Today we’d like to introduce you to Alli Phillips.
Alli, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I originally worked for a non-profit as a coordinator. I had two friends who were photographers and they documented our trips and work and I loved having memories that lasted a lifetime. After my time at the non-profit, all of my friends went our separate ways to different jobs and places and I missed having our lives captured through pictures. I decided to pick up a camera just to start documenting life. Little did I know it would become a huge passion of mine. At this point in my life, I had dropped out of college twice due to lack of vision. I was looking to start a career that would allow me to travel and still interact with people. I knew I wanted to work doing something I was passionate about that was creative. So, in order to develop my skills, I decided to give college another try. I applied to San Diego State and was accepted into their multimedia program, which was basically photography and motion graphics, as well as other elective art classes. For my art electives, I started taking graphic design classes. I quickly discovered how well design and photography paired together and how the ability to be creative and problem solve was increased. I ended up switching my major and Graduating with a degree in Graphic Design. I had never taken an art or drawing class until college and needless to say I had my work cut out for me. I paid for school working at a restaurant and worked tirelessly on homework and to increase my skills as an artist. All the hard work finally paid off when I graduated. However, upon completion of my degree when I applied for jobs everyone wanted a person with experience. Slightly disheartened, I decided the only thing do would be to start my own business to gain the needed experience. Two years later, I am still working for myself and loving every minute of it. I get to work with clients on a one on one basis tailoring my skills to their needs. I use both photography and design with almost all my clients, which allows me to be really involved from start to finish.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I don’t know if any roads are ever smooth, but if you want something bad enough you can make it happen. I was financially independent working for a non-profit before deciding to go to school, which meant I was broke. In order to pursue my career, I needed to make some serious sacrifices. I chose to go to a state school to help with tuition and I worked full time during college at a restaurant. This meant a lot of late nights either working or catching up on school, working every weekend, and not having much of a social life. However, I wouldn’t change it for the world. The hard work eventually paid off and I was able to develop the skills I needed to start a career that I love. The advice I would give other women is to put in the hard work and make the sacrifices now so that you can reap the reward later. A book that really encouraged me during this time was “Grit” by Angela Duckworth. It talks about perseverance and the long-term effects of pushing through things that are hard.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Alli Phillips design and photo story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a Graphic Designer and Photographer. I specialize in helping brand and build small businesses. I usually work with a client to develop their branding and then build their website and take their photos. I have done everything from working with a small lotion company to build their brand, packaging, and sell their product to what I am currently working on which is a boutique Ranch Hotel where I have rebranded them, built their website, and take their photos.
As a passion project on the side, I also love taking pictures of women who are dedicated to their craft, I am doing a photo series right now on my Instagram highlighting women who are passionate about a specific craft. I have everything from roller skaters, to cowgirls, to surfers. Something that sets me apart is my love for adventure and my willingness to capture it through my lens. I love taking underwater photos, especially of surfing.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
I am very inspired by women who are doing what they are passionate about and willing to do the hard work to make it happen. I already mentioned Angela Duckworth who wrote the book grit. I was inspired by her research on grit and the positive effects of it in our lives as humans. I am also inspired by Brene Brown, another author, who talks about vulnerability and authenticity. There are so many amazing women doing so many great things but I have to say my mom and my sister are two of the strongest, kindest women in my life and I aspire to be like them. Finding the balance of strong and kind is always a challenge for women in the workplace and watching my family do it so gracefully has been a huge inspiration to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: alliphillips.com
- Phone: 760-914-2017
- Email: alliphillips@gmail.com
- Instagram: @alli_photo
Image Credit:
Alli Phillips, Brett Winfield, Charlotte Wyatt
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
