Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Tappan

Hi Audrey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I didn’t grow up in the city and didn’t have many resources around me for acquiring technical art skills, but what I did have was an environment that allowed me to be completely myself and explore my creativity in organic and playful ways. I grew up on a farm in Duette, Florida and picked up practical skills from my parents like finding solutions to problems using out-of-the-box thinking. If I wanted to build something but didn’t have the classic materials I could get creative with how I would find a solution, what other materials could serve the same purpose? This seeped into everything I did as I got older, especially in college when I wanted to create a work of art based on inspiration but didn’t have the budget to acquire the needed materials. From fashion photoshoots with thrifted clothing and a bag of Mcdonald’s food or product photography for Redbull using odds and ends from the Dollar Store.

Today, I live and work in NYC designing brand visuals for CPG brands and companies that are seeking out-of-the-box ideas for their branding and marketing needs. Whether I’m doing photography, graphic design, or animation, I like to channel my playful upbringing using fun designs and fresh uplifting color palettes.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

The path I took to get where I am now hasn’t always been smooth but I’m thankful for that, because it’s allowed me to find out who I am as an artist while also building character. Everything that I’ve accomplished in my life so far has been because of my hard work and nothing else. No handouts. No free entry tickets. I recently read a Linkedin post from a fellow SCAD alum saying “The plot is not lost” meaning that even when we think we’ve veered too far off the path we can’t forget how far we’ve come and how much further we have to go. It’s all a part of the plan. Struggles help us refine our strategy if we use them to our advantage. Always keep the plot in mind!
Some struggles I’ve faced have been remembering that I need to be a good boss AND a good employee. As a freelancer, I’ve done everything myself from admin to the creation of my art and that can become very lonely and stressful. The cure for that has been finding my network of other badass women who love to support each other. From growing up in rural Florida, then moving every 3 years as an adult and not having a “home”, to finally settling in NYC and building a community of creatives that share a similar mindset of making a living doing what we love. It takes a village even for adults.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I’m a brand designer using product and fashion photography, logo and website design, and animation to elevate brand visuals for marketing purposes. My agency, Hued, specializes in creating playful and bold graphics solutions for brands to stand out and express themselves through collaboration and experimentation. I’m currently the most proud that I’ve been able to craft a career out of being myself. I remember when I used to try and appease every client who reached out to me for work, I would aim to create something in whatever style they wanted. The day I embraced my kaleidoscopic aspirations I started attracting the clients I truly wanted and have been able to charge more because I had become an expert in a specific niche.

What matters most to you? Why?

Being genuine. Be yourself and you’ll attract the people you want and need in your life. Being someone you’re not is exhausting and not sustainable and, eventually, people will see right through it.

Pricing:

• Graphic design projects begin at $500
• Photography projects begin at $1000
• Website projects begin at $750

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.huedhuedhued.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audreytappan.creates