To the Gatekeepers of Opportunity ,
As a creative and a photographer who has been self-employed for over a decade, I have sent out hundreds of emails in search of opportunities—responses to job postings, collaborations with magazine editors, submissions to online platforms, pitches to agents, and proposals to business owners. The list is endless, yet the outcome is strikingly consistent. Out of all those emails, only about 5% garner a response. The other 95% are met with silence.
As a creative, this silence is hard to endure. Over time, you learn to expect it; it becomes the norm. But should it? Should we simply accept being ignored as the standard for professional interaction?
Every email I send represents a piece of myself—my work, my ideas, my hopes. They’re not just messages; they’re extensions of a human being reaching out to another human being. With every email or contact with you is a hope—a hope for advancement, a hope for some compensation, and a hope to keep going. And on the other side of these exchanges are individuals who, more often than not, have likely been in my shoes. Perhaps you’ve experienced the uncertainty of seeking work, the anxiety of figuring out how to make ends meet. Perhaps you even have a child, a friend, or a colleague who’s struggling right now. If that’s the case, wouldn’t you want to offer the kind of empathy and acknowledgment you’d hope for in return?
The truth is, we’re all busy. But let’s be honest: "too busy" is often a thinly veiled excuse for indifference. Taking the time to respond—even with a simple “not at this time”—requires so little and means so much. It’s a small act of respect that validates the effort of someone who is trying, someone who is putting themselves out there.
Creatives face an uphill battle in ways many others do not. The work we produce is deeply personal, yet it’s subject to judgment, rejection, and often outright dismissal. The hustle is relentless, and the struggle is real. But what makes it infinitely harder is the lack of basic human compassion from those in positions of power. Whether you’re a magazine editor, an agent, or a business owner, you’re not a gatekeeper in some impenetrable tower. You’re human, just like us. And one day, you might find yourself on the other side of this equation, wondering if anyone will extend you the kindness of a reply.
So I’m calling for change. Let’s foster a culture of respect and empathy, starting with the simplest of acts: acknowledging those who reach out. It’s not about making promises or giving everyone a chance—it’s about recognizing the humanity behind every email, every pitch, every inquiry.
We can do better. We must do better. Because at the end of the day, what goes around comes around. And a little kindness goes a long way.
Sincerely, A Fellow Creative