The Professional Fan: Isabella Flynn

Isabella Flynn is a creative that KNOWS fan spaces! I had the chance to have a conversation with Isabella about all things professional fan and the lessons to come out of it are so valuable!

For people who may not know you yet, how would you introduce yourself and what you do?

Hi! I’m Isabella Flynn, a graphic designer, photographer, and content creator based out of Boston, MA. I’ve been involved in fan spaces since probably when One Direction got huge in the states (so if I had to guess, maybe 2011? However I really found my space in the fandom world in the emo/alternative/hardcore scene. I started in this industry as a writer for various music publications,hosting interviews and writing reviews, but once I started to build more relationships within the music industry and fandom spaces, I started having more opportunities to let my creative juices run wild whether it’s designing or taking photos. I graduated with my degree in Graphic Design and Illustration from Lesley University in 2025 and since then I’ve been combining my love for all things creative and fandom with all things music! 

What does your role actually involve day to day?

No days are ever the same, and that’s my favorite part about being a creative person who wears many hats. However one thing remains constant- I am ALWAYS on my computer no matter the job lol. Most days I’m working with the company Something Something, a content strategy studio based out of the UK as a Social Media Coordinator/Fan Engagement Partner creating content for marketing campaigns for artists of all genres and sizes since March of this year and it’s been a blast being able to use the skills I’ve picked up from being in online fan spaces myself to help introduce more people to an artist’s music, tour, experience or even a whole new genre. If there’s a design project in the pipeline, then it usually consists of pitching concepts to clients, if a concept gets approved, designing the first iteration (or second, or third) depending on how far along we are),sending invoices, and all that other fun stuff. As for photos, I usually work on projects within all areas. Most days it's concerts, sometimes it’s engagement shoots, other days it’s events in the community. After those shots wrap I’m usually editing, exporting, going through final selections. It all really depends on the day but the three constants usually consist of: drinking a lot of coffee, being on my computer, and most importantly, loving what I’m doing. 

Do you remember the moment you first realised this was the industry you wanted to work in?

I remember it like it was yesterday lol (it was ten years ago). In 2016, I convinced my Dad to buy tickets to see my favorite band of all time, Sleeping With Sirens at my (now) favorite venue in Boston. It was my first small venue/non-arena show (I had only been to shows at stadiums and amphitheaters prior), and I remember being blown away by how great they were live. Something shifted in my brain that night because not only did I figure out where I belonged for good (the music scene) and (at the time) find my new favorite band, but I also realized there was a whole other world out there that I didn’t know much about. Fast forward a few months later and I had completely immersed myself in the world of Sleeping With Sirens while discovering all these other artists within the post-hardcore/alt-rock realm, I found out about how people could make a career in the music industry designing merch, cover art, or tour posters, which then inspired me to go to school for Graphic Design. My whole life since 2016 has been music,and I love it.  

Were you a fan first?

Absolutely! My first ever favorite artist was One Direction (my biggest brag to this day is that I saw them with 5 Seconds of Summer (WITH ZAYN) in 2014), and then I was lucky enough to see 1D again in 2015 and the community of fans that I interacted with at these concerts was something I loved- whether it was talking in the merch line with people about where their seats in the stadium were,  or even just hearing about their favorite songs. I like to think I knew pretty early on that I belonged in the world of fandom :). 

What artists, shows, tours, exhibitions or creative moments shaped you growing up?

This question could go in many different directions. Growing up I definitely was the creative type, I always loved a good craft and I would always lean towards taking an art class if I was given the opportunity. As for artists I grew up listening to-it was two different extremes. My mom always had some form of hip hop, rap, or pop music growing up, while my dad was more into alternative, rock, indie. I definitely gravitated more towards what my dad listened to (think along the lines of Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Deftones), and now I return the favor of my parents putting me on all sorts of music by showing them artists I love (Sleeping With Sirens (obviously), Fiddlehead, Turnstile, Poppy, Dying Wish, Spiritbox, HEALTH). As for tours, One Direction’s Where We Are Tour in 2014, Twenty One Pilots’ Emotional Roadshow tour in 2016, and obviously, Sleeping With Sirens’ End The Madness Tour in 2016 as well! 

Did your love of music or pop culture ever feel like “just a hobby” before it became part of your career?

