Have a question? Check here to see if I’ve already answered it! If I haven’t, feel free to send me a message or leave a comment. I’m always happy to talk.
Why is your blog called AJ Switz?
For several years, I went by AJ instead of Amanda. I shortened my last name to Switz for the blog because people often misspell and mispronounce it. I hoped the shorter version would be easier for people to remember!
How long have you been blogging?
I started my blog in 2010, so I’ve been around for a long time! It’s been crazy to watch what used to be an online diary turn into a lucrative industry.
Why do you focus on creative people?
Creative people are my people. I know what it’s like to feel like an “other” because of my interests and ideas. And I understand how hard it is to try to see yourself, the artist, as a brand and your art as a product. I’ve been to so many lectures, seminars, and classes about promoting yourself that just didn’t apply to artists. And the ones that did weren’t helpful to non-visual artists, like me and all my fellow writers. I want to help bridge that gap.
What’s a lesson you’ve learned the hard way?
When you want to make your passion into a business, you have to invest in developing those business skills in order to go anywhere. It’s scary and sometimes expensive, but it’s all part of growing.
How are you currently looking at growing professionally?
I’ve been exploring coaching certification programs to see if that’s something I’d like to invest in. Over the last couple years, I worked with a few different coaches. They helped me a lot and I’d like to give back the kind of help and support I received.
Some blog posts are tagged as “contributed content.” What does that mean?
When you see a post marked as contributed content, that means I received a one-time payment to publish it. I work with a company that occasionally sends me blog content that includes links to other sites. For every post, I review the content to make sure it’s not only relevant to what my readers expect, but that it’s also something I could write myself. I take the time to edit each post to fit my voice, but also to edit its content to ensure:
- Only advice I personally agree with is suggested
- No outdated beliefs, opinions, or attitudes are shared
- There is value beyond surface-level information
I do not publish any content with advice I am unqualified to give, including but not limited to medical, legal, and financial advice.
Some of these posts might mention or link to specific brands or products. Unless I mention having any personal experience with these brands or products, please assume the purpose of the link/mention is to inform and not to endorse.
