We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryann Ussery and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ryann, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Since I was a kid, I remember art being a constant in my life, whether I was taking pictures on my parent’s phone or drawing in the church program. I always knew I would be a creative but I never knew exactly what that meant. Although I am a photographer, I do like and enjoy all forms of art whether it’s paintings, music or fashion. I guess you can say I choose a creative career because it’s always felt right. Art is freedom. Art is fun. It’s no rules to it and that’s what has made me stick with it for all these years. I don’t feel like I have to work so hard to get somewhere when it comes to my career as a creative. My job is fun because it involves me being lead creative and moving to my own beat. My relationship with art is very natural. As I grow so does my art. Growing up, I had no idea that art could really be a career but I can say choosing my art and a career in art despite all the bumps in the road will forever be one of the best decisions I ever made.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was around the age of maybe 9 or 10 when I first started playing around with the camera on cellphones. As a kid, I didn’t even know what it meant to be a photographer or really had a clue of what that even was. — I love how that came back full circle. What sets me apart is that I’m a true artist and creative at heart, if you take away the photos and camera, you’ll still catch me doing art one way or another. There is so much more art that needs to be made, that needs to be seen and that is what excites me the most. My journey hasn’t been easy but nothing worth having is ever easy. I got where I am today by choosing my art. I could’ve went on staying at a job where I knew I wasn’t happy and was only looking forward to the money but when the pandemic hit and I stopped working, I took it as a sign to really get more serious with my art. When my job reached back out, I declined. I felt like going back was me telling myself that photography wouldn’t work, which is what I had heard since I was kid. A lot of my challenges started to become less of a challenge when I took the pressure off of myself to constantly be creating and aiming for perfect work. I think when you put this pressure on yourself to always be creating, it takes a lot of the fun away, it starts to become a nightmare instead of the dream you’ve always had.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I think Atlanta hands down has some of the best brunch spots, its so many good ones its hard to just say one so definitely spend everyday of the trip trying different locations. Starting with Atlanta Breakfast Club. During the trip, we would definitely have to visit the aquarium, Civil Rights Museum, World of Coca-Cola and Atlanta Botanical Garden. Then make our way to the Beltline and Ponce City Market, which includes so many different places to eat. Little 5 Points is definitely an honorable mention. I think that is one of the top places where you can find the most fun and interesting people, especially artists of all mediums.
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 think first and foremost I wouldn’t be able to be the artist I am today if it wasn’t for God. There is so much love around me and so much support that the list of people can go on for days. I want to thank any and everyone who has been on this journey with me, from family to friends. I wouldn’t have even pursued a career in art if it wasn’t for you all believing in me. I want to give the biggest shoutout to both of my parents who have supported me from the very beginning by buying me my first camera. A win for me is a win for my whole team, so cheers to us! I hope everybody who has impacted me on this journey feels as much love from me as I have felt from them over the years.
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