We were lucky to catch up with Krystal Simmons recently and have shared our conversation below.

Krystal, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

Aside from being a full-time photographer for 3 years, I’ve also been a caricature artist for 17 years. One day I joke (?) I’ll write a book about what I learned from drawing retail caricatures. I’ve drawn in an amusement park, eventually traveled the country, and now I draw primarily at events. One of the most valuable things I think I’ve learned is- in business, and really in life, you get what you put out. And on the occasions you don’t, at least you learned something or had fun. I learned this because when it was a slow day at the caricature stand, it was common to offer a free or discounted sketch (a demo) to a person walking by with the hopes to drum up business. It worked more often than not, and sometimes started a domino effect for everyone at the stand. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that. Free work can pay off, if you’re intentional. And if you can be proud of what you did for free even if it didn’t pay off financially, the sense of accomplishment you get from completing something is rewarding in and of itself.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve always kinda loved photography but never saw it as a serious career. Showing my age a little here, but as a preteen, I remember taking single use cameras to the drug store to get them developed pretty regularly. I had like, one close friend, and 4 siblings, and they served as practice for what would YEARS later become my profession. I became a caricature artist in 2006, which slowly became something I did less often and only at events, but which I still do. I became a beauty school drop out in 2017. In January 2020, I bought a used camera, and then shortly after, the pandemic started, very much slowing events down. Makeup tutorials started booming online, and I decided to launch an online cosmetics brand which I did all my marketing for using local models. Not even a month later, I realized I wanted to go full-time with photography.

Since I have an extensive background in various art forms, so photography is a great way for me to share my creativity with others in a more intimate and well-rounded way. Having been an artist all my life, I pride myself in providing original ideas and paying attention to detail. Every one of my sessions is preceded by a creative consultation call to make sure I can tell my client’s story in a way that is fresh and meaningful. I also connect my clients to hairstylists and makeup artists, and assist with styling virtually and physically. It is important to me that my client does not feel alone or overwhelmed during the creative process.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I love making people smile. Mental health is something I take very seriously. I struggle often with depression, anxiety, a dissociative disorder, and honestly- I’m sure a few other things that have gone undiagnosed. Art has helped me out of what seemed like hopeless situations countless times. I love seeing what my art can do for others as well. It makes me emotional giving people boosts of self-esteem and inspiring people to express themselves with or without me.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I highly recommend “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson and “How to Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon. I also enjoy guided meditation on YouTube with Kenneth Soares. Father Bronques on Instagram has a lot of inspiring in-your-face content for creatives as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://krystal-simmons.square.site
• Instagram: @meechsmommy

Image Credits
Killaa Visuals