An Inspired Chat with Traci Terrick of Upstate NY

We recently had the chance to connect with Traci Terrick and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Traci, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Getting up in time to do a walk at a local historic home’s grounds and taking in the Fall Foliage. I’m also loving to listen to Amy Poehler’s latest podcast – Good Hang.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Traci. I am a California native who relocated to the Hudson Valley NY during Covid. I’ve spent the past 20+ years working at the intersection of design, art direction, production, and artist development. I founded Poppy Creative Agency in 2009 as a boutique artist representation company. Now, in 2025, I’ve dropped the word “agency” and “agent” and am focusing on what artist representation should currently look like – focusing on true partnership, collaboration, and long-term career growth with artists.

Back in 2018, I created Artist to Watch (ATW), a six-month coaching program for photographers and stylists. Seven years later, the lessons I’ve learned through ATW continue to shape how I support artists and redefine the way Poppy operates. That same year, I also co-founded Focus on Women, a platform built to elevate and empower female-identifying creatives across the commercial photography industry.

At the core of everything I do is community, connection, and the belief that artists deserve advocates who help them thrive—not just for one project, but for the long game.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I think the moment my father said he was leaving our family was a truly life changing one. It showed me that you can’t always rely on things being what you think they are and that as a woman you sometimes will have to choose to take care of yourself first and foremost and not rely on someone else to do that for you.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I would say my fear to fail holds me back 70% of the time. It’s something I try to work on on a daily basis. I am constantly battling Imposter syndrome, both as a creative and as a female.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Community, Networking and trying to help lift others up – show them their worth.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m on a beach and hangng with good friends and family.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Meg Smith

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