We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Rader and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I attended the Art Institute of Atlanta with a full scholarship and graduated with the best portfolio award. My vision of being a successful artist has evolved over time as I have gained work and life experience. When I started out, I was so young and felt like a 9-to-5 design agency position was my destiny. I did that for several years and throughout the dot com boom era. I loved those jobs for many reasons. I gained valuable experience and relationships. Most importantly, I learned how to be resilient when that job market crashed. Relying on my ability to quickly pivot, my unique skill set for art and graphic design and the invaluable relationships I made, I was able to form and grow my brand as a freelance artist and designer. My creative brain thrives when I have a variety of projects that keep my days interesting. For example, over the last few weeks, I have delivered artwork to several customers, did an interview for AI Live for the Art Institute, did a photo shoot for a feature in Simply Buckhead magazine about my artwork, designed an app for a medical device used during heart surgery and met with a new client about creating large-scale digital murals for his nightclub. Being self employed requires tons of ambition and the ability to seek opportunities. I am incredibly grateful to be where I am today and to me that feeling is the definition of success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
During a time of uncertainty in the world, I am proud to say that I have never felt more focused and driven. Experiences over the years have taught me that there are always positive outcomes when you are true to yourself. I have been creating and selling more work now than before the pandemic so I feel like others are also seeking positivity by investing in their environments by adding more artistic beauty. When I am not meeting clients or on my computer doing graphic design work, I am happily working away in my studio and listening to music. I’m in love with a new series that incorporates butterflies and literally sells as soon as each piece is completed. I have also been adding to a favorite series that incorporates animal heads on human figures with layers of personality in the backgrounds. My work and my story continue experience positive growth and I wake up each morning with purpose.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite thing to do in the city is meet up with friends for dinner and drinks before or after art shows. The creative community in Atlanta is amazing! Covid has changed socializing drastically but that’s ok for me right now. I am also very content at home working on a multitude of creative projects.

Mock up interior design with white poster, 3d illustration

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am so lucky to have many people that have contributed to my career growth. The Art Institute of Atlanta for giving me a full scholarship and reason to move to Atlanta. Harry Hallman, my boss at my last full-time job before I went out on my own. He was not only a great boss but also a friend. His son, Bill Hallman, gave me entry into the world of designing for small businesses and he pushed me way beyond ‘corporate’ design. Michael Habachy and Patti Krohngold are incredibly talented interior designers that continue to send great opportunities my way. Jennifer Balcos for showing my work at her gallery. Training Systems Designs that made me feel like part of their team as we’ve worked together on many graphic design projects over the years.

Website: http://www.raderdesigns.net
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyraderdesign/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyRaderDesigns

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