People love to make assumptions about what your job or business is like. But often the reality is completely different. Every business has a story outsiders don’t fully grasp—the unseen effort, the misconceptions, the truths behind the polished surface. We asked some folks we admire to share what they wish people understood about their work—and the responses might surprise you.
James Ferrell
I think what’s most misunderstood about what I do — both with my surf photography and with Cultivated Productions — is that people often just see the highlight reel. They see the travel, the ocean, the perfect waves, or the polished final videos, and assume it’s all adventure and creativity. But what they don’t see is the grind that actually makes all that possible. Read more >>>
Neda Davarpanah
Everyone knows TV and film are team sports. But in our hyper-individualistic economy, it’s easy to lose sight of how collaborative the entertainment industry is. I’m a writer, actor, and producer. Read more >>>
Jorge Arenas
I think a lot of people have the impression that writing music (or any other creative endeavor) starts with a spark of inspiration, an idea that just comes into you effortlessly and unannounced, and that you follow until completion. In my personal experience that only happens about 10% of the time. Read more >>>
Allison Eagan
I think that people misunderstand how we run SoCal Wienerfest. SoCal Wienerfest is a volunteer run event and the only money we make from it goes directly into hosting the next event. Each of us have fun time jobs and do these events on our own free time. I hope people appreciate the work that goes into it. Read more >>>
Diana Farrell
People assume my job is indulging a grand vision. In truth, it’s creative constraint—turning budgets, schedules, venues, donor demands, and human limits into something that looks effortless. After enough time in the wings, you learn elegance is engineered, not wished into being. If I’ve done it right, the seams disappear, the audience feels magic, and I go home proud. The methods? Read more >>>
