Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Earnest.
Jenny, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve just graduated from CalArts with a BFA, and now work as a freelance graphic designer and photographer in Los Angeles. Directly after graduating, I interned with Nike in Oregon for 3 months, and now I’m back in LA slowly pursuing my dream of #vanlife and working with and in the outdoor industry.
Has it been a smooth road?
I’m still at the very beginning of my career, but of course, there will always be struggles as a creative. Struggles to find jobs or clients, struggles to find inspiration or motivation and even struggles to have the courage to leave stability for adventure.
What role has luck had in your life and career?
I think we can constantly thank or blame luck in life, or we can focus on our dreams and how to get there. There will always be obstacles put in our way that seems unfair or even unjust, and there will also be times we feel we got a boost from Lady Luck. But ultimately I don’t think it’s wise to spend much time thinking we are lucky or unlucky. If I’ve learned anything from college and my young career, a lot of how you do in life depends on how you do as a person. Do you make an extra effort to be kind to everyone you meet? Do you take time to reflect and evaluate your life and happiness and make the necessary changes? Do your biggest goals in life revolve around something that will undoubtedly cause you grief like becoming rich or famous? At the end of the day, I don’t think luck is relevant.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Perseverance! It is difficult to make a full-time living as a freelancer, and there is certainly a temptation to give up some days and throw in the towel. But if you know you have something of value to offer other people, you have to constantly remind yourself of that. It’s very important to have true self-worth, and take care of yourself. Sometimes that means taking a break, but most of the time it means you owe it to yourself to pursue your dreams as challenging as they might be.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
There are so many things to love about sunny SoCal! Besides the amazing weather 24/7, I love the diversity. I’ve traveled and lived in a variety of states (and even one foreign country) and with the exception of New York, I’ve never seen a melting pot like ours.
I honestly can’t complain because we live in an amazing city. But if there were one thing to dislike, it might be that we are all moving too fast. We have road rage and we trample flowers instead of stopping to smell them. I think life in our city would be a lot better if we just slowed down and gave each other the time of day and a smile.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://jennyearnest.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyearnest/
