of 2 TV segment on LA Muscle TV channel 281, broadcasted on Sky TV across Europe.  You can also find it on LA Muscle TV's website too.

Thank you to Rob Riches, 2009 WBFF Pro Male Model World Champion, for making this happen.  You are on top of your game, so proud of you, and looking forward to seeing you once I get out to La la Land!!

LA Muscle Sponsorship

After having recently worked with LA Muscle TV in London to film a segment covering a couple of days in my life as an international model and published photographer, the company today confirmed that I am now also a sponsored athlete.  Yippee!

It's recognition like this which keep my motivation up in this sport.  Living the competitive fitness lifestyle proves that the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices.

My Favorite Articles from Bodybuilding.com

There's 3 components to a healthy lifestyle: cardio, weights and diet.  Of these three I find that the toughest part to lock down is the nutrition.  I read these links below to help keep me motivated and focused.

Summer Six-Pack and the Importance of Nutrition by Linda Cusmano

Motivation and Fat Loss: A Nutrition Program for Summer Fun! by Ava Cowan

Bodybuilding.com's Female Transformations.  The best place to get weekly inspirational stories of how women get into the best shape of their life.

Muscle and Fitness UK Online Feature

Check me out on Muscle and Fitness UK's website!

The different Catagories within Physique/Bodybuilding Shows for Females

Physique competitions are measuring your level of muscularity, leanness (conditioning), and symmetry. Within a typical bodybuilding/physique show, there will be multiple categories that based on different severities of these measures. Here’s a breakdown of the typical categories for the females, going from most stringent physically to least:

Bodybuilding (BB).

This is typically the stuff that the general public thinks of based on what they see on TV: Big, veiny, ripped to shred chicks who are running out barefoot onto stage and busting out crab poses and baring teeth. There’s obviously a big difference in BB chicks depending on if they are natural athletes or not. Natural female BB athletes are not able to put on as much muscle as juiced chicks because you need a lot more testosterone to do that. You will usually find this class of athletes in their 30s – 50s which I think is due to muscle maturity and as we get older the skin is leaner.

Figure.

This was the evolution of female BB to be more feminized with the wearing of glammed out $1000 swimsuits, clear pageant heels, photoshoot ready hair/makeup, and posing without clenched fists. These ladies are typically what you will see as predominant fitness models on the covers of magazines and fronting fitness products. Physiques are still very tight, training is nothing short of a BBer but more focus on looking commercial.

Fitness Model.

Very similar to the Figure category but even more emphasis on having a mainstream look with a specific goal of being marketable. These ladies are more showy with model walks, themewear rounds in sportswear or costume, and points scored for personality and showmanship. A model look facially also will score points here. Abs are required.

Bikini.

This is what I called the Maxim or any men’s magazine pin up look. These ladies are in fantastic shape as well, they are lean, toned, tight but without significant muscle mass.



Bikini is usually the category that I compete in North America while in Europe I could also do Fitness Model and regional figure successfully. The Euro natural scene is a lighter aesthetic than North America; good for me, then I can eat more carbs! When I go to the States, I’m always amazed at the amount of muscle that the girls will carry… impressive yet intimidating if I’m competing against them.

Posh + Becks: Victoria and David Beckham

I adore her style and class. He is just ridiculously hot. Together, I love the photographic art that they create and it's always an inspiration for me.