On Creativity: Me
I have "Fill up the well" scribbled in my notebook as a reminder that you've constantly got to feed that inspiration and fill the well up in order to get anything back out of it (and not have it run dry).
So, I've started asking these questions of other creative, talented, people because I love hearing about not only the journey someone took to get where they are but also about how they define happiness and success and where they draw on inspiration from.
I'm looking forward to sharing those in the coming weeks. But figured it was only fair if I answered them as well. So here goes:
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Melissa Lyttle (b. 1977), currently in Washington, DC
www.melissalyttle.com / Twitter / IG
How did you get to where you are today?
When I was a kid, I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian when I grew up. I loaded up on biology, anatomy & physiology, and upper-level math classes, but learned I needed to take an elective before getting my A.A. from a community college. The only thing that fit my schedule was a B&W photo 101 darkroom class. It did something to wake up my brain that the math and science classes weren't doing.
So I asked the guidance counselor what I could do with photography, and she replied that newspapers always needed photographers, and to do that I should get a journalism degree. UF was right down the road from me and had a good J-school, so I transferred there instead. Luckily, UF stressed the importance of internships and even required one before graduating. I did 4 and was on my way to my 5th when I got a call from a friend about a part-time staff job at the paper he was at.
I spent 15 years at newspapers and was forced into taking a buyout in 2014. I probably wouldn't have chosen to go freelance, if that decision was left up to me, but in the end, it's given me so many more opportunities, freedom, and amazing experiences than I ever could have imagined.
What makes you happy?
Travel - seeing new places, trying new food, having new experiences, and meeting new people. Travel simultaneously reminds me both of how large and how small this world is, and I love that.
Who or what inspires you?
Books have always have inspired me, especially fiction. I appreciate a great story's ability to transport me, open my eyes to new worlds, teach me new things, and make me feel.
What’s the single best thing you’ve read lately/the best documentary or movie /or an experience you’ve had that most impacted you?
I just watched the documentary My Octopus Teacher. And yeah, wow, the connection and observations and passion bordering on obsession were all such powerful reminders.
What advice would you give your younger self?
There are so many things I'd tell my younger self.
First, the practical: If you go to college for something creative, minor in business. As a freelancer, I'd say about 10% of my job is actually taking pictures (the rest of the time I'm marketing, updating my website or social media, invoicing (and tracking down unpaid invoices), registering my copyright, bidding on future projects, researching, pitching, applying for grants, and doing a bunch of other things that don't involve having a camera in my hand.
Along those lines: Start. Saving. Now. Esp. if you’re going to be a freelancer, and want to retire someday (spend less than you make, learn about a SEP and ROTH IRAs, and have a good CPA who can help you maximize your deductions).
And, lastly, and perhaps most importantly: Stop taking things so seriously. Have more fun. Travel more. Get out of your own head. And stop worrying about what others think.
How do you measure growth?
Taking risks and having them pay off.
What’s next for you?
I recently received a few grants to finish work on a project about all the Confederate monuments that have come down since George Floyd's death. So I need to finish that up. I've got about 30 more to photograph. and the exciting part comes after — figuring out how to best display them publicly to get people talking about the issues surrounding them.
What would you love to do that doesn’t involve photography?
Anything that involves traveling and eating would be right up my alley. So I'd probably love to be a food and culture writer ala Bourdain.