We were lucky to catch up with Skye Crews recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Skye, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I knew I wanted to do some form of creative work since I was a kid, around age 9 I’d say. I remember watching the bloopers and behind the scenes of the Cat in the Hat (2003), and it looked like so much fun to make a movie. I think that’s one of the moments I realized my interests were in the creative industry. About a year later, my parents had the idea of putting me in a magnet school for theatre, something I definitely wouldn’t have known about on my own at such a young age. I have them to thank for directing me to a program that made school more fun and allowed my talents to flourish in an intentional way with real training. At the same time, I was discovering my love for making my own movies with our family’s camcorder and taking photos with a digital camera. I would set up a tripod in my room, use a remote to hit “record,” and start improvising commercials and shows in front of the camera. I did this for years. I still have the tapes! I would also use our digital camera to take what later became known as “selfies.” I found every and any setting or prop to use to take a silly picture of myself, my little sister or my friends. At 14, I did my first “creative” photoshoot using my laptop’s webcam. I put on a cute outfit, used a rose as a prop, and just did my best to take a cool photo. When I got a DSLR camera at age 15, I was finally able to take the higher-quality photos of my dreams. I had that camera for 9 years; it went with me to my first paid gig at age 16 to shoot a friend’s son’s first communion event.
Skye, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a 27-year-old South Florida native and lover of nature, healthy food, and all forms of creation, expression, and art. I work as a photographer, photo editor, content creator, and occasionally as a model. I also play guitar and piano, and I have a YouTube channel that I started last summer (which is still a small side project, for now).
I’ve always been passionate about taking photos, so naturally people in my life started hiring me for various forms of photographic services, which helped form my initial experience. A lot of my jobs are still referred by word of mouth from previous clients or friends. I produce professional portrait, nature, and event photography. Anything from corporate events to macabre portraits that I manipulate in Photoshop to transform into the visions I see in my mind. For anyone who hires me for a photo gig, I give them a large selection of edited digital images, and I also have a print shop where I sell prints of my fine art photographs.
My style is a little broad, but I think I’m most known for my spooky portraits and nature photography. I’m proud of the moods I infuse into my work. It has taken years of technical education and practice to develop a style that is my own, and it is constantly evolving, but what stays consistent is my fascination with nature, darkness, and evoking a supernatural mood with elements like high contrast, bold colors, and ethereal subject matter.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Having a “plan B.” I remember in high school, adults and other kids would say you should have a plan B in case whatever dream you have for your life doesn’t work out. Something to fallback on. I completely disagree. I think the whole energy of having a plan B means you’re not believing in yourself, and you’re giving into the fear of not being able to do whatever you put your mind to. Go all out for your plan A.
As a child, I knew I wanted to be part of the creative industry in multiple capacities. I’ve always loved being behind and in front of the camera. In college, I was under the false illusion that this path wouldn’t produce a suitable income, so I had to find something else that was more “secure.” I’ve come to learn that not only is nothing “secure,” but I can absolutely do anything I want. There is always a way to figure it out and make it happen. I’m still in the process of figuring it out, but I’ve made so much progress with unlearning the fear of not being powerful enough to create my life intentionally.
If you know what you want out of life, then focus on that and nothing else. Catch yourself in moments of doubt, and change the