Meet Syrithia McCladdie: Creative Director & Photographer

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

Hi Syrithia, how do you think about risk?
I love that question. I’ve been a risk taker all of my life. If my mom were here, she would vouch for me (lol). I was 15 with my first car my mom purchased for me, and she had given me a strict curfew. In which, I would always test the water because my motto was, “I’m going to get in trouble anyways might as well”. And so I applied that to my life/career choices. As I stated in the last interview, I decided one day I was going to just move to Atlanta back in 2014. Where I came from there was so much talent. And not enough resources to prosper and become who I wanted to be. I had A crappy job working at Burger King. Dropped out of one college to apply to another. And $700 to my name, when I moved out of my apartment in Augusta. That there is a risk within itself. I knew people in Atlanta who knew people, so when I got the text with this great opportunity at Tyler Perry Studios, for Wardrobe Assistant I jumped at the chance. So I quit Burger King under the impression I had the position was mine. Again, taking another risk with one of my sources of income. However, I went and wore my best, and layed it on thick. but the opportunity was given to someone else. And that was okay, wasn’t my time. Also, at the time I was attending SCAD, for Fashion marketing and management. so there was a position at my other job (Forever 21) for an assistant floor set manager. I had not graduated yet from SCAD, but I went for the interview anyways, and snatched the position. I took that risk knowing I was not yet qualified on paper, but my work and talent spoke for me. And even with the Internship for Tyler Perry Studios, I was grateful my peers held my accolades on a pedestal at Augusta State to even consider me for the internship.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am Creative Director and Photographer in Atlanta, GA. And, what sets me apart from the other creatives with my brand is I’m a woman of many hats. I plan the layout and visuals for print and digital publications, products and advertising. I create and maintain a vision for a company’s products and branding. I oversee a creative staff team if I ask anyone to join me. That produces art and designs to support that vision. How I got to this point professionally is a Tax ID, lol. But, no. I always loved photography, since a kid. So when I moved to Atlanta I took talents serious. And started collectively branding myself on social media or word of mouth. And no, defiantly wasn’t easy. I live in the largest city in Georgia. There are thousands of established creatives here, looking have their art taken seriously. But it goes back to risk taking . There are so many blessing in the lessons of learning. You never lose, you either learn or redirected. If you didn’t book that client, oh well. Maybe that wasn’t yours to have. You do it for the art and love of it. Yes, the income from freelance isn’t bad either. But, starting out you’re not going to have thousands of followers. But POST that material. Let the world know you are here and your art is worthy of it’s praise. And when it comes to the world knowing about my brand. Just know that I’m no better than the next artist, I’m just a woman with talents and dreams. I love taking photos and making things look aesthetically pleasing as possible. my motto is, “Less is More”. And when it comes to me and my story, I’ve been through more than the average person. But, my story is no different from a million others. I lost my mother unexpectedly, gave birth during a pandemic, suffered severe depression and anxiety. That my grief counselor stated and I quote, “I’m surprised you have not been committed”. So I deserve everything meant for me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh wow, lol. I’m boring! I make my money and go back in the house, I’m the worst person to come visit. But, if my best friend were to come. I would def take them for brunch on a Saturday and Sunday to Joy Café. The food, scenery and atmosphere is amazing! Dinner, TWO urban licks. For drinks, SkyLounge or the rooftop of the W Hotel. These places are beautiful and posh at night. I love to dress up so, I go where I’m never overdressed! The ride to the rooftop of the W, is worth the Instagram picture. The W I choose is off Lenox road and overlooks the city. Trust me you will love it. And visiting and hang out spots that I love. Ponce City Market, The Sound Table on Edgewood and Cru Hookah Lounge. The names alone will have you interested. From Ponce awesome boutiques and lively people. To The Sound Tables up and coming DJ’s. And overcrowded streets full of music, you never know what you’ll see. And Cru, I just love this place from the aesthetics to the mason jar drinks, I’m in love. And we have to visit Roswell, and hike Roswell Mills. they have a the best hiking trails and beautiful waterfall.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My late mother, Jacqueline Howard. To the only girl in the world that knew me best, Thank you. I dedicate this and the rest of my time on this earth to you. Thank you, for raising me to be the woman I am today. As a single mother, I never heard the word “no”. And never wonder if you had it to give, never seeing your tears while we slept. To raise two children with no help, you were one strong woman. Without your hard work and dedication, to Mark and I, who knows where we would be. Your greatest title was, Mom. If you were here today, I know you would be proud, of the woman I’ve become and the mother I’m becoming. To the first person I called in the mornings and the last person I wanted to hear before bed. Because of you, I know what true love feels like. I miss you dearly, I pray to be the half the woman you were. To, my best friend, confidant, and my everything. I love you. Your Pumpkin, Dae. To the men in my life, Mark and Hendrixx. You both are more than life to me. I pray the higher power takes me before you two. I don’t think, excuse me. I know I could not walk another day on this earth, without you guys by my side. Brother, you’re such a gentle soul. Thank you for loving me, unconditionally with no limits. When I make a million, I’m splitting it with you. Because we’ve split meals together. To my darling, Hendrixx. Mommy, wants to thank you for saving me from me. You feel like home, again. You are my sanctuary, I have a tendency of looking at you religiously. And, if it’s you and me against it, then so be it. Hendrixx, I promise to continue to become someone you will be proud to call, Mom. I love you both dearly. And finally, To my family: Cynthia, Shon, Lakendra, D’Angelo, Maia and Mikala. Thank you all for being my safe haven, when I felt the walls closing in on me many days. Thank you, for loving my mother, like she were your Mother . Thank you for loving my brother, like he were your brother. And Thank you for loving my son, like he were your Son. I’m so full and blessed to call you all, mine. Always remember, “US, never THEM”.

Website: Shotbysyrithiashadae
Instagram: SyrithiaShadae