What Being an Intentional Traveler & Creator Means w/ Erin Sullivan @erinoutdoors

09/30/20 • 55 min

Erin Sullivan is a travel photographer and writer specifically focused on sharing culture, wildlife, and the outdoors through the lens of social responsibility. Not only is she a TED speaker, but she’s worked with brands including Adobe, Sony, and many more. Erin has recently created a viral image series called the Great indoors, where she recreated epic outdoor scenery with common household items.

In this episode, Erin and I talk about how she became a travel photographer, taught herself photography, and began landing deals with some of the largest brands and tourism boards in the world. We talk about getting past burnout, what being a responsible creator and traveler means, and the importance of taking time to really enjoy a destination (without your camera) and how that allows us to share better stories and actually enjoy traveling.

We also have a super honest and open conversation about our opinions on whether people with public platforms have a responsibility to share their perspectives on social issues and political topics and discuss the future of travel. Don’t miss this amazing episode!

[5:00] From leading outdoor adventure trips to becoming a professional photographer

[14:13] Why intentional storytelling can make you a great photographer

[18:10] Practicing and refining your work over time to improve your craft

[31:24] What it means to be a responsible traveler and creator

[37:27] Finding balance when traveling and creating to avoid burnout

[44:34] Using our platforms and our privilege to speak up on things that matter in this world

[50:24] The future of travel after COVID

To connect with Erin:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinoutdoors/

Website: https://erinoutdoors.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/erinoutdoors

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@erinoutdoors

TED talk: https://www.ted.com/speakers/erin_sullivan

Print Store: https://prints.erinoutdoors.com/

**Get 15% off Erin’s Prints using code: CHRISTINA2020

[5:00] From leading outdoor adventure trips to becoming a professional photographer

[14:13] Why intentional storytelling can make you a great photographer

[18:10] Practicing and refining your work over time to improve your craft

[31:24] What it means to be a responsible traveler and creator

[37:27] Finding balance when traveling and creating to avoid burnout

[44:34] Using our platforms and our privilege to speak up on things that matter in this world

[50:24] The future of travel after COVID

To connect with Erin:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinoutdoors/

Website: https://erinoutdoors.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/erinoutdoors

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@erinoutdoors

TED talk: https://www.ted.com/speakers/erin_sullivan

Print Store: https://prints.erinoutdoors.com/

**Get 15% off Erin’s Prints using code: CHRISTINA2020

Previous Episode

Cubicle to the World: How to Become a Full-Time Traveler w/ Ciara Johnson

Ciara Johnson is a solo female travel blogger, full-time content creator, occasional freelance writer, and founder of Hey Ciara, a travel blog that empowers women to seek meaningful experiences through travel. Since quitting corporate HR back in 2017, Ciara has been solo-traveling the world and works with well-known brands like Airbnb, Bumble, Chase Bank, Toyota, and more, and has been featured in Forbes and Conde Nast Traveler.

In this episode, Ciara and I talk about making the leap from a 9-5 into a full-time traveler, her blogging and branding journey, making money remotely and how she pursued an alternative lifestyle she loves. We discuss why the road to getting where you want to go is not always linear or straightforward and why traveling is the best investment you can make for yourself.

[4:40] Ciara’s travel journey: from the beginning to today

[10:10] Why becoming a full-time travel blogger isn’t easy or quick

[12:43] Resisting the status quo and shaping a lifestyle around travel

[24:00] Why some things you do are a means to a greater goal

[29:25] How quitting your current situation can clear space for more opportunities

[34:44] Prioritizing content creation during her travels and what that looks like

[40:38] Tips on finding self-awareness through solo traveling

[53:54] Responsibly traveling during Covid: Ciara’s mindful approach moving forward

To connect with Ciara:

Website: https://www.heyciara.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hey_ciara/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hey_ciara

Next Episode

How Ally Pintucci Pivoted Her Influencer Biz During COVID

Ally Pintucci is a photographer, brand expert and founder of Agency-ish. After working in the old school agency world, she decided it was not for her and she created her version of an agency!

In this episode, we have an honest conversation about what it feels like to run an influencer business. Ally opens up about her feelings about where the influencer world is heading and how to pivot to work within your purpose.

[7:57] Self Sabotage and "Enoughness" in The Online Space

[13:14] Learning to Enjoy Social Media Again

[19:30] The Move From Curated Feeds to Casual Videos

[24:06] How Ally Created Agency-ish

I am so excited to announce this week's giveaway! This week we are giving away a 30 minute coaching call to two lucky winners. To enter:

Subscribe to Her Life By Design in Apple Podcasts

Follow @herlifebydesignpodcast on Instagram

Leave a review of Her Life By Design in Apple Podcasts be sure to include your IG handle)

To connect with Ally:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allypintucci/

Agency-ish: https://www.agency-ish.ca/

To connect with Christina: