Meet Whitney Rivers: Visual Artist

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

Hi Whitney, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
In building any business there’s naturally going to be a great deal of curveballs and lessons along the way, but, if I were to narrow down to one, it’s simply trusting myself. Avoiding comparison and remembering my “Why” is key. I’m learning the value of investing time to create art for myself. The more I allow time to experiment and discover new ways to work with the mediums I enjoy, the greater the fulfillment when I switch back over to work for clients. I’m finding the more I trust my creative intuition, the value of my work continues to transcend expectation, which has ultimately promoted confidence, inspiration, and further opportunities.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started making digital illustrations and handmade cards in 2014 that I was selling as a side hustle while working a full time job. After some burnout at said job I was able to eventually transition to full time artist in 2019. When I began doing digital illustration I would Google search for references online and if I searched for family references or holiday images it was clear that there is still a major issue with representation of marginalized groups. I create images for blended families, minority owned businesses, and non profits who do amazing work. I think its important that I create representative work today that would make my 7 year old self feel seen and loved. I’m utilizing techniques to boost client’s Search Engine Optimization and sharing new knowledge as I learn it myself. I find it exciting to be a part of a wave of creators who are making visuals that can literally transform the face of the internet by providing representative visuals and perspectives.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take a friend to the Botanical Gardens because its a beautiful green space in the city with a lovely view. We would have to drop by Slutty Vegan, maybe more than once, respectfully. I would also take them for a bike ride along the belt line to see the city and the local art displayed along it. We’d hit up one of my favorite dinner spots, The Wrecking Bar near Little Five Points. They have something for everyone and offer seasonal menus and brews so every time you can try something new, a foodie’s dream. We’d have to visit HodgePodge Coffee, for something to sip and snack on while we check out Cascade Springs Nature Preserve. Lastly, I stay on the East side so a must visit is the Dekalb Farmer’s Market to stock up on spices or international wines before leaving the city.

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?
There are so many along this journey that have kept me going and stand out at certain milestones. For a creative person, growing up and saying you want to be an artist is too often seen as an illegitimate endeavor so surrounding yourself with other creators and dreamers is essential. Emmanuel Rivers helped me realize that being an artist is enough. He introduced me to graphic design, and built a tiny house short term rental for my work to be displayed in. I’m constantly inspired and encouraged by my network of women owned businesses: WaaWaa Juice, Moji’s Art Photography, Elle’s Elixirs, and Mamasitas Contouring. We laugh, we vent, we make referrals, we show up, we share resources, and we are each other’s village. With the support and help from all of these beautiful talented people I get to do what I love and continue to grow into even better versions of myself both professionally and personally.

Website: www.pamojakeepsakes.com

Instagram: @pamojakeepsakes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamojaKeepsakes

Tik Tok: @pamojakeepsakes

Image Credits
Dare To Dream Network, Whitney Rivers, Cyd Prather