Meet Allison Sherman of Allison Carol in Scottsdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Sherman.

Allison, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m a very creative person and love to dip my toes in many different things. I’m a photographer, graphic designer, and blogger. I photograph anything from fashion to lifestyle to couples to families, etc. As for blogging and content creation, I talk about veganism, living a sustainable lifestyle, ethical fashion, and traveling. I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in something creative but when I went to college at Arizona State University, what I wanted wasn’t exactly offered and I was also trying to figure out still what I wanted to do! In four years, I earned bachelor’s degrees in both industrial design and design management, with a minor in sustainability in 2016. I worked for about a year and a half out of college as an employee and then decided to take a leap and try the freelance path. I’ve had ups and downs and it’s been a struggle to have enough clients and quality clients sometimes, but it’s been a whirlwind of excitement and I wouldn’t trade it for any other job!

Has it been a smooth road?
Like all things in life, there will be ups and downs; the same thing goes for being self-employed and a business owner. One of the biggest challenges has been learning all the other “non-creative”, financial aspects of running a business–after all, while I want to do what I love, I also need to be able to pay my bills. I did not enter the business world with a business background at all, so It has taken time to develop more confidence in marketing, pricing services, billing and collection. I’ve had to learn how to properly price the services I provide and be confident in selling my services and product to potential and returning clients. There is always something new to learn and more to do than there is time in a day. Finding “balance” is also important, as well as knowing when to take a break with loved ones, or get a quick change of scenery for a fresh perspective!

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I have three different sub sections under Allison Carol. 1. Allison Carol is focused on eco, ethical, vegan fashion, lifestyle, and travel. 2. Allison Carol Creatives is the general creative services branch where I offer photography, graphic design, and other creative services. This is more focused on photography for businesses (fashion, lifestyle, etc.). 3. Allison Carol Photo I started after Allison Carol Creatives but is more focused on photography for couples, families, elopements, babies, etc. I had to break up my photography niches in two as I felt it was a bit conflicting for clients to see a styled fashion shoot and then a newborn photo. Clients are looking for specific niches when hiring and I’ve found it’s better for business.

I’m proud that I build this business myself. I don’t have employees or interns, I’m the sole owner and operator. Perhaps as I grow, I may need some more help but for now, I’m good with it just being me.

I think my style, personality, and character set me apart from other creators. I also do a few different things and I’m not just set on only graphic design or only fashion photography, so often times clients will hire me for multiple things, (ex. taking their brand photos, doing their logo/brand guidelines, and setting up their website).

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the beautiful scenery that surrounds the Phoenix area. I didn’t appreciate it enough when I was younger, but now that I’m older and am always seeking out new photography spots to take clients I appreciate it more and more! As for dislikes, I don’t really have many other than that I feel like my whole body is melting four to five months out of the year haha.

Contact Info:

• Website: allisoncarol.com
• Phone: 4804527082
• Email: allisoncsherman4@gmail.com
• Other: @allisoncarolcreatives – Fashion, Lifestyle, Portrait Photography Account
  @allisoncarolphoto – Wedding, Elopement, Couples, Newborn, Family, Maternity Photography Account
  @theadventuresofaandz – Couples Travel Account

Image Credit:
Tanie Sherman, Scott Sherman, Deanna Sherman, Ayla Sherman, Nathan Sherman, Hannah Stacey, Leah Stacey, Taylor Brady, Rachel Adams, Shea Baehr, Mija Maslar, Landon Gagner, Kristin Travis, Daniel Jackson,

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