Honestly, a little bit. Mostly when I was younger, especially when I first started getting involved in fanbases, because when you’re in middle school/early high school nobody really expects you to know what you want to do with your life so early on. However when I started college it went from feeling like less of a hobby to more of a career. Graduating high school allowed me to start fresh and during that summer before starting college I started getting more involved in the music publication space and allowed me to build relationships with people who were just as passionate about music who wanted to make a career out of it.  

When did you start seeing fandom as something that could actually lead somewhere professionally?

2023 is when things really turned around for me. I started the publication, Punk Princess Press with one of my closest friends who I met from Pop Punk Stan Twitter in 2019, and in that same month I got my first music industry internship with Hopeless Records as their Design Intern. My favorite part of being involved with publications is being able to meet so many amazing people who are just as passionate about the world of music as you are, and running my own was what really allowed me to combine my passion for all things design (and help me get some of my first photopasses when I started photography in 2024). While Punk Princess was first getting off the ground, I was also interning with Hopeless Records, which felt extremely full circle as I remember scrolling on their website wondering how I could get a job with them (or any other label within the alternative music scene) when I was younger. 

The heart of this project is showing that being a fan has layers. What do you think people misunderstand about fans?

I think what people misunderstand about fans,especially within the music world, is the age and genders of fans. With Beatlemania in the 60s and the One Direction Infection (was that even what it was called back then?) in the 2010s. Unfortunately as a result the stereotype is now that fans are only teenage girls when that is the furthest thing from the truth. Fans are all ages and genders, sure some of us might’ve gotten into fandom spaces when we were in our teens, but that doesn’t mean it stopped the minute our teen years ended. Having been in fandoms of all music genres for over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of meeting fans of all ages and genders and it is by far the coolest thing about being in fandoms.  

Do you think fandom teaches skills that are useful in creative industries?

Absolutely! In my senior year of high school I actually wrote something about the skills I’ve learned from fandoms for a creative writing class,and it was such a fascinating thing to write about. Some of the biggest skills I’ve learned from being in a fandom is how to effectively communicate in written or oral formats, how to design (I took classes on it too obviously but being in fandom first got me interested in the field), and how to market myself!  

What fan skills do you think transfer into the Industry?

Being able to be a strong communicator whether it’s over email or even in real life, being able to stay up to date with current trends (helps if you’re in the social media world like me especially with marketing yourself as a freelancer), whatever skills you picked up if you make a lot of art, design, or take pictures (depends on the role you go into so maybe not as applicable if you’re interested in the more business side of the industry). But the biggest one by far is being able to be a good communicator! You meet all sorts of people in the music industry and being able to have strong communication skills is such a huge asset! 

Many young people are told that being passionate about music is unrealistic. What would you say to them?

IGNORE THEM! I promise you that having a passion for music is by far the greatest thing you can have in this industry and will be the driving force for you to build your career! 

How can someone move from being “just a fan” to building real experience in the industry?

VOLUNTEERING!! Whether it’s through volunteering for a music publication,or at a show or festival, volunteering is such an amazing way to build connections because you’re working alongside people who are clearly in it for the love of music and also helps get to know your community if the team is local to your area! I got my start volunteering as a writer in the music industry, and then as I got to meet more people I was able to get more opportunities related to graphic design and photography. I will ALWAYS tell people volunteering is such an amazing way to build your experience and even though I’m a bit further along with my career, I still volunteer with publications because I love meeting other talented creatives and building out community within the industry :).  

Do you think being a genuine fan makes someone better at working in music or entertainment?

Yes! I think it definitely ties back to that saying “When you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life”. I absolutely love what I do and even though there are days where it’s slower and there’s more email sending and paper-work doing than creating, knowing you work in an industry and scene that you’re genuinely a fan of makes the boring days a lot more tolerable. 

How do you balance loving the art while also treating it as a professional job?

I think the biggest thing is going to concerts for fun. I love photographing shows and running around venues with my camera capturing the magic of music in ways I might not have thought of when I’m taking photos on my phone. But going to shows just as a “fan” allows me to really enjoy myself and is a reminder as to why I fell in love with this scene and industry in the first place. Also, taking the time to get offline. So much of what I do is on the internet these days, but having an offline hobby like reading (I know e-readers exist but for me reading a physical book helps me Stay off the internet) or even just starting a more offline based craft like crochet or painting. I think taking the time to get back to the “root” of your love for whatever part of the industry you’re in is extremely important with helping you balance your love of the art while you’re at work. 

