Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly Hickey.
Molly, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I studied film production at DePaul University and quickly fell into art department on sets. From there, I split my time between class and freelance film work as a production designer/art director/set dresser. I started in short films which led to commercials, music videos, features, etc.
Being around the film community, you meet a lot of photographers and it’s very easy to fall into the hobby yourself. I bought my first camera a couple years ago and completely fell in love with it and the process. I started taking photography freelance work in addition to my art department gigs. I’ve found that I am much more passionate about photography, specifically travel photography. I travel as often as I can now and actively try to get work that allows me to do so.
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?
Working as a freelancer definitely has its obvious challenges. It can be scary not knowing when or where my next paycheck will come from. That being said, there are far more reasons I’m attracted to the freelance lifestyle. As someone who does love to travel (and prioritizes income accordingly), it’s easy to work with my flexible schedule.
Freelance can also be incredibly anxiety-inducing for a lot of us for other reasons. Imagine starting a new job several times a week. As stressful as that can be, it allows me to meet new creative people all the time and have a very unique “no day is even a little bit the same” work life which I love.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Freelancer – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I work as a production designer/art director/set dresser within the film industry. Basically, that means I work to create the physical “world” of the film, or whatever the project may be. There are so many roles within art department that come together under the production designer to make it all come together, and I play many of those roles on different sets. I work as anything from actually designing and making a director’s vision come to life from day one to building sets, to dressing sets, to managing props.
As a photographer, I focus on travel work. Primarily with brands and tourism accounts looking to promote. I also shoot fashion, lifestyle, portrait (couples, solo), event, and product branding. My photography work primarily has a “moody” style although I work alongside my client to find the style they want.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
In the future, I hope to travel more for work and focus more on my photography. I am also very passionate about advocating for social justice issues and the empowerment of women. My basic plan is to combine my love of photography with my love of defending and advocating for human rights.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mollyannhickey.com
- Phone: 708-269-6753
- Email: mollyhickey26@gmail.com
- Instagram: @mollhickey
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