Amy Shamblen
Amy Shamblen
Photographer / Creative Director
Akron, OH
www.amyshamblen.com
instagram @amyshamblen
twitter @amy_shamblen
pinterest
facebook
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“My name is Amy Shamblen and I’m a creative director and photographer.”
I create colorful and lively images for fun brands. Working one-on-one with my clients, I concept ideas and find fresh ways to represent their brand and products. These images are often for social media, but also for their websites and printed collateral.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I originally started as a graphic designer. I wanted to share my work on social media but didn't have much of a client base to start with, so I decided to create some fun photos to get my name out there. From there, I started getting inquiries for brands to create photos for them—and here I am!
How do you stand out in your field?
I take inspiration from old movies and TV shows—you know, those ones with the hard shadows, high contrast, and bold colors. That's mainly what inspired my photography style. Since I have a background in design, I also integrate lots of typography into my photo work.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Right now I’m finishing a campaign with Benefit Cosmetics and prepping for a fun shoot with Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Co. I’m also working on updating my website imagery, writing a blog post, and finishing up some personal work to share to my social channels. There’s never a dull moment here!
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I'm very drawn to bright colors and positivity, and I make sure my work reflects those qualities. With so much negativity in the world, I'm always looking to brighten someone's day with my work.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I'd like to reserve more time to improve upon my hand lettering and use it more within my photos.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Updating my website with new work always gets pushed down the list, ha. Clients always come first.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Hands down, I'd have them help me with updating my site, writing the blog, and working on my marketing in general. I find it's important to always have your name out there, and updating social media can be time consuming.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I'd go back to when I first started: building your fempire doesn't happen overnight. We always seem to underestimate how long something may take us.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I'd love to learn more about different hard-lighting techniques. Working with hard light isn't as forgiving as soft light (but I wouldn't trade it for the world!)
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I always adore working with brands who are also colorful, fun, and promote positivity.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal client is one who is open to ideas and creative direction. It can be creatively stifling when a client knows exactly what they want and plays the creative director. Oftentimes, I feel this ultimately waters down the final creative. I relish the collaborative client and creator relationship.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
My prices always vary based on the project deliverables. I typically work with mid-size to large brands.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Emailing me at hello@amyshamblen.com with a little info about your brand, budget, and a short brief of what you have in mind is perfect!
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Take breaks to stay sane.
This member profile was originally published in December 2018.