Have you ever had a full-circle moment where your younger fan self would not believe where you are now?

Yes! In the summer of 2023 I had a conversation with a few friends about the cover art for Sleeping With Sirens’ 2017 album Gossip and how it needed a bit of improvement. I was on summer break from college and then that conversation inspired me to redesign the entire album packaging/art for it. Considering how that album is extremely divisive amongst SWS fans because it’s more pop sounding than the rest of their discography, I was shocked that when I posted it that the fanbase on Twitter ended up loving it. A few weeks or so after that project got posted, they announced a tour that I bought VIP for. The upcoming tour ended up being one of the major motivators for me to redesign their entire discography, and it got A LOT of attention from fans and even some of the band themselves. Fast forward to my date of the Sleeping With Sirens tour in 2023, during the Q & A of their VIP experience, I awkwardly asked if they’d ever hire fans to design merch, and I got recognized by their guitarist, Nick Martin (who I still vividly remember saying “We love your sh*t by the way) and then vocalist Kellin Quinn after they had seen my work on Twitter. I remember telling them I wanted to work in music and how their band inspired me to pursue that career, and since then I’ve been lucky to form a connection with them because of my art. It’s still on the career bucket list to work for them directly as a designer for their merch (or poster, album art…the possibilities are endless ;)). If you told a 13 year old Isabella who saw them in 2016 that they’d end up recognizing me at 20, she’d flip, and truthfully it still shocks me to this day but I am beyond grateful and appreciative of all their support over the last few years :). 

What does your role involve behind the scenes that fans might not realise?

The least glamorous part of this industry and the one that takes A LOT of time is the amount of emailing I do lol. Whether it’s sending an email to pitch myself to potential clients, sending final files,invoices, or even just setting up shoot times or discovery calls. Creating is only half of it but no matter what part of this industry you’re in from what I’ve gathered you’re always talking to someone-the phone, over email, over DM, a slack channel. It’s tedious sending so many messages when you just want to make things all the time, but it’s important so you can make sure the client is happy! 

What are some common mistakes people make when trying to get into the industry?

I feel like some people are too focused on going viral. I love working in this industry and the memories I’ve made while being in it are incredible. But sometimes you meet people who just want to be in this industry as an excuse to get closer to the stage,get recognized by their favorite artist,and meet their new favorite band. Naturally people do want to post those photos or “content” and as a result it goes a bit viral. I feel like the biggest thing people have to think about when pursuing a career in the industry is their WHY as to why they want to go into it. Is it because you genuinely love music or do you just want an attempt at 15 seconds of fame?  

For a teenager or young adult who loves music and wants to work in the industry, where should they start?

I think ultimately the biggest thing one can do is be open about how you want to work in this industry. Word travels fast especially in the digital age and I feel like once the right people get word of it, the right person could help you get that first job or even be the first steps to building that career.  

Do you need a degree to work in publicity or entertainment, or is experience just as important?

Sure the fancy sheet of paper that says you have a degree in XYZ field is cool and all, but arguably I feel like experience is even MORE important than the degree. The degree is beneficial because you learn new skills that could be useful, but so much of the music industry is wearing many hats and often you end up learning new skills related to the specific section of the industry you’re in. The sad reality is though if you choose to go in a more corporate route and work at a company most places do require a degree as part of the application process. Having a degree is helpful because it’s a way for you to help you meet people who could help you get your foot in the door,but I feel like the experience you gain working in the field is just as, if not, more important than the degree. I mean my degree is in Graphic Design and Illustration and now I primarily work in photography and social media so things shifted a bit. I still love design and will happily work on a design project  or role if given the opportunity, but if anything that just goes to show how people in the music industry wear a lot of hats.  

What kinds of entry-level roles, internships or volunteer opportunities can help someone break in?

