Meet Sydney Cisco

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sydney Cisco. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sydney below.

Hi Sydney, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Confidence is so important to artistry because it involves constantly selling yourself as well as trusting your own judgement. Design and creative direction really comes down to making smart decisions and it can be difficult. For me, it’s natural to trust my own vision but not obsess over control. The best part of working as an artist and photographer is collaboration. You need to be open and positive in your attitude.

I find inner confidence through things that I do and don’t do. Things I do to be confident include affirming my work and affirming others as well. We need to be mirrors that shine back on each other in our community. Sharing work is such a vulnerable process and when I am affirmed by my community, it fuels me more than money. I make habit of reviewing my old work for signs of growth and celebrating milestones for myself. Practicing gratitude for having the privilege of being an artist is important too. Things that I don’t do: compare my journey to others in toxic ways. The best way to be confident in your work is by making art that is uniquely and authentically you.

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?

My name is Sydney Cisco and I am a freelance artist in Phoenix.

As long as I can remember, I have been fascinated and obsessed with art. I am basically the result of a kid who spent most of her time drawing, taking pictures, and on the internet. Being a millennial creator, the internet is ultimately what has defined my career. It is a tool I used to help me learn how to hone my crafts as well as a platform to connect with others who can use my services. I am a digital photographer and primarily digital artist/designer.

The most special thing about my work, to me, is that is so intrinsic to my passions. I am a people person, animal-lover, and really enjoy fashion, travel and human culture. What I photograph and illustrate reflects this. My favorite thing to shoot is portraits of people and pets. Creating a space that honors my subjects and celebrates them is always my goal as a photographer. I hope everyone who models for me feels seen and empowered by me and the photos I take.

In the same way, as an illustrator I want to create something that might not exist in a picture but can be conveyed in a painting. For example: drawing big family portraits celebrating a new union, or a painting that pays tribute to a life lost. Those are the kind of artworks that I love to create for people, knowing how sentimental it can be. It’s really fun for me to explore what art style will pack a punch and mean the most.

I am available for hire as a photographer and am taking custom art orders at sydneycisco.com. You can browse my available art prints and the beautiful polymer work of my sister, Corie, on our website ciscostudio.com. Corie and I vend at local arts and crafts markets around Phoenix too.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Confidence in Communication
From fielding and seeking out new clients to conveying confidence and professionalism on set, the most important thing as a creative is forging connections. When you do this, you succeed in the goal of the project and are more likely to start retaining clients. A good attitude and strong direction is essential to gain trust from your client or audience. As someone who earned a Bachelors in Communication Studies many years ago… (Shout out ASU) I cannot emphasize enough how important communication skills are. I often joke that half of being a photographer is having a personality.

2. Specialize in Your Strengths
Something I struggled with during my 20’s was trying to navigate which medium and passion to pursue. Photography has been ultimately the driving force in my career and investing in that has been an important focus in the last ten or so years.
In the same vein with art, I believe you shouldn’t try to mimic what someone else does. Learn and take inspiration from others but find your own niche because when it’s truly you is when you really shine. Focus on digging into what you have inside you and you’ll create something brand new.

3. Discipline in Your Practice
Sometimes being a freelancer feels like staring into a void of overwhelming possibly. Setting deadlines, creating schedules, goals, and keeping promises to yourself is extremely important to not get lost in the sauce. Give yourself structure and routine and days off too. Explore your craft in ways that are fun and personal. For me, I learned a lot and found validation and direction by practicing with self portraits. This helps me find joy and excitement in my work because it’s also about self expressionism. I think people like to see that.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

I think most of us really value people who value our work and understand what it takes to accomplish what is asked of photographers and artists. It’s extremely empowering to work with local businesses and people who respect and honor the work that we do. Getting opportunities to travel, get creative with set design and creative direction, and to be trusted by clients is what really excites me with photography.

I am not picky when it comes to who will hire me to make art and take photos! I think the best advice I can give clients is to go to people for their style. Don’t go to someone and ask them to do something that isn’t their typical vibe. Find artists who suit you and the compatibility will be exciting for you both!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sydneycisco.com
• Instagram: @sydneycisco

Image Credits

Image labeled Rad and Rae is a collaboration with local jewelry brand Rad + Rae.

radandrae.com