Work Friends Member Spotlight: Anderson
Last year, when I floated the idea of Work Friends’ forthcoming existence on LinkedIn, Anderson was one of the first people to express interest in joining and, shortly after, became a founding member when this community officially launched. That is to say: he’s been around since the very beginning—holding down the fort as our resident, multi-faceted photographer/producer/creator—and has helped shape the community into what it is today. So now, it’s time to shine a light on Anderson and his brilliant, creative mind.
Anderson
Photographer, Producer, & Content Creator
“For me success has become a value scale. Before I lock in a project, I always ask myself: is it adding value to my book, to my soul, to my wallet?”
What’s your background and specialty?
I got my start creating multimedia artwork. I was also a musician—so always a creative! [Laughs] After a brief stint in the tech-marketing world, I found myself in luxury photography and producing commercial shoots, which is still what I find myself doing the most of these days. Recently I’ve been pivoting more and more into social-centric work, and building out separate social-first activations on my sets.
How/why did you choose beauty as your niche?
Like many things in life, it just happened. When I started off my career (in Europe) I was mostly shooting fashion. But as soon as I moved to New York I was—what feels like immediately—hired as a producer by an agency I met at Milk (RIP). Agency clientele was heavily beauty-driven: Fenty, RoC, L’Oréal, Kiehl’s, Erborian, CoverGirl—you name it, I was producing it. The space quickly became very familiar to me, and so it wasn’t a surprise that a majority of my photography work also began to revolve around personal care products.
What’s something unexpected you’ve learned about yourself through freelancing or consulting?
Freelancing has really tested my duality. I am always going back and forth between identifying more as an artist and businessperson.
As an artist you realise how every moment—every heartbreak, every euphoria, every messy night out—shapes how and with what perspective you create. You can’t separate that from your work. But as a businessperson, there are certain rules you have to follow and commitments you have to make to yourself. I’m always grateful for my intense production background and how it has bolstered my prowess as a photographer.
Now, if you’re coming from a typical corporate job to freelance, maybe it isn’t so dichotomous as what I described as being an artist, but the same themes are true. Freelancing tests you yourself as a person: there’s no safety net.
Scary, I know, but that’s also where you find freedom.
What’s a pivotal moment in your career that shaped where you are today?
Probably when I formally started going by my surname, Anderson. From a branding POV it wasn’t too heavy of a lift—I just lobbed off the “S” at the front of my logo. It was more pivotal psychologically in defining the relationship that I myself have with my art, and the public. And like all good origin stories, this one happened one summer afternoon in the garden of the Chateau, but you’ll have to come back later for that story…
If you could snap your fingers and instantly master any new skill, what would it be and why?
I have always wanted to learn how to write code (I was into math growing up, so it makes sense). Actually, just this morning I looked in the mirror and thought “Wow, this outfit is so web-dev coded—but make it fashion!” [Chuckles]. There are a lot of very particular ideas for my website/portfolio that I would love to bring to life.
How do you stay creative and avoid burnout, especially when juggling multiple projects?
No alarms, and no calls before 10… if possible. Being an artist sometimes, “work” means going to a party, mingling, and having one too many Negronis. That said, when I’m busy, I’M BUSY, so discipline is very important. I make sure to give the same attention to work as I do to myself. They are the same thing. That means prioritising health and wellness, sleep and exercise even during my busiest period.
What’s been your favorite freelance project to date?
I’m working on something fantastic right now that will be a big step in my career, both in terms of prestige, and personal sentiment. It should be out in the next couple of months!
Who’s your dream client?
Easy—any luxury fragrance. It is a subsection of the market I have been wanting to break into. For me it is one of the last parts of advertising that allows you to unashamedly play with surreal themes, and dream. Who doesn’t want to see a shirtless Adam Driver running down the perfect moody beach with a horse, only to transform into a centaur?
How do you define success in your career? Has that evolved or changed over the years?
For me success has become a value scale. Before I lock in a project, I always ask myself: is it adding value to my book, to my soul, to my wallet? At the end of the day, is it bringing me more freedom, or is it going to weigh me down? All of these aspects are totally valid!
What have you gained from being a part of Work Friends?
The community is so important. A lot of the members I might not come in contact with during my day-to-day, like copywriters and strategists for example. It’s great to get that other perspective of the industry.
What’s your most-repurchased beauty item?
Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer. My under-eye bags are nothing if not designer.
Get in touch with Anderson
It's fun to be Work Friends
〰️
It's fun to be Work Friends 〰️
If you’re interested in joining Work Friends, you can find more information here. And if you’d like an introduction to Anderson or any member of the Work Friends community, send me a note.