We were lucky to catch up with Amy DeCaussin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Amy, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Recently, I left my full-time position as Communications Manager for Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church in Scottsdale, Arizona to focus solely on my company, DeCaussin Studios. My time at Saint Barnabas was filled with very meaningful work that subsequently afforded me many lifelong lessons too.

Saint Barnabas has a reputation for its culture, providing a safe, peaceful space for all different kinds of people and perspectives. The way the community cares for each other and the community at large is incredibly moving, and that deepening sense of connection is meaningful work. This culture, especially with the challenges of our world today, did not develop solely on its own. It is carefully cultivated by the leadership. One core value the leaders focus on closely is the skill of listening. Although there are many topics to be addressed within a faith community, listening touches on all aspects of them. The more you think about it, the more you realize that listening can be difficult. This is where I feel my work resides. Storytelling is a way to break through barriers and help bring a diverse audience to find common ground.

Through my effort to support the mission and vision of Saint Barnabas, I was focused on inspiring the community to see the value in themselves, each other, and their work as disciples. By doing this, it leads them to see abundant hope and endless possibilities. For me, the most rewarding projects were the time-based pieces that moved the viewers to tears. It was being a quiet observer of every contributor to the community, and then reflecting the wonderful essence of who they truly are back to them. Lifting up the community and empowering them was incredibly fulfilling.

My illustrations and animations are a way to open up to new perspectives and ideas. They serve as a tangible aid to developing better listening and connection. The profound effects of this can be seen in a child calmly taking in my work, slowing down to contemplate what they see. Observing this enlightened me to realize the power it can have in supporting the overall success of meaningful projects.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi! I’m Amy, creator of compelling content designed to inspire fresh perspectives through illustration and animation. I have constantly experienced the profound power of storytelling to strengthen relationships, influence peace, nurture understanding, enrich our culture, and grow community. Our world is crying out for tools to help us relate to one another. When we are in a state of peace, we can accomplish so much more than we may even think possible.

My work is a whimsical, colorful, experience. I specialize in watercolor painting but love to use ink, colored pencils, pastels, and other water-based paints as well. I like to cut my paintings out, and collage them, or build them into mini dioramas which are then photographed. Sometimes the work is still and great for both print and digital means, and other times, it is animated. I create a lot of stop-motion animation, but I also bring other simple ways to animate my work depending on what each individual project, requires. No matter how the final product is created, the work is always based on traditional methods of creating which lends itself to finding beauty in imperfection.

My background in performing art informs my process with time-based media. I like to allow the sound for an animation to be the driving force behind the narrative and composition. I recently received Best Animated Music Video” and “Video of the Year” at the Michigan Music Video Awards for “On the Road Again,” created for Djangophonique, a gypsy jazz band based out of Detroit. Working with amazing music is one of the great joys of creating animation.

I thrive on adapting to new ways of doing business. While changes continue to come, experience has taught me that taking the time to create good content is a key piece of your measurable impact on an audience or community. I keep up to date with market trends and can offer comprehensive marketing strategies to companies looking to make an impact with the work they do.

I find stability in my business in diversifying revenue streams. This means I have an online shop where you can purchase original pieces and gifts featuring my work. You can shop here: http://www.amydecaussin.etsy.com. I also love working with clients who are looking to give fresh perspectives and amplify their message through my illustration and animation. I am especially passionate about working with organizations that are invested in environmental endeavors, connecting to the earth, and/or strengthening communities.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I believe we underestimate the power to change perspectives and find common ground through the expression of music and art. Creativity provides avenues to connect that can seem impossible without it. When a community chooses not to value and respect artists, it may be a loss for the artists, however, what is often missed is the great loss it is to the community as a whole. Thriving communities must have the arts in order to enrich the lives of each person in it. A great way to ensure this is to provide funding through programs used to build communities. Another way to support the arts is by purchasing handmade goods, shopping at galleries, and attending performances.

Additionally, while investing financially in creatives is a great place to start, I also think it is beneficial for all different types of industries to recognize that creatives bring invaluable assets to progress and innovation. There is also power in cross-disciplinary contributions in many businesses and organizations.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Connections are everything. Networking is great, but I recommend building strong, meaningful relationships without always having an agenda. You never know what wisdom you may gain from people you get to know. You never know where different connections may lead. No matter what opportunities arise, if you are always making an effort to have good relationships with people around you, you will have a deep bench of support. Your ability to grow and adapt will be made much easier by already having trusted people by your side.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.amydecaussin.com
• Instagram: @amydecaussin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyDeCaussinIllustration
• Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/amydecaussin
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/decaussinstudios
• Other: http://www.amydecaussin.etsy.com

Image Credits
All photos are mine: Amy DeCaussin