We recently had the chance to connect with Christina Staggs and have shared our conversation below.
Christina, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’m always devoting my time to my hobbies, both new and established. Lately I’ve picked up tattooing, and I’m really enjoying experimenting with new techniques and learning a new style of art!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Christina, and I’m a music photographer and graphic designer based in Austin, TX. I have a primary focus on brand design for small businesses and creators, but I also have a background in motion design and film production! I’m currently working on building a brand with some of my closest creative partners to provide businesses with all their creative marketing needs – brand design, videography, brand photography and more!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Almost a year ago I was laid off from my full time job as a designer. The aftermath of that was difficult to say the least, but it has allowed me to find myself again and revisit the goals I have for my creative aspirations. I learned a lot from my previous job, but I am grateful to be able to move forward from the person I was at that point in my life. I’ve since dedicated my time to learning new skills and strengthening existing skills, while also exploring this new chapter of my life and career.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
The last year has come with several difficulties in regards to my career and my personal life – it really felt like everything was falling apart around me at all times. The biggest take away from these challenges I’ve faced is that life has no one clear and easy path. I truly believe that my pain and failures have strengthened me and pushed me into directions I don’t believe I would have ever taken before. They’ve taught me that failing doesn’t equate to being a failure as a person, and that sometimes we just need to course-correct.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I certainly believe that the public version of me is very much a part of the real me. There are definitely moments that are kept private that I believe I deserve to have kept to myself, but I would say that the public representation of myself aligns with who I truly am. I’ve never shied away from acting on what I think is right and I’m not afraid to voice my opinions publicly. The public version of me is very committed to being the best artist I can be, and that absolutely aligns with who I truly am.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’ve gone down a path in my life that’s purely led by what I want to do. I did not come from a family of professional creatives, and I faced a lot of resistance from many people in my life when I decided to pursue a career in a creative industry. I’ve spent a lot of my adult life deconstructing some of the ideas I was raised to believe – that you stick with one job, climb the ladder, and follow a predetermined path until you become “successful.” I believe that there are still many people that don’t understand my path – and some days I don’t understand my own path either. But I do know that I could never force myself into a life I don’t want, so I definitely believe I’m in the process of finding the person I was born to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.christinastaggs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotby.christina
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinanicolestaggs
Image Credits
Christina Staggs
