As someone who has worked in photography, social media management, and multimedia production, I have accumulated a ginormous amount of content over the years.
From thousands of photographs in my camera roll to old projects buried in my Google Drive, I have realized that creating content is only one part of the process.
Figuring out what to do with it afterward is an entirely different challenge.
Most of my content is digital, including photographs, videos, audio recordings, graphics, and written documents. However, I also have physical content, such as printed photographs, notebooks, and other materials I have collected throughout my academic and professional experiences.
Photography is probably the biggest contributor to my growing collection. Whether I am photographing a protest, an event, or something that catches my attention, I almost always take more pictures than I need. When deciding what to keep, I consider the quality, composition, and whether I could use the image in the future. Even then, I struggle to delete photographs because I convince myself they might eventually serve a purpose.
This habit extends beyond photography. During an independent study with a friend, we produced a weekly podcast called Stereo Rack, where we discussed fashion and music. Throughout the experience, I learned how much content goes into producing something listeners might only experience for a short period.
My experience managing social media for organizations like TEDxQuinnipiacU also taught me the importance of organization. I generally separate content into folders by project or class, with additional folders for drafts and final versions.
However, when juggling multiple projects, organization sometimes becomes an afterthought. I have definitely found myself searching through files labeled “Final,” “Final 2,” and “Final FINAL,” wondering which one is actually finished.
As for how long content is worth keeping, I think it depends on its purpose. Temporary promotional materials and duplicates might lose their usefulness, while portfolio pieces and original creative work can remain valuable for years. I especially enjoy revisiting older projects because they remind me how much my skills have developed over time.
Artificial intelligence has also become useful in managing my content. Although I keep AI use to a minimum, I have primarily used it for organizational purposes. When working on larger projects, I use it to breakdown directions and rubrics, organize ideas, and develop outlines with sections that flow naturally. However, I prefer maintaining creative control over more artistic aspects like photography, writing, and design,
Ultimately, I think my relationship with content reflects how much I enjoy creating. While I could benefit from a more consistent organizational system from time to time, I appreciate having an archive of my experiences and creations.
