Callie Humphrey
Callie Humphrey
Curator / Creative Consultant for Artists
Lincoln Heights, Los Angeles, California
www.calliehumphrey.com
Instagram @callie_humphrey
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I curate exhibitions from concept through installation on a freelance basis.”
This means I often work directly with artists to organize a solo or group exhibition, do a healthy amount of research and curatorial writing, write a ton of grants for production funds, and then get my hands dirty to build out a beautiful space that reflects the conceptual structure of the exhibition, and develop a layout that puts different works in conversation with one another to illuminate various ideas, discourses, and interconnections.
Committed to working with artists to further their careers, I also work as an artist assistant and design and develop portfolios and websites for other creatives, including the writing and editing of bios, CVs, and artist statements.
I am the assistant creative director to two design brands, 2120 Handcrafted (unisex shoe line based in LA) and IONA (a seasonal textiles collection from Northern Argentina). I have developed their brand identities, designed their portfolios, and represent their work throughout Southern California.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
Travel. Raised by artists, I've always felt a proclivity for the needs and sentiments of creatives, and my instinct to travel has always been driven by the curiosity of meeting creatives all over the world. Through following my gut to Buenos Aires to launch a public art series years ago, I stoked the intuition that I am a natural starter and community organizer. My experience during two years there working with an array of visual and performing artists led me to return to California for graduate school to pursue my Master's Degree in Curatorial Practice. I wanted to engage in visual culture on a deeper level and really find my tribe of creatives that would critically challenge my views and offer new insights that would grow my practice. Since then, I have been working directly with artists and designers to propel their practices into the public eye, and I continue to travel for studio visits and exhibitions, as the learning process is never over.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
Letting go of their ego.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I am currently working with a dear friend and incredible visionary, IONA, in Buenos Aires on her seasonal textiles collection from Northern Argentina. I am designing her portfolio and helping put her brand story together as we prepare to launch the collection this winter simultaneously in Buenos Aires and Southern California.
My boyfriend and I are also looking to solidify our business plan in the coming months for an exhibition space / design boutique here in Los Angeles that will function as a platform for emerging artists and designers from across the Americas.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Clean and minimal in a way that allows my client's work to stand out, and its nuances shine through.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Curating solo exhibitions with artists.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Politics.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Organize my accounting and financial records and seek out grants and curatorial opportunities.
Website Design
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
To learn all the languages.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Branding and Photography. I believe I have a strong knack toward both of these skills, but know that I would be a far more dynamic consultant if I honed in and upped my fluency.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Curatorial projects, writing, portfolio and website design. I am also available as an artist assistant, studio manager, and as a creative consultant on any project.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Working with an artist to develop their portfolio and online presence, or collaborate on an exhibition. I would also love to work with more designers (in all media- textiles, ceramics, graphics etc.) on creative projects or to help build their brand identity and launch a collection.
Copywriting
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Dependent upon the project, I charge a flat fee ($500-$2,500 for curatorial projects; $1,000-$2,500 for web and portfolio design, ex.) or an hourly rate ($40 for consulting, $40-$50 for content production).
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
I would love to hear about your project or practice and how you see me best being able to help you. A budget and any broad goals are always helpful right off the bat so I can come to the table with a range of possibilities of how best to work together.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Connecting. Although I work within visual culture, it is the people that make things that keep me most engaged with this practice. The stories and cultures that influence the community of makers and doers is what continues to expand my own thinking and inspire new projects.
This member profile was originally published in November 2016.