What is Filthy Mouth Creative in one sentence? 

A full concept, original content creating company.

There are a lot of people who say they are “creative directors,” but most people don’t actually know what that job entails. Can you explain what your duties are as a creative producer?  

Well, I’m kind of a one-stop shop. On most jobs, I am photographer & creative director and even sometimes stylist. I believe that the photography and creative direction go hand-in-hand. A brand may present me with a concept, but it’s my job to make that concept unique and really bring it to life. I direct the entire time I’m shooting. I never stop: “Move here, move there, move that prop, move that leg, close your mouth, open your mouth, ew, thats gross, let’s change outfits…” It goes mostly like that.

If you dig a little deeper into the process, I’d also add in that the normal process begins with creating a mood board based on what I believe the client wants and how that mood fits the product we are shooting. I do this from weeks and days before so I can really begin to imagine the shoot and all the shots I want. That helps me to be very clear day of.

What was your path to Filthy Mouth Creative? How did you decide it’s what you wanted to commit your career to?  

I found myself as a full-time photographer about 3 years ago. In my early 20’s, I founded a clothing company called Filthy Mouth Clothing. I made every garment myself. I used mostly vintage or deadstock fabrics. I had a nice little business for myself.

I began searching for photographers to create content for my website and quickly realized I needed full control. Giving a hired photographer some direction wasn’t working, they weren’t able to capture exactly what I wanted. So I picked up my own 35mm camera that had been in my closet since 1998 that was a gift from my dad.

I never used it but once in a photography class in high school. I began using it regularly and I loved it. Quickly that love grew into an obsession and fast forward to now. Within just a few months I was approached by brands to shoot content for them and the rest is history.

You have a very distinct aesthetic. What is it inspired by?

Well, thank you! I am inspired by pop culture, music, mostly the 70’s-90’s.

What is the most difficult part about being a creative producer? 

It’s just an all-around fucking fantastic job, but that’s a good day. I guess the most difficult is when a brand hires me, and then they want to tell me exactly what to do every inch of the way instead of letting me do what I do which is create a vibe and a mood and killer content. It can be confusing and frustrating sometimes because I figure that’s what they hired me for, right? To do what I do? Either way, I can’t really complain.

And the most rewarding? 

Getting the film back! I love picking up my film from the processor and seeing all the magic in photos. I love the nostalgia of film, the mystery, the color. Its fantastic.

Can you talk about a dream job you were hired for and what it felt like to be on that set? 

Hmmm, dream job. Well, I really like pretty much all the jobs I’ve had to be honest, but what sticks out most in my head at the moment is my current working relationship with Wrangler Europe. I have done two campaign shoots for them recently, and we are about to do the third. They are so fun to work with, they give great direction and references, and then really let me fly with my own ideas on set. It’s dreamy. Plus, as a girl growing up in Bend, Oregon, Wrangler was a huge staple brand in my community. The fact that I get to shoot rad content for them is amazing. They have really rebranded and made themselves so current, I’m obsessed.

Do you have any advice for people who aspire to ditch the 9-5 lifestyle for a creative career? 

Listen, there ain’t nothing wrong with a job of any kind. Money gives you freedom and pays the bills, but if your dying to take that leap from your real job to your dream job I say do it, or at least do it part-time. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Most people make the mistake of thinking they have some great idea, or want to start their own business, but most don’t anticipate all the costs, that is where they go wrong. I say do the real job, meanwhile, work on the creative career until it’s  a point of success where you are able to make the jump. Creative is great, but you have to prepare for the ups and downs. Some weeks or months can be slower, so you have to be prepared. You can’t just be out balling all the time like Floyd Mayweather.