Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellie Lafferty.
Hi Ellie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Ahh, this is always so hard to answer for some reason. Basically, I went out to sea on a scientific research vessel, made a few short films, and then got hired onto a video marketing team at Oregon State University. I worked there for about three years (so fun), fell off an electric motorcycle (not fun), and ended up breaking my neck and becoming severely concussed.
During that time, I became completely obsessed with the show Severance and realized I needed to quit my job. I turned in my two weeks’ notice and went fully freelance.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been absolutely perfect. Kidding. Of course.
I’m honestly still struggling with figuring out what job, project, or thing will make me “happy.” But breaking my neck last year and being forced to slow down made me realize that working eight hours a day, Monday through Friday, wasn’t working for me anymore. I wanted freedom. I wanted to travel. And I wanted more time.
I guess it’s helpful to figure out what’s really important to you and realize that, in order to get that thing, you’ll always have to sacrifice something else.
Being freelance has its advantages, for sure. From the outside, it could look like the dream life: camping all summer, traveling, complete freedom over your time. But what people don’t see is how isolating it can be. That security blanket of your 9-to-5 isn’t there anymore.
It’s stressful. It’s uncertain.
I miss having coworkers, routine, and the familiarity of knowing what the day holds. With freelancing, it’s entirely self-motivated. It’s really you against you.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
It’s so weird to even think of my work as a business. It’s still fairly new that I’ve switched over to freelancing. I typically make videos for scientists, usually involving the ocean in some way, shape, or form. I love taking complicated scientific ideas and turning them into stories that feel approachable and human. I also shoot 35mm film, and I sometimes shoot weddings, too.
I would say I’m known for being a goofball, prioritizing fun, and being curious. I think that naturally carries into my work. Science can sometimes feel intimidating or overly serious, and I like making it feel relatable while hopefully sparking a little sense of awe.
Hmm, what am I most proud of? Probably the people I’ve met along the way. Particularly my friend Daisy (daisybraun.com), who I met on the research cruise. I can’t imagine my life without her.
Accomplishments, awards, praise—they’re nice, yes, but they don’t really fill the void.
Reach out. I’d love to connect. I’m always down for an adventure, coffee, a trip to Brazil, or a small spotted pony—if you can find one.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Swimming in the ocean with my sister for hours on end, getting slightly hypothermic, defrosting in the hot tub, and then eating buckets of chocolate peanut butter ice cream. Häagen-Dazs, of course.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ellielafferty.com/
- Instagram: ellielafferty_
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellie-lafferty-45a679233/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/user49208994
