Employee Spotlight: Bailey Alexander

Name: Bailey Alexander

Position: Photographer / Videographer

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Job Description: Capturing photo and video content for social media and online avenues! 

What is your personal background? 

I took a photography class in college just to have an easy class and I ended up falling in love with it. I started doing family photos, weddings, and senior photos as a side hustle. That eventually turned into video and graphic design, and about two years later I worked for a church doing all of their photo/video/graphics for online and social content. About two years ago I decided to take my freelance business full time, and that’s what I did until I started here at Primitive! 

What was your first job?

I was a cashier at Mcdonald's in high school, but I grew up mowing lawns during the summer so that probably came first. 

What do you enjoy most about your role? What do you find most challenging?

I love getting to brainstorm with a team and bounce ideas off each other and then create something awesome that we came up with! I think getting to work with people is a double-edged sword for me. I absolutely love teamwork and getting to help each other succeed, but my background in photo/video has mainly been solo work. So it’s definitely a learning process, but I enjoy it so far!

How did you get your start at Primitive? 

I was connected with someone on the copy team and they told me about the job. I wasn’t really even looking for a job at the time, but I said yes to an interview. I was really impressed by everything I heard so I kept going through the process, and here we are!

How would you describe Primitive in only three (3) words?

Is it cheating to say “Wonder, Community, and Discipline”? Honestly, I would probably say community, excellence, and passion! 

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

Related to my field of work, probably coding, just so I could look cool.

If you had to eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Ramen, for sure!

What does a typical day look like for you?

Well, I just moved, so my life looks way different than a few months ago, but currently, this is the usual:

• Wake up and run with my dog Lily
• Make a pot of pour-over coffee
• Get ready and see what I have on my calendar for the day
• Go to work and work on any project I have for the day
• Try to grab lunch with a friend or a co-worker, if not do something quick and get back to work
• Work through the afternoon and finish up any projects I have
• Go home
• Take Lily to play some disc golf
• Do some work around the house
• Make/grab dinner and watch Netflix or YouTube 
• FaceTime my friends back home 
• Watch Netflix or work on personal projects till I'm ready for bed

How do you stay motivated? 

I try to read books that inspire me or have conversations with friends that push and challenge me to be better! Resting is also a must. Taking a step back and really evaluating where I'm at and what I'm doing helps me get an idea of what I should focus on and what I've been focused on that really isn't a priority. 

What’s one guaranteed way to get you in the flow while at work? (Music? Podcast? Quiet?) 

If I'm really trying to get focused, probably lo-fi or video game soundtracks. If I'm editing pictures or just going through footage, then a good podcast or book really helps. 

What do you like to do when not at the office?

I like to play disc golf, listen to music or play piano, or hang out with my friends!

What does your workspace look like?

I'm a neat freak, but there's always chapstick and coffee laying around. I also have a good microphone so I can have that crispy Zoom audio! 

Who do you admire and how have they influenced you and your work? 

My friend Hadley is probably the hardest worker I know. I worked with him for about four years and I don't think there was ever a problem he couldn't solve. I felt like he never asked, “Is this possible,” he just said, “How are we gonna get it done?”. 

What’s something not everyone knows about you? 

I was actually a music major in college. Music has never been my job but has always been one of my biggest passions. 

What were your favorite snack and favorite TV show when you were 10 years old?

Strawberry milk while watching Pokemon or Tom and Jerry cartoons. 

If you could have one superpower, what would it be? (And of course, why?)

Super speed. It's basically time travel, super strength, and teleportation all in one. How is that not the best?

Do you have a hidden talent? 

I'm pretty good with a yoyo.

What would be the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?

A 1995 Jeep Wrangler 

List three things on your bucket list.

Cliche, but visit The Eiffel Tower, do a 100-mile bike race, and photograph the aurora borealis!

Name a song title that describes you.

People are Crazy by Billy Currington

In five words (or less) what advice would you give someone in your profession?

Complete is better than perfect. Not every single project will be the best thing you ever create, but the more and more you do, everything will naturally get better and better.

Fill in the blank:

I never leave the house without Coffee in hand.

If you could live in any decade, what would it be? Why? 

Probably a time before cell phones. I think life would be a lot easier that way.

If you could only wear one color for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Black. #ProductionLife

You’re stranded on a deserted island and can only have three items with you. What would they be?

First aid kit, a magnifying glass, and a bow & arrow.