We had the good fortune of connecting with Nurefsan Gokalp Gurkaynak and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nurefsan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
When I started my ‘digital prints’ business, I did not target to have a career in that area. I started this business because I love photography and I love making handmade items. At the beginning, I just wanted to share my work with people to see their reaction. Because positive reactions and reviews motivates me. However, even if I cannot get enough sales, I keep taking photos. Because this is my hobby and catching the moment makes me happy. Also, I am designing new digital signs because I love handmade items; they all are so unique. When a digital sign idea comes to my mind, I immediately start designing either to sell, or use in my home or to make a gift. All in all, this is a business, but it is not something like that I could stop doing depend on people’s approaches to my works or my monthly income. This is something that I really enjoy when I am doing it. I pursue this career to make myself happy, and hopefully my business will grow more day by day.

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.
Although, I have been selling my photos for more than 2 years, I have been taking photos since 2015. First, I was taking photos by phone unprofessionally, and then it turned into a passion. I generally take nature photos since that time, and I think beauty of nature is the first thing that encouraged me about photography. I love nature and catching the moment, and photography allows you to immortalize the moment. I have joined some events of photography clubs to learn how to take professional photos. Then I have opened a shop on Etsy through a friend’s recommendation. After I opened my Etsy shop, I have searched if there are other items that I could sell as a digital download. I was planning to add new products to my shop and reach more people. Then I have seen some people are selling digital signs, and I really liked that idea. Now I am selling both photography and signs. I always believe that if you love whatever you do in your life, it becomes a joy more than a work. And this sets you apart from the other business owners. As I said before I love nature, animals and I get excited when I catch a good photo of them. I think my excitement helps me to be successful. However, starting this business was not easy. I am a Chemical Engineer, and I had no background about photography, signs, and digital marketing. Because of that, there was a lot to learn, and still I keep learning. But of course, I love learning new things and improving myself. My desire to learn new things helps me to overcome challenges. Moreover, I do not give up if I really want to do something. I am trying to find new ways/new ideas to overcome a challenge or to improve myself for making the things better. I know, I have a lot of things to learn to be a professional photographer and designer. I will be working hard to reach my goals and to get better.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is something for everybody in Colorado. I especially love outdoor activities such as hiking, and skiing. There are a lot of ski resorts, beautiful parks, cute small towns, and great views. I would definitely take my best friend to Rocky Mountain National Park, Aspen, Breckenridge, and Boulder to show beauty of nature. If it is fall season, Aspen is the best place to visit. Fall colors of aspen trees are beautiful. Crested Butte, Telluride and many other places which has aspen trees are also look like heaven. I would love to show that beauty to my friend. Ski resorts are also worth to see if you like skiing. Mountains look pretty when it is snowing. Furthermore, I would love to show her Downtown Denver to show her how close we are to the city life and the nature. This is the most exciting thing in Colorado. You can have dinner in the middle of the city with a pretty mountain view. We are able to see skyscrapers and mountains in the same picture, and this is something that I would love to show my friends.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband definitely deserves a big credit in my story. He is always traveling with me for my photography business. And he always supports me, gives me feedback, and also gives new ideas to me which means a lot for me. Sometimes, we are waiting for hours just to take one good photo together. I appreciate his patience and support. Secondly, our little one deserves credit. He is traveling with us too. I would love to thank my baby boy for being a great company to us.

Website: https://nurdigitalprints.wixsite.com/wallartstore

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nurdigitalprints/ and https://www.instagram.com/nurdigitalphotography/

Facebook: https://bit.ly/nurdigitalprints

Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NurDigitalPrints

Image Credits
NurDigitalPrints

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