I will always recommend getting involved with publications. Publications are an amazing way to get to know people from all backgrounds of the music industry and even have outlets to try new things like design,content creation, or writing. Internships related to what you specifically want to do are also things I highly recommend. An internship I did during my final year of college was with Gritty In Pink, a company dedicated to helping women and non-men in all aspects of the music industry get jobs. Interning with Gritty allowed me to get experience designing in the music industry and help with their social media content, but also gave me my first touring photographer opportunity as well as the opportunity to photograph the iconic Vans Warped tour! Even though I was Gritty’s design intern, they found out I did photography and I do think the experiences of interning with them and working at Warped allowed my photo career to take off in more ways than I'd expected and for that I’m beyond grateful. I will ALWAYS recommend volunteering, interning (even if it’s unpaid), or even looking at entry-level roles that allow you to meet as many people as possible, because you never know who you'll have conversations with or who you will meet along the way that will change things for you.  

What skills should young creatives build now if they want to work in publicity, media or touring?

Being a strong communicator is the biggest thing that creatives who want to work in publicity, media, or touring. No matter what part of the industry you’re in, you’re always talking to someone. Knowing how to be a strong communicator is such an important skill because you always want to make sure things don’t get lost in translation. I also think knowing how to multitask is a skill that young creatives should be building. Working in music involves wearing many hats, and if you’re touring sometimes there’s even more than one hat to be worn at once. You could be slinging merch while also pointing out while also answering questions from either fans or venue staff, you could be doing behind the scenes content while also trying to organize posing for portraits. The more comfortable you are with doing more than one thing at once, the better! 

How important is networking, and how can people do it without feeling fake or awkward?

Networking is EVERYTHING and I cannot stress enough how important it is. The best advice is just to view it as if you’re talking to someone you’ve met at a concert. In my experience, everyone I’ve networked with is in this industry because they love the music. Starting within your local community of fellow music fans and getting to know them is just the starting point for you. Admittedly, I am more of an introvert, but finding common ground like music taste is such an easy way to start to build your network. Being sincere and trying to find connections such as shared interest in a genre or a specific side of the industry is such a great way to build your own community within the industry and then it feels great to see each other win if those connections help each other out in the long run. Community is everything and I cannot stress that enough!! 

What advice would you give to someone from a small town who feels far away from the industry?

As someone who is from a small town who is close to a somewhat smaller scene in a bigger city, my best advice is to use social media to your advantage. If you’re already online engaging with fans from all over the world, there’s a good chance that some of those fans also want to work in the music industry. Getting to know friends/fans who also want to work in the industry can help with providing resources to build your network, job opportunities, or even be the people who vouch for you in rooms you’re not in. Getting to know fellow fans on the internet isn’t just a way of meeting potentially lifelong friends, it’s also a way of starting to build your network in the music industry! 

How can young fans use social media professionally without losing the joy of being a fan?

I think for me balance is the best way to use your social media professionally without losing the joy of being a fan. Post some things related to work, post more 

What makes someone memorable in this industry for the right reasons?

There’s a lot of things that can make someone memorable in this industry, but I would say the two biggest things are being easy to work with and having passion for the scene. In the five or so years I’ve been involved in this industry, one thing has become apparent to me- you meet a lot of different people and everyone has a different role or work style. Being easy to work with and knowing how to adapt to different work styles (and at times personalities), is incredibly important. Being reliable, punctual, positive, and most importantly a hard worker is what will make you rehireable. Having a passion for this scene obviously is another huge thing that makes you memorable, because if you love what you do, it becomes apparent, and other people love working with passionate people- it makes the long days worth it. 

Has working in the industry changed the way you experience fandom?

Definitely. I feel like if anything it’s made me even more sympathetic towards the crew and everyone who works behind the scenes because I’ve experienced some things myself and/or have heard from other friends who also work in the industry about their experiences. Even before working in the industry I’ve always applauded those who do work behind the scenes as well as the talent (and before I started touring I always was interested in the Behind The Scenes world (I did Stage Crew in high school with the theater department if that explains anything lol). The music industry is an extremely tough industry to “make it” in, so everyone who is out there and has been in the industry for a longer time than I am- more power to you and thanks for all the hard work you do! 

From your perspective, what role does fan media play in today’s music world?

