We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sydney Anderson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sydney, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

A big risk I took was when I went out of state for college. I had never been to Louisiana nor had I been to the South. I found that this was a huge risk for me, considering I knew nothing about what was to come. I graduated from high school during the beginning of the pandemic and didn’t know what to expect as a freshman.

Getting my degree in film and television was also another big risk, as I could now be considered an artist, and the expectation for a high salary out of college was considered gone. As a creative, you are always supposed to take risks, whether they be big or small. I found my creative passion through risk, and that is what fuels my creativity.

I found that through the risks I took, community is what is most important to me. I was in a department that valued individual accomplishments rather than the collective whole. However, when I found Chateaux Rouge Cinema, my outlook on what it means to be a creative changed, and I was able to grow and excel in such a short amount of time.

Sydney, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Sydney Anderson, a young emerging creative director who grew up as a little girl in Seattle, Washington, and ended up moving to Chicago during my teens. During my transition, I found myself in positions where, as a mixed young woman, I struggled to fit in wherever I went. However, my affection for art and creativity was unwavering, and I used to draw and paint progressively. Creativity has always been a constant in my life.

In high school, the world of media production and videography opened my eyes to a career field that I didn’t know was possible. I initially thought it was just a hobby for some. Now, I provide creative directing and production design services for artists and productions. My goal is to help showcase and visually enhance artists’ concepts, whether it’s creating editorial concepts for magazines, or designing sets for films, podcasts, or music videos.

I am most proud of the editorial concept shoots that I have created. I aspire for people to recognize me not only as an artist but also as a black woman and a creator.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Connecting and networking with other creators and engaging in collaborations have significantly contributed to the growth of my creative portfolio. By interacting with fellow artists, I’ve gained valuable insights and expanded my artistic perspectives. Collaborative projects have allowed me to showcase my versatility and teamwork skills, adding diverse and impressive pieces to my portfolio. Building a strong network within the creative community has opened doors to exciting opportunities for personal and professional development.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Connecting with studios and creators from various mediums has proven to be the most fruitful source for acquiring new clients. By engaging with a diverse range of artists, I have been able to tap into different audiences and expand my clientele. This networking approach has not only broadened my client base but also facilitated collaboration on innovative and exciting projects. The strong relationships formed through these connections have played a crucial role in sustaining my creative business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFienZoqXg/o9OyXLut0xuC3fejo9oySg/edit?utm_content=DAFienZoqXg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
• Instagram: Sydney.lenae

Image Credits
Chateaux Rouge Cinema Caden Wilson Ajay Bagchanddani ries Francis Kyron Wilson Jeremy Ferdinand Jaylin darensberg micah Baaskerville Anthony Bradford Todd Harris Kris