We recently connected with Savanna Ruedy and have shared our conversation below.

Savanna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Earning a full time living as a photographer is something that has taken years to feel comfortable with. When I started being freelance 6 years ago I would just make sure I could cover my rent and hustle to make the bare minimum. Living in NYC at 22 I just rented a room for $700 and the rest filled in. Over time I got a bigger room, then my own place, then a 1 BR apartment. I took it slow and really understood the process of becoming financially successful as an artist. The pandemic, a move to LA, and other random circumstances have gotten in the way in making a living but I’ve learned to be patient and trust the process. Sometimes I am still in awe that I get to be an artist and make a good living.

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.

I started as a photographer in college but even before that in Highschool. I started drawing and painting first. I majored in photography at Minneapolis College of Art and Design. I then moved to NYC after graduation and interned at Refinery29 and Milk Studios. It took off from there! I think what sets me apart from others is my willingness to learn and expand my skillset with editing and lighting. I also think I have a dreamy style that a lot of people are drawn to. I don’t want to be a photographer that only photographs famous people I want to document every single person from all walks of life. I will always enjoy meeting every single person I photograph. The connection I build with others is so important to me. I also put in the work and hours because photography truly is my passion. It is the way I move through the world.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think a non creative sometimes doesn’t see how personal my work is to me and the inner workings behind it. Being a photographer is very vulnerable. I always have to keep in mind its vulnerable for me but also the subject. I am putting my inner emotions and ideas on the line every time I create something. I have had to learn to gain confidence in my vision and stay true to it. This is so hard when working in the commercial world especially because I’m trained from a fine art background. It’s not always so serious but I do think that vulnerability is something people forget about when they see me as a photographer.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is working with the people I photograph. I love the way I can express not only my vision but also theirs. I can really see someone at a deeper level when I photograph them. I get to see insecurities and coach people through that. I love collaborating and learning about other people. I always get so excited by the ideas that people come up with as well as my own. It’s such a collaboration.

Contact Info:

• Website: savannaruedy.com
• Instagram: savannarruedy