The Skills to Pay the Bills

I am so glad that I connected to Gabrielle Steberis on the Facebook group Artists 4 Artists. A follow for follow on Instagram has grown into a mutual support system. Speaking on support, please be advised on just how far it can go when embarking on a journey that entails being bold when you are shy, and battling body dysmorphia when your work depends on your body being an expressive instrument.

Gabrielle has mentioned how her support system is a major factor in her decision making. She considers them when it comes to the more courageous risqué type photography she shoots and ponders on publishing. Upon introducing myself I told her I loved her butt (although I only seen it from the side), but we wouldn't say that doesn't count if we're talking about breasts right? The "side boob" has become infamous over time, so why not give the same attention to the "side butt"? These camera angle and lighting tricks need more credit than they deserve! Her response was modest, and revealed her shyness combined with her great respect for her support system when saying she no longer took full butt-cheek booty shots. I respected her process, and despite how busy I got, I kept an eye on her account. Now I'm looking into how to set notifications on her post because just the other day it happened. Gabrielle revealed her butt-cheeks in a creative black & white video which included her reciting poetry over music. Sometimes it takes time for all the components to align, and then when one is ready - BOOM - a talent cracks the internet!

There's talent, and then there's professionalism. I personally value when career pavers invest in education to add onto their resume. The enhancement can be seen a great deal through work ethic application, and such is the case with Gabrielle. Her schooling in photography kicks ass! She photos herself, which in my opinion is ahead of the curve. I recall giving models the option to work some jobs remotely for me a few years ago, and was sometimes met with resentment for considering such a thing. That in-person photographs were the only genuine way to make art between the photographer and model. Mind you I was inspired from studying "lean producing" in college at the time, so I was just applying what I learned, but fast-forward into a me-too movement, and a pandemic most did not see coming, and it makes perfect sense now. Some of Gabrielles shots are so good, that freelance photographers may have to lower their prices considerably. When scrolling through her Instagram account you will see uniqueness through signature sunflowers posted to remind one of beauty (from my perspective), but you also see pain, mixed with passion, and joy throughout it all.  

I find Gabrielle important to the industry as a leader and encourager for female body confidence because as I was just explaining to a guy friend, you think women don't have their version of beauty - personally, then the societal expectancy? They do! And if they are kept to a standard while not being able to express their version of who they are, they risk being seen for what they are not even more. Her authentic visuals mixed with education and professionalism hopefully encourages the next entrepreneur to take advantage of the new streams of digital currency available in the world. Just after uploading only 3 tasteful nudes in her Etsy store she made a sale! With her wide audience in the US, and the continuing of producing quality products I see her salesmanship taking off. Yes it's still early on in regards to her being comfortable enough to publish more risqué material; however, we've talked, and let me just tell you now. If you see glimpses of what she recently stored in her archive and is contemplating about you'd be on the edge of your seat the same as I am. If you hurry you will be able to catch a preview to what "could be" in her Instagram stories which is creating endorphins whenever her profile circle is lit up. Be mindful, support goes a long way.