Fan Media is EXTREMELY important in today’s world! Fan media can offer a different perspective and honestly that’s the cool thing about it. A lot of fans are also very creative and working on media centered around their favorite artists is a form of creative expression for them,so being able to share their creative skills with the world while showing love for their fave artists is a way to bring multiple passions together in one project. I also think Fan Media is a form of “documentation” for the state of culture and the music scene on a larger scale too. By having media from a specific time and era made by fans for fans (or even artists), five, ten years from now people will start to have a record of what artists, and genres were huge. Like right now I feel like the Post Hardcore genre is having a HUGE resurgence right now with bands like Pierce The Veil, Underoath (I’m pretty sure their song A Boy Brushed Red Living In Black and White is trending now?), and Hail The Sun getting what feels like a lot more attention now than they did when they first came onto the scene. The media that fans are creating feels like a positive reaction to Post Hardcore becoming “cool again” and it encourages those who might be interested in checking out the genre to give it a listen through song recommendations, engaging fan content like edits and memes, and just responding positively to the genre’s increase. Fan Media is extremely cool and fans NEED to keep making it. Fans offer a very unique perspective to their faves that should be welcomed and helps keep content refreshing. 

Do you think fan-led platforms can offer something traditional media sometimes misses?

Absolutely! I think the biggest thing is it offers a different perspective that traditional media might not have. A different point of view can always be refreshing, and it definitely keeps fans (and professionals) on their toes. Sometimes a pro can come across a fan platform and see content talking about an album theory or their interpretation of an album’s “lore” that marketing execs might not have thought about pushing narrative or campaign strategy wise. These platforms allow communities to form with people sharing bonds about their favorite things,and as those communities develop, new perspectives get introduced- and sometimes a new perspective isn’t the worst thing in the world :).  

How can fan-led media stay professional while still keeping its heart?

This might sound lame,but it’s super important! Remember that these are REAL PEOPLE and there’s a chance that some stuff might get seen by the artist or band. Obviously fan-led media is a place for people to share their thoughts about their faves or the music they create,but being respectful and mindful of the fact that you are talking about real people who have just as much access to the internet as you or me goes a VERY long way. Some band members or artists (or even sometimes their crew) can come across fan pages and the media that gets posted about them. The internet is a very public place and you never know who (or what) will come across your content, being respectful goes a LONG way. Sounds a bit lame, I know, but respect really goes a long way in this industry. 

Have you seen fandom open doors for people in unexpected ways?

Having been in fan spaces for a little over a decade now and having worked in this industry for five years, I’ve definitely seen fandom open doors of people in unexpected ways. I think the most unexpected thing that I’ve seen is probably helping fans develop an interest in the music industry who would’ve never considered a music industry adjacent career. Then there’s also the coolest part about being in fandom and how it’s opened doors for people which is the amount of people you meet through it. Many of my closest friends today I’ve met through fandom and in the early days of those friendships we’d compare stories about us growing up and it sometimes would sound like we wouldn’t be friends if we weren’t in the same fandom.

How has social media changed the relationship between fans, artists and publicists?

I feel like social media has made things more accessible for fans, artists, and publicists- and whether that’s a good or bad thing is up to personal interpretation. There used to be a lot more of a barrier between fans, artists, and publicists/anyone who is in their team to now the lines seeming a bit more “blurred”. It’s a lot easier for fans to access artists and their publicists, and artists/publicists get a lot more access to fans and how their fanbase operates. Some artists lean into their online fan communities, others keep their distance. I think the biggest thing is social media has changed a lot of professionals and fans' perspectives about how the industry and fandoms operate. I feel like both the professional side of the industry has their myths and so does the fandom side, so social media being able to help clear up any of myths on either side has changed things (including relationships). 

Since part of our project also looks at how parents can better understand fandom, what would you say to parents who do not understand their child’s passion for an artist or fandom?

I think the best thing is just to be supportive of it and appreciate that it makes your child happy. I feel like all parents want their kids to be happy at the end of the day, and if their passion for an artist or getting involved with a fandom is making them happy, then I think you should just be supportive of it. You might not fully get it, but if it makes your child happy, then who cares? If you do want to do research, there’s countless articles and books about fandom out there that dive into fan culture (Fangirls by Hannah Ewens is a book I’d recommend about this topic), and there’s definitely articles written about fandom from a parent perspective too. 

What would you tell someone who thinks fandom is silly, obsessive or not “real life”?

Honestly, I’d roll my eyes at them and just call it a day. Fandom definitely is not something that everyone gravitates towards, but for me fandom genuinely changed my life for the better and I don’t know who I’d be without it. But if I had to tell someone who thinks fandom is silly,obsessive, or not “real life” I would just tell them they’re not me, and my interests do not have to “make sense” for someone that isn’t me- and that applies to EVERYONE! Your interests exist and are a part of your life to make you happy, not other people! If they wanted to have more of a conversation and understand why fandom is such a powerful part of mine or anyone elses’ lives- I’d be open to having that convo, but if not, I’d just tell them that “they don’t get it” and move on. Who cares what others think- live your life on your own terms and do what makes you happy! 

