Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Piper Burris. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Piper, appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Eight months ago, I quit my full-time Administrative job to pursue graphic design. I wanted dedicated time to create a website and build a portfolio. As I didn’t have anything lined up, my employer offered a transition to part-time, remote work in the Marketing Department, rather than a full exit. I happily accepted and began my journey. While I knew it was a risk to work part-time with no end in sight, I had a few months of savings and a passion to create. I thought, “Once my website is beautiful and I can show some work to prove my skills, I’ll get a design job at an advertising agency.”

My “underemployment era” coincided with my best friend getting married, an event we always talked about me planning. From March till June, we made the whole thing happen. Venue, invites, caterer, decor, guest list, music… you literally name it, we planned it ourselves. While I’ve always been a passionate, organized person, this was a HUGE task for which I had no real experience. On the actual hottest weekend of the year, we pulled off an incredible, outdoor, 50 person wedding. I have never worked harder in my life.

So now, it’s July. The wedding is over, my website is almost done, I have a decent portfolio, and I’ve successfully transitioned into the part-time Marketing + Design Coordinator role at my previous employer. I’ve really enjoyed my time working from home, though I do miss a reason to put a cute outfit on and interact with others. Hourly work is cool, but it’d be incredible to have stability, health insurance, and 401(k) matching. I’m thinking, “A new job is just around the corner!”

I see now that that was a bit naive. Applying to jobs is HARD. It’s frustrating, thankless, often directionless. When you do hear back from a potential employer, it’s usually a rejection. The jobs sound boring, the pay not great, though the benefits enticing. There’s also an added layer of living in Philadelphia with no car. Could I bike to this position, take the train? People do it but, after a few months working from home, am I really interested in adding a commute to my schedule?

And now, it’s November. I’ve applied to countless jobs, have numerous versions of my resume, am incredibly proud of my website, and have had many interviews – a success in itself! But still, no new job. That was the goal, right? Quit my job to build my creative portfolio, and then get a new one. But the more time I’ve spent working from home, developing my own creativity, working part-time, and picking up creative odd-jobs, the more that has felt like ME.

It’s hard to look a “stable” opportunity with benefits, a regular schedule, and HR handbook in the eye and say “NO”, especially when that’s what you thought you wanted. But, throughout this process, I’ve felt energized by the uncertainty. I’m gaining the confidence to remain true to myself and continue to work outside the box. I’m still not where I thought I’d be, but I know that I’m getting there.

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

Sounds cliché, but I’ve always been creative. I had an early interest in collage and loved finding parts of existing things and turning them into brand-new things. I hated being told what to wear and always wanted to be myself even if it was weird or seemed annoying. “Fine” art and personal expression have been the foundation for my work in digital design. Beyond that, I had two notable inspirations for pursuing this career – grocery stores, and children’s toys.

As a previous homeschooler, I had the freedom to learn and create things that compelled me, rather than following a specific curriculum. After many “field trips” to the grocery store, I started noticing patterns. There’s always fruit in the front and milk in the back, themed end-caps based on the holidays, and brand name products in the easiest to reach places. Why? Are we, as people, really that predictable? The answer is, of course, yes, but not without a little nudge from those who want our money.

Children’s toys became an interest of mine under the scope of gender roles – my interest in self-expression of course extends to stereotypes and societal expectations. Children’s toys, specifically, aren’t just entertaining, but are created to teach little ones essential skills. If certain types of toys are being branded for boys, and others for girls, aren’t young children missing out on what isn’t “for” their gender? And, aren’t they subconsciously learning what they should and shouldn’t be interested in?

If advertising is used to control people, and it works!, can’t it be used for good? That question combined with my personal interests lead me to pursue an Advertising degree at Temple University in Philadelphia, with a concentration in Art Direction.

I’d classify my passion as Creative Communication. I love to connect with people and understand their hopes and dreams, I love making things beautiful and easy to understand, and I love supporting people in their journey of fulfilling their dreams. As the digital age grinds on, it’s important to be able to do this online. This lead me to explore graphic design, logo creation, copywriting, website design – skills that take an idea and turn it into a reality, just like a collage.

Since college, I’ve taken on a few freelance clients and am enjoying my work doing marketing, design, and social media. I planned my best friend’s wedding and continue to make collages and other art in my spare time. I love this work and the endless possibilities it offers. I’m looking to take on more clients and am available for logo design/branding, website creation, social media management, and more.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The lesson: there’s a RIGHT and a WRONG way to do things. This is a lesson I’m still unlearning, and will likely continue to struggle with! It’s so easy to see what others are doing and want to replicate it, especially if they appear to be successful or seem to be on a similar path.

In addition to being homeschooled, I was raised in a religious household. While I completely respect the beliefs and experiences of others, my religious education was filled with unyielding Rights and Wrongs and is something I no longer practice. At the time, everything felt like Bible. Your parents (or some other grown-up) say it, you do it, or you’re a bad person. Learning such lessons as a child, they strike particularly deep. In college, I found there was pressure for sameness. In a field I thought would encourage individuality and different ways of thinking, the courses I took and the majority of professors I ran into seemed to all want the same thing. As a budding professional, this was extremely discouraging and confusing.

It has been a struggle to realize that you actually can do whatever you want. You can develop your own systems, present unique ideas, or go against the grain, and it doesn’t make you a bad person.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to support myself and others on their journey to becoming their most authentic self. This is a lifelong practice. By continuing to forge my own path, break through the monotony, and create intentional work, I hope to inspire others to do the same.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.piperburris.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pipers.arrrt/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/piper-burris/