We recently connected with Sarah Cooper and have shared our conversation below.
Sarah, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
I’ve always been an optimistic person (mostly), but optimism is also a conscious choice I make for myself every day. In a world where there’s so much pain, injustice, and hardship in our communities, it’s difficult to always be optimistic about the state of things, but I always strive to find beauty in the mundane, joy in the ordinary, and inspiration in the everyday. Those small moments keep me sane and inspired, and I try to share those same bits of joy with others through my work and my art.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a creative through and through – a full-time graphic designer and photographer for Whataburger by day and a small business owner of a creative studio by night and on weekends. In my business I offer my clients a variety of services such as graphic design, art direction, content creation, and portrait and product photography.
I’m also an artist and show/sell photography prints, illustrations, paintings, and stickers. A lover of all things cute and colorful, my art showcases the adorable, whimsical, and nostalgic parts of life in bright, endearing, and occasionally spicy ways. My priority for the next year is to grow this side of my business as it brings me a lot of joy and offers an additional creative and therapeutic outlet. I feel like I’ve neglected my more “traditional” artistic side for a few years, so I’m looking forward to reigniting that spark and exploring and growing within that space again!
My favorite part of all of my creative endeavors are the connections I make with people. From capturing the special memories of photographing a wedding to helping someone feel empowered through a boudoir session to helping another small business owner get started on their own journey through branding and art direction, I am able to be a part of so many stories, and I love sharing in that joy and excitement with my clients.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
If I had to narrow it down to 3 qualities over the past 10 years that have impacted my creative career the most, they would be perseverance, curiosity, and (as cheesy as it sounds) kindness to yourself.
Perseverance: It’s SO easy to get lost in the sauce and feel defeated or unmotivated when things feel tough or movement is slow. Keep going. It’s worth it, and so are you.
Curiosity: Take inspiration from everything and document it. I have so many notes and barely legible scribbles and sketches in my phone that I can refer back to when I need a new idea for a design or art piece. Also be curious and try new things! Translate your creativity into other mediums and endeavors. You never know what new path you might stumble into!
Self-love/kindness: Sounds cheesy, but it’s probably the most valuable asset you have. Be kind and patient with yourself. Push away the imposter syndrome. Everyone is on their own journey, so focus on yours and don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s.
All of the above are things I still struggle with and need to remind myself of on a daily basis!
Also bonus advice – Build a creative community. Make connections where you can find them and network! I’ve met some of the most creative people through local and international photography groups on Facebook, and I’ve made some of my best creative friends through Instagram. Engage with other local creatives, ask questions, and learn and grow with others.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always looking for other creatives and small business owners to collaborate with! I love working with folks who share my love of color and whimsy, and who aren’t afraid of being a bit out of the box! I’d love to work on some really fun creative styled photo shoots this year, so if anyone reading this shares my vision, let’s make some magic together! I can be reached through the contact form on my website or through Instagram. Let’s chat!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.sarahecooper.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahecooperr/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahecooperr/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/sarahecooperphotography/
Image Credits
Main Profile Image: Bethany Walker Image of me at art booth (striped shirt): Joe Gamboa
