Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Crouse.
Anna, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started taking photos when I was in high school, with my little Coolpix camera, and that’s when the draw toward photography began. My creativity definitely blossomed as I began college, and I started taking my friends photos for free and ever so slowly, I got a few weddings under my belt. I remember being so stunned when people actually asked me to take their photos, but that’s when I started thinking I could actually make money doing this. It was similar to calligraphy – I started to teach myself this script, and I’m honestly still teaching myself but wrote on everything. I wrote quotes for my friends, painted graduation caps, really anything people asked me to write I would.
I wish I would’ve started exploring photography and graphic design earlier on, but taking art classes in college sparked a desire to create things not just for people, but about them, about myself and about who I am. There is so much power in photography, a photograph can really impact a person. Sometimes, it doesn’t, but man, sometimes it really hits you. I love the fact that I love photography and graphic design, and I love the fact that I get to use my gifts to meet, connect with, and serve those around me.
Has it been a smooth road?
I can laugh at this because I’ve been going at this “business” thing for years and sometimes I feel like I’m getting nowhere. But the comparison is the absolute, never-failing, thief of joy, I’ve torn myself down so many times because of it. Everyone learns as they go, and I tend to have to learn it a few times before it catches on, but I’m getting there. I’ve learned so much about what I actually like, not just what seems to make money, or what everyone else is doing, but what sparks my creativity. What actually excites me, inspires me, what keeps me up at night because I have so many ideas, and that has changed an awful lot. But I have found so much freedom in that. Deciding for myself what I want to pursue, and letting my work reflect that passion.
The business side of things is a whole new ball game, one I don’t even feel like I have enough credibility to talk about, but for the people out there just getting started: that learning curve is so real. But you figure it out, you really do. You figure out that you are worth someone’s time and money. Someone out there will like your work, your price, your style, and every single incredible thing you’ve got to offer, so don’t settle on that.
Being someone who follows what they’re passionate about is a scary thing, and a vulnerable thing, but ultimately your worth isn’t tied to your achievements. I’ve found my true and ultimate fulfillment in the One who created me and created everything around me and everything I get to create just stems from that. My life was so broken before Jesus Christ sought me out, and through my art, I get to show others how incredibly, magnificently, and beautifully He has pieced me back together, and I long for my art to simply draw eyes to Him. Validation is awesome, a booming business is awesome, getting art accepted into exhibitions is awesome, but I don’t need it to survive (and thank goodness because I would be drowning). Remind yourself of that daily, and I’ll do the same too.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
What I love is photography. Portraits, sessions, lifestyle, nature, you name it and I’ll probably take a picture of it. Graphic design is something I’ve been drawn to over the years, and I’ll often pair it with my own calligraphy. A growing aspect of what I offer is logo design, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the talented people I’ve been able to work with. I get to connect with them, get to know them and what they’re passionate about, and get to help them visualize all of these ideas into a design specifically for their brand.
I’d say the biggest thing that I’ve grown into, and I’m proud of that growth, is creating experiences through my work. Whether it be an abstract photo of a sunset or the first time you see your wife walking down the aisle, composing an image that pulls at you. That kind of stuff lasts, and I hope I can keep cultivating moments like that.
A big thing for me is knowing that my gifts are not mine to hold onto. I didn’t gain this creativity and talent on my own, but rather it was given to me in gracious love by my Lord and Savior, so they are mine to give right back. And I hope that through every portrait, graduate, or engagement session, logo design, or that custom hand-lettered quote, that I get to serve you.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I grew up in a pretty competitive household. I have three brothers, and my parents were literally and figuratively my coaches and biggest fans. This innate competitive nature stuck with me through all the changes one endures throughout middle and high school and college, but it transformed into a fear of failure rather than a healthy appetite to work hard. I didn’t know just how much I shied away from due to this fear until college, but it is a difficult realization to arrive at, and an even more difficult one to move through.
The fear of failure was really hindering, but recognizing it now shows me when I need to get over myself and just go for stuff. Growing up trying to do my best has been a good thing, don’t get me wrong, and I do believe I have a good and strong work ethic, but fearing failure is crippling and I know the only way to grow and learn is to fail. And through this failure, I will mature into this artist that I strive to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.annalynncrouse.com
- Phone: (706)-206-3347
- Email: annalynncrouse@gmail.com
- Instagram: annalynncrouse
Image Credit:
Anna Lynn Crouse
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
