Meet Amanda (Ames) Cook

We recently connected with Amanda (Ames) Cook and have shared our conversation below.

Amanda (Ames), we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
As a young teenager I was diagnosed with clinical depression and severe anxiety. I spent years trying to find something that could help me manage the really bad days. The days when I couldn’t get out of bed, and all I wanted to do was disappear. The days I wondered if I would be better off gone. But I found that these horrible, bleak days could sometimes be made just a little better with art. Making something out of nothing, that is totally and uniquely yours is a very special thing. Using drawing or painting to express what words could not has helped me tremendously with my mental health journey. It’s not always pretty, it gets a little weird and messy, but it makes me feel better! Creating is my therapy, and it is rewarding to see the progress I’ve made both artistically and mentally!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m an artist based in North Georgia. I’ve been creating since I was a kid, and it’s something I never want to stop doing. I enjoy making all kinds of art, but my focus lately has been on digital and acrylic painting. My work is all over the place, with wildly different subjects and themes. I think having variety is important to keep things interesting. My brand is an amalgamation of bright colors, silly phrases, and whatever illustration I can come up with to match. Really just throwing down whatever comes to mind in that moment. The goal is to have fun making some goofy art and hope that it makes someone’s day better. That’s what I strive for with my work. While I’m only really able to do art on the side currently, I’m hoping it will turn into a career in the future.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I would say the absolute most important thing in my journey has been learning perseverance. Creating art takes a lot of practice, and it may not always be the easiest process, but it is so worth it. If you care about something, just stick with it. Don’t give up on it, even if it needs to go on the back burner. Just don’t quit, and make time for it where and when you can. If you are a young creative just starting out, please write yourself a good contract. The amount of stress and time wasted going back and forth with a client can mostly be avoided with a clear, cohesive contract. Things can get out of hand very quickly, and before you know it, deadlines move, concepts have been changed, and you’re not getting paid for any of it. Make sure everyone is on the same page before agreeing on a job or commission. Contracts should ensure you’re getting paid and the client is getting their piece, without the breaking of personal or professional boundaries.
Finally, try to find your people. Being a very introverted person with horrendous anxiety made it really hard for me to put myself out there. But when I finally did, I met the most spectacular folks! Sharing my work and finding people in my community with similar interests has been a blast. Find friends who will encourage your progress, and push you to be better. Having a strong network of friends and colleagues is essential.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I try to step away and breathe. My counselor taught me deep breathing exercises to help with panic attacks, and I use those when I feel the anxiety start to creep in. Going outside, sitting in the sun for a few minutes has also worked wonders for me. Having a good self care plan set up is a great idea. I have a few special movies and songs that I know help calm me down and cheer me up when I’m feeling uneasy. My routine is breathe, throw on whatever song or movie, and try to focus on the moment.

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Amanda Cook

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