We had the good fortune of connecting with Juan Valdes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Juan, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
As minuscule as this may sound, throwing myself out there and putting myself in uncomfortable situations and positions was and still is the most important decision I have to constantly keep making. Growing up I was raised in a household where hard work is appraised and if you’re not being praised it means you’re not working hard enough, So going into a career where I have to put myself out there and introduce my work to new eyes was VERY difficult and a very new experience. I always thought about it like “My good work will bring jobs” when 60% of the time that’s really not the case, you have to talk to people about your work, email people, and show what you’re about instead of waiting for them to come to you.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In terms of the art, I guess it’s pretty common when people say they grab a snip here and there from the artists, in this case photographers, they like. It was and is a tough road, constantly thinking of new things to create, constantly trying to stay active in the field.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Weekday trip itinerary: Monday: beginning of the week everyone is at work or going too, that’s when you hit up the swim spots or the hiking locations in the AM to early PM. After that go to a chill brunch spot (ex. Paper Boy or Snooze) for some mimosas.

Tuesday: Take a short trip out see the nice smaller towns around ATX. Get out of the city, experience something chill.
(ex. Fredericksburg or Dripping Springs) spend the day in those towns check out some local brewery’s and restaurants have a good chill time out there.

Wednesday: back in town middle of the week people are starting to go out. You?
You go out too because we’re not going to be locked in. You go check out Deep Eddy pool, Barton Springs pool, etc. it’s the middle of the week still not as many people out so you’ll still avoid the weekend crowds(AND kids) *wink wink*

Thursday: we’re back out in town only this time we’re checking out Deep Eddy’s Vodka Distillery. It’s a family friendly park with alcohol for the parents and or young adults. With an open park for kiddos and lounge spots for the adults to chill inside or out.

Friday: End the week off with a nice dinner at a chill/ nice restaurant (ex. True Food, Culinary Dropout, etc.) or some drinks at a rooftop bar(ex. P6, Zanzibar, etc.) and end the night with some live music or more drinks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Anyone and EVERYONE that has been through the thick and thin of my path. From the barista, I’ve yet to see again, that gave me advice from her experience to my photo mentor I had right out of college to my family and best friends.
All I have done and have yet to do is thanks to everyone that’s been by my side helping me, guiding me and being the support I need.

Website: https://www.juanjvaldes.com/

Instagram: @juanj.valdes

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-valdes-5222011a1

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