February 18, 2013

rough sketch: kelli trontel

happy monday friends!! hope you had an amazing, refreshing weekend!!



soooo excited to share today's artist with you... kelli trontel!! kelli and i have been creatively collaborating every month for nearly a year and has become one of my dearest, most encouraging friends... and of course, i absolutely love all her work!!

see all of her loveliness over on her blog! :)

q. // when did you start photography + what prompted you to start?

[ a. ] I have always loved photography, but the musical part of me was encouraged and nurtured most while growing up. Photography became a huge part of my life in 2008 when I was living in Nashville, TN. I was surrounded by so much creativity and boundaries were being crossed everywhere I looked. Musicians were photographers and photographers were musicians.... I finally felt like I didn't have to "choose" between the two. This is when I experienced true creative freedom.

I was working for an Advertising Agency when I was asked to photograph the entire staff for their new website- I admired the Creative Director that gave me this job and this was a turning point in my career- it gave me wings and the confidence that I needed to own this love of mine. I also had an opportunity to learn from one of the best photographers in town, David Bean [www.visualreserve.com] and this was also a tipping point for me.

I ended up getting laid off from my day job and it was at that point that I had a decision to make- to go and look for another job [in a down economy] or start my own. I chose to start my own... and have never looked back.

q. // what inspires you + where do you find it?

[ a. ] People inspire me. The Creator of the universe created us... how cool is this? People living their lives with purpose... risking it all... inspires me... I love to help share peoples stories- through images- so when I come across genuine transparency- I want to know more. I also love the little details- the parts of us and the world around us that make life unique and beautiful.

q. // when you're not taking beautiful photos, what's your favorite thing to do?

[ a. ] I love my family so spending time with them is priority. I mean, I have the cutest son in the world... totally in love. Can't get enough. My husband is pretty rad too!

q. // if you could give just one piece of advice to fellow creatives, what would it be?

[ a. ] Take the first step! I know too many people that just sit around and wait for the "perfect moment" to even begin... and that is rarely the case. You have to start somewhere... and so my advice would be ACTIVATE your dream and do something everyday towards that goal. No one is going to do it for you.

fill in the blank:
i have a penchant for French Toast on a Saturday morning, Stumptown Espresso, Vibey coffee shop music, snuggling with my sweet baby boy.


some of her work:






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