Why do you think fandom can become such a powerful part of someone’s identity?

There’s a lot of different ways this question could be answered but I genuinely do think the biggest part of it is the people you meet through fandom. I’ve met a lot of people over the years and the relationships that have lasted the longest have been because of a shared love of music. One of my favorite memories that I will absolutely NEVER forget is it being probably two weeks after I graduated college and I went to Canada with one of my closest friends who I met through the Pierce the Veil and Sleeping With Sirens fandoms on twitter in 2020 last year and going to see both bands on the I Can’t Hear You Tour five years later. Being able to have such strong bonds with people of all backgrounds just because they like the same music (or media) as you is the coolest thing. You can meet a lot of really cool, talented people and then share some of the coolest memories through travel with them. There’s a lot of power in the relationships people have with one another, and I feel like that’s why fandom can become such a powerful part of someone’s identity. 

 Looking back, what has fandom or music taught you about people?

I think the biggest thing that fandom (and music as a whole) has taught me about people is to never underestimate the impact that someone (or something) that might seem small or irrelevant can have on someone’s life. You never truly know what most people are going through, and someone’s involvement with a fandom or love for an artist might be the one source of joy in their lives. Music can be a very powerful healing tool in someone’s life and sometimes the right song or album can be what inspires them to get better. Everyone deserves to enjoy the things that make them happy, and if being in a fandom bonding over music allows them to do that- then let them be happy. I remember during my freshman year of college I had a lot of things going on involving my family during the end of the spring semester when I was in finals hell- it was a very stressful period in my life. There was this one album- Between The Richness by Fiddlehead genuinely was the album that became a bit of a “lifeline” for me during that window and I still love that record with my whole heart. Listening to it years later, especially as someone who’s now finished that degree when all that was happening is very emotional because I’m proud of myself for making it through that turbulent time period, but also is a reminder for what was going on in my life when that was the latest Fiddlehead album. The significance of that album in my own personal life is one thing, but also is a reminder to show how much of an impact a certain album, artist, or genre can have on one person’s life. Music helps a lot of people, and while someone’s love for an album or involvement with a fandom can seem a bit “much” to a stranger, you never know what that person is going through, and music could be their safe space. I’ve definitely learned time and time again through various interactions that no matter how small something might seem to you- the impact it might have on a person’s life is big-so always encourage them to keep loving it. 

What is something you know now that you wish you knew when you were starting out?

This industry is constantly evolving and what you think might be your first job in this industry might not be what your “dream job” is or there’s a chance that what you want to do could change. I feel like new jobs get introduced daily and the way the industry was five years ago is definitely different to the industry today. When I first realized that I wanted to work in music I wanted to do graphic design (and I’m still open to working on design projects- I’m not closing the book on that forever!), but right now what I’m primarily doing in this industry is photography and content creation. This industry changes FAST and you need to be aware of that. My best advice? Learn as many new skills as you can that you feel can be applicable across different areas of the industry on top of your main skillset. Volunteering with publications allowed me to build skills in content creation through collaborating with others, ideating content, and strengthening my skills in video editing- which have carried over into what I do as a Social Media Coordinator with Something Something. What you learn doing one thing has potential to carry on into another thing- so I take as many opportunities (as you can handle) to learn as many new skills as you can, and who knows- maybe you’ll get introduced to something that could be your next job! 

What has been one of your proudest career moments so far?

