We recently connected with Portia Hunter and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Portia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Well, because I’m a perfectionist and it takes a lot for me to be completely content with my work or as an artist, it’s sometimes hard to say. I’m hard on myself and find I’m always trying to be better, so it’s an ever-growing journey. It also really depends on the work or the situation. However, I’m very blessed to be able to create art and take my time to play and experiment. Also being able to hone my skills and dabble in other art forms. It’s all a lot of fun, despite difficulties, and it’s beautiful to have a passion and that brings me happiness.

I’ve always had a regular job then freelanced and created art on the side. However, I currently work with cameras daily as a camera technician/ inspector so that’s basically still in my field which is lovely.

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.

Hello everyone, my name is Portia Hunter, and I am a visual artist from Atlanta, Georgia. I’ve basically been creating art since I was in elementary school, but I still have a lot to learn, haha. I used to draw pictures of original characters in cool outfits and create backstories for them. In that way I guess I’ve always been a storyteller.

My interests are far and wide, so I have dabbled and created work in several art forms such as woodwork, clay sculpture, metal sculpture/ welding, painting, drawing, collage, textiles, video, photo editing and make-up, but most of my work is film and digital photography. I became obsessed with photography around middle school, seeing art online and having this need to recreate it in my own way. I often harassed my friends to shoot with me and the rest was history. I ended up going to college for studio art with a concentration in photography at Georgia State University and previously was an art major before I transferred there. I believe it was 2010 when I first worked as an amateur freelance photographer.

When I think of the works I’ve created over the years, my underlying focus showcased various emotions, the female gaze, aspects of my personal life like my mental health, and storytelling. Fashion and aesthetics play a big part as well because fashion and beauty have also been the love of my life. I mostly photograph women because I feel most comfortable and connected telling women’s stories, as well as my own, representing them and challenging societal norms. However, that’s mainly my personal work, I am not limited to that. As a freelance photographer, I have shot engagement parties, couple and family pictures, lifestyle and fashion, maternity shoots, creative portraits, etc. and I am open to a lot more.

As an artist I don’t believe in having a specific “style”, at least for myself. I’m honestly not sure what my “style” is, even now. Because of that my work has always been very versatile and different from one another. I think that’s what sets me apart from other artists, my many interests and willingness to experiment and sync my client’s interests with my own. I’m sort of a chameleon, haha. I mesh with my environment and the people I’m with. When I work it’s all a bit loose and open to whatever inspiration is sparked between myself and my clients.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I think it would be the act of having a thought or idea and being able to take the steps to bring it to fruition. That’s amazing to me. It’s not always easy and it sometimes takes a lot more than people may think.

Also, getting to know myself, growing, leaving an impact on people and becoming a part of their lives. It gives me joy and purpose.

Lastly, surprising myself and exceeding my expectations – looking at my work and saying, “wow, I did that”. I have been featured in a guest show at Yale University, published in a magazine called Picture Newspaper and The Luna Collective, have had tons of art shows and so much more I never thought would happen. I’m still in disbelief sometimes, haha.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Um, I don’t think so. I think art in general is subjective, just like most things in life, in my opinion. I think most people can relate to being on a journey. Life itself is a journey, full of trials and errors, learning and unlearning and expression and so is being creative. I think that’s pretty much what it’s all about.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: phunterphoto

Image Credits

Portia Hunter