Portland Creative: Brittney Myers of Head in Heart

Early this Spring, Jake and I collaborated again as Eagle & Wolf for a logo project.

The logo is for Head in Heart, a Portland-based company spearheaded by photography wizard Brittney Myers.

Besides being delightful to work with, Brittney puts out some wonderfully dreamy photos.  Her new logo was used to help launch the Head in Heart website, as her love for photography slowly shapes itself into a freelance business and explores personal creative projects.

Her production is wide-ranging and has included animals, weddings, lifestyle, events, and fine art.  And totally adorable babies (see below).  After getting her site up and running, Brittney was kind enough to answer a few questions for me.

LW: How long have you been shooting?

BM: I started falling in love with taking photographs a few years ago – I’ve been on the road to craft refinement ever since…

LW: Who inspires you?

BM: Besides me mum, pup, a pocketful of friends and witty strangers – I absolutely fancy:

• Shel Silverstein - http://www.shelsilverstein.com
• Gregory Colbert – http://www.ashesandsnow.org/en/portfolio/
• Rodney Smith – http://www.rodneysmith.com/portfolio
• Nick Brandt – http://www.nickbrandt.com
• Dr. Seuss – http://www.drseussart.com/taxi.html
• Max Wanger – http://www.maxwanger.com

Me. Oh. My! Just seeing their names all sandwiched together like that makes my heart dance!

LW: Any advice for other photographers getting their business off the ground?

BM: The reason I got into photography is because it sets my soul on fire.  I know that when I do work that doesn’t rock my boat, I become bored and disinterested.  That said, I’m really adamant about finding what fits – filtering out jobs that I know I won’t get personal satisfaction from.

I’m just starting in the game myself – so I can only offer what I know to be true for me. Here is a little list of ideas to get the ball rolling:

1. Define what motivates you – what feeds you. WHY do you do what you do. I believe this is the #1 most important thing to consider when starting a business pursuing your passion.

2. There are a billion photographers in the world – but no one is YOU.  Remember this when you’re comparing yourself to everyone else.  Admire and be inspired.

3. Research – Learn – Do – Mess up – Experience – Research – Learn – Do –Experience (you won’t mess up all the time!)
    a. Repeat this pattern over time and the sky is the limit!

LW: Anything else you’d like to say?

BM: Shel Silverstein says it best:

“Listen to the musn’ts child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me…Anything can happen, child, Anything can be.”

Believe in yourself….that pretty much sums it up.

INDEED.  And just look at that baby.  Seriously, this lady has some skillz.

Her advice can be universally applied to all creative folk out there who are just starting out, and I’m excited to see where Brittney’s work will take her.

Head in Heart will be taking commissions on a very select basis.  See more of her work at her site or her blog, or feel free to drop a her line about any ol’ thing.

Once again, thanks to Brittney Myers.