We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Audrey Davis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Audrey, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Because so much of what I do is art based, I need to hone my skills. What about the figure drawing class I attend gets me thinking about form and composition? The film photograph I take makes me consider a new color story. The gestural painting I experiment with informs a new outlook on texture. I think constant exploration is so important to my craft and the awakening of fresh ideas.
I also think collaboration without an agenda is so important. I’m constantly reaching out to creatives to make new work with. It encourages us to step together into art direction, narrative structures, and experimentation. Working in this way with a team simply for the love of creating keeps my passion for my work thriving and builds an important base of community.
I think the best thing I can do to build a landscape of future success is to bond with makers through collaboration and to keep myself engaged with new and exciting visual ideas. Multidisciplinary skills and a growth mindset of constantly obtaining new ones goes a long way. I try to stay curious.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a prop stylist, which means I “bring the stuff” to photography sets. I’m hired to bring scenes to life as I collaborate with a photographer and art director. I work for clients like Titos and Austin Monthly to create imagery for publications, ads, social media, and websites. Images have the capacity to be used in so many different ways, ranging anywhere from promoting a recipe to a canned cocktail. I enjoy the challenge of strategizing for each new project so that the client comes away with unique assets that aren’t just a copycat of the latest social media trend. I help realize client’s goals by concepting and translating ideas into engaging visuals that support a strong brand identity.
Essentially, whatever is set in front of a camera, I plan, curate, make, and finesse. The backdrop? I painted it. The furniture? I sourced it, built it, angled it into scene. The plates? I combed through thrift and antique stores, or online shopped for hours until the mix-match ceramics harmonize together on set, creating “the look.”
I’ve been in the industry for seven years. With a background in photography, I realized that while I have a deep love for fine art film, when it comes to digital scenes I gravitate towards the props and how they communicate a feeling and ambiance. The storytelling of prop styling is what really engages me to my craft, and what I believe sets me apart. I like to envision who might live in a scene–what from their personality informs the narrative.
Objects, props, are carefully considered and composed. I structure my approach through bold color, texture, and a sense of whimsy. I genuinely love this art form and it’s endless opportunities.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
We are dominated by a visual culture. Instagram scrolling, websites, billboards, ads, we are constantly looking at images that demand our attention all day every day. I like to think I help create images that gives your eyes an opportunity to pause, that initiates a moment of daydreaming, of continuing a visual storyline, an image that makes you feel something.
In the simplest of words, I like making something beautiful and stimulating. It satisfies me; I want to create.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The old school answer is, cold call emails and asking for coffee meets. Part of why I love Austin so much is the people. There’s a wealth of generous, knowledgable creatives who foster a thriving photography industry here. Whether it’s a producer, photographer, agency, or brand, so many people are willing to meet up so I can put a face to a name and introduce myself and my skillsets. I have an incredible base of resources in so many areas of the field that I can recommend for upcoming jobs, and vice-versa. It’s word of mouth, but it’s also connecting with people face to face and enjoying the common passion of making beautiful imagery. Networking by building genuine relationships never goes out of style.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.audreykdavis.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audi_kd/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrey-davis-4588b8175/
Image Credits
Jen Causey Laura Holland Victor Protasio Torie Cox Mackenzie Smith Kelley Olivia Caminiti