Hey everyone! It's me, Rusty. It's normally my job to send these questions to MudLOVE staff, then create and promote the blog we make. This time was a little unique because I answered my own questions! So today I will be playing all the parts: interviewer and interviewed.
Let's get started! What do you wish we knew about your job?
My job is so much more than photography! Photography is just the tip of the iceberg; it's the flashiest, most exciting part. Being a Creative Director is different at every business. At MudLOVE it means I'm in the trenches daily. On any given day I'm writing a marketing email, responding to DMs, creating social media content, planning photoshoots and giveaways, filming TikToks, curating illustrations for merch, and so much more.
What makes it all worth it? Getting to know people like you who read our blog, send us messages, and love what we do. My passion is to build a community that happens to use MudLOVE as a way to love their neighbor.
If you could describe your MudLOVE superpower, what would it be?
X-Ray vision. Every time I write a blog or take a photo I try to uncover the beauty and value of my subject. Sometimes it takes some powerful rays to uncover the beauty in a story about a family's battle with cancer. It's more straightforward to reveal the beauty in a Bel Kai ring!
What that *one* thing you're really into right now?
I'm really into recapturing my Mexican heritage. As a Mexican-American I'm trying to embrace both sides of my identity. For example, I am trying to include Mexican fashion into my everyday (hello, huaraches!) and dive into what it means to be Hispanic in the Midwest.
On a less philosophical note, my first nephew is 10 months and I'm obsessed:
Ok, one last question: what's your favorite MudLOVE product?
My favorite product has always been a custom Original bracelet. Years ago I was part of the team that hand-stamped each custom bracelet. So it holds a special place in my heart. In March 2021 I was diagnosed with testicular cancer (get yourselves checked, boys!). I immediately started wearing a bracelet that said "even if" as a reminder to find hope even in the face of bad news. Thankfully I'm 6 months clear, but I still slip on my bracelet each morning.
Thanks for spending this time with me! I'd love to hear the story behind your bracelet (you can do that HERE) or, if you're looking for a job, you can apply to work with us! We're hiring production specialists at our Warsaw location. It's great, I promise!
Read our previous MudFOLK, Holly, HERE.