Back in July of this year I was invited back to photograph Warped Tour Long Beach for Gritty In Pink and Sleeping With Sirens was also on the lineup. Considering that they’ve been my favorite band for the last ten years, are the band that inspired me to pursue a career in music, and the knowledge that I was WORKING the same fest that they were on was the coolest thing in my brain. However, what was even cooler was that I got to photograph their set. It was an unreal show and they crushed it as always, but I remember standing side stage watching some of their set and (shockingly) putting the camera down and thinking how cool it was that this is my life. Being able to photograph a band that has meant so much to me for the last decade was by far the biggest full circle (and proudest) moment of my life. I also was lucky to catch up with Kellin (lead singer) and Nick Martin (guitarist) after the set and being able to remind them how I told the band at a meet and greet in 2023 that I wanted to work in music after photographing their set three years later was the coolest feeling in the world after working a festival. I kid you not the minute I looked at the unedited photos I was crying in an airplane because of how good they came out and how proud of myself I felt for all the work I’ve put in over the years to get to this point. And not that numbers hold much significance outside of the social media realm, but those photos ended up being the most successful post of mine on Instagram when they got posted. Admittedly I was very nervous to share those photos because Sleeping With Sirens means so much to me and sharing art that is personal to you can be scary, but the world liking those pics as much as I did meant a lot to me. 

What do you hope the next generation of fans and creatives understand about this industry?

I hope the next generation of fans and creatives understand that this industry is not as glamorous as the internet makes it out to be. Yes,working in this industry means there’s a lot of cool events that you may get invited to and there are some days where you feel like you’re living in a movie, however there are a lot of days where it is not that glamorous. In touring especially, the days are extremely long and very fast paced,with some things changing by the minute. It’s not all play, there’s a lot of hard work involved too. I think the worst part for me personally is when the show is over. It’s weird how you will go from running around nonstop, high off whatever caffeinated beverage(s) you can find and adrenaline while existing off 4-5 hrs of sleep for x amount of days in a row, and when it’s over it’s very weird to go back to a “normal” day where there’s not a ton of chaos happening. When I’m not running around with a camera, and when I’m not creating content, there’s a lot of “boring” things happening behind the scenes- it’s sending emails, waiting for approvals, writing invoices. I want this next generation of fans and creatives to understand that this is a very cool industry to work in and the fact that I’m living out thirteen year old me’s dreams ten years later is the probably my favorite part of my job(s), however despite all the “pinch me” moments I experience- whether it’s working on a campaign for an artist I grew up listening to or photographing my favorite band- there’s a lot of not cool stuff that happens as well. Social media mostly shows the glamorous side, but I feel like there’s more that happens behind the scenes that fans don’t know much about. 

What would you say to a young fan listening who dreams of turning their passion into a career?

Absolutely follow your dreams! I promise you it is worth it and anyone who says otherwise is lying to you. It’s definitely not an easy road to follow as this industry is extremely hard to break into, but if you’re truly passionate about it, the fight will be worth it. That old, but somewhat corny saying about loving what you do but never working a day in your life is true, and if it’s something you really are passionate about, it will be worth it! 

What is one myth about working in music, touring or publicity that you would love to break?

Music, touring, or publicity is not a “get rich quick” industry. A lot of opportunities, especially when first starting out, are often little to no pay, and many people still work day jobs. Before I was in a position where I could afford to leave the world of having a day job behind, I was working some really crappy, soul sucking jobs to make ends meet. Clothing stores, tourist traps, restaurants- it paid the bills and allowed me to comfortably afford working on my passions, but it was not something I loved doing (nor did my managers when I would put in a time off request for a good chunk of time because I was going to be on tour). A lot of us are in the music industry because we love music, not because of the pay. A lot of work in this industry is gig/contract work, so there can be points where you won’t have as much money coming in because of a “slow season” and you need to get a day job to supplement income. I feel like there’s this giant myth that the music,touring,or publicity industries as a whole are industries where you can make a lot of money in a short amount of time, however that is unfortunately the furthest thing from the truth. 

Finally, what does being a “professional fan” mean to you?

For me, being a “professional fan” means I get the opportunity to combine my passions for music with my passions for all things creative. The skills I’ve picked up from being in fandoms over the years apparently ended up being very valuable to the many sides of my career which is very cool. I know thirteen year old Isabella would think 23 year old Isabella is very cool, and in a way being a “professional fan” is a way of healing my inner teenager. Being able to combine two of my biggest (& longest) passions for a living is genuinely the coolest feeling in the world and I’m so lucky that this is my job. Here’s to more design projects, concerts photographed, and content to be made :).  

Thank you so much to Jade and the Groovy Moo team for allowing me to yap about my career and fandom-the only way this industry gets better and stronger is through community- so it’s amazing that they’re highlighting some amazing talent from all over the world! 

If you’re interested in keeping up with me, you can check me out on Instagram (@madnesstrackone) or check out my site isabellaxflynn.com!