17 Comments
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Paul Jenkin's avatar

An interesting post, Lucy.

Multiple income streams looks like an absolute necessity for photographers. I'm not sure if you're familiar with Scott Choucino / Tin House Studio. He's a product photographer working with a number of 'blue chip' brands in the UK and has a website. Here's a link: https://www.youtube.com/@TinHouseStudioUK/videos

His advice on this topic is definitely worth checking out.

Lucy Lumen's avatar

I actually interviewed Scott on my YouTube channel a few years back and it was such an interesting chat! He is a wealth of knowledge and so honest too - love it!

Samuel Fenstermacher's avatar

I'm so glad you still don’t know what I’m doing, and still show up and share. And that is okay! Thank you for everything in 2025.

Lucy Lumen's avatar

So glad this resonated with you an haha yes we are all just figuring it out as we go along!

Raphael Atlantis's avatar

Thank you for sharing your input avot creativity. When you have creative passions, social media makes it difficult to share them, but some timeshare are ways to have multiple passions, and harmonize with them creatively.

Lucy Lumen's avatar

Thanks for reading lovely!

Fred Nelson's avatar

I love your kind and thoughtful words and advice

Lucy Lumen's avatar

Thank you for your kind words and support this year Fred!

Steve Young's avatar

Thanks for the inspiration!! I am new to the platform and perhaps I have been looking to write the perfect newsletter as my first post. Perhaps I should just “jump in the pool” and get on with it. Perhaps commit to having it out this weekend. 😉

Lucy Lumen's avatar

Yes just jump in and get it done Steve! Glad this could be motivating for you :)

Nacho Dramis's avatar

It's nice to see so many creators feeling the same way about social media and the internet in general... I like the idea of doing it the way I feel like so it adapts to me, not permanently chase the rabbit of what has to be done and how it should be done.

Great post, looking forward to the income streams details one!

Lucy Lumen's avatar

Do what feels right for you and it will be more sustainable. Excited to share the income streams details with you all and thanks for reading :)

Jamie Gregory's avatar

I loved this point: “One interest or hobby doesn’t totally define you as a person.” I’ve always bounced around between a wide range of creative hobbies, special interests, and side hustles. I’m actually trying to overcome some negative self-talk (i.e., feeling like I was too scattered or frivolous with hobbies) and embrace the fact that I’m happiest when I allow myself to dabble in a variety of creative endeavors. I’m considering starting a Substack of my own but I’m struggling to understand what my “niche” or theme should be. Any advice? For context: I’m a former teacher and marketer but I’m currently a stay-at-home mom who enjoys drawing, knitting, sewing, reading, and fiction writing. I also have an Etsy shop where I sell products made with my artwork (clipart, bookmarks, stickers, printables, SVGs, etc). So I definitely feel like I don’t fit neatly into one “box” or niche. Maybe my Substack could be about the importance of exploring and embracing creativity, hobbies, and self-expression for moms since it’s easy to feel like we’ve lost our identity in the midst of motherhood? 🤔

Akintunde Brown's avatar

Really appreciate your honesty Lucy, especially the reality of maintaining multiple income streams.

River Romney's avatar

I very much appreciate you sharing the messy bits and process - you're right, it often is not brought to light when we perceive what others are doing / their circumstances.

Valeria Savino's avatar

Thanks for sharing! I feel it's tough to do everything—staying inspired and consistent when you don't see the money coming your way. I hope to get better at sharing more in 2026 and finding other income streams to balance it all.

Marc Roberts's avatar

No idea what I’m doing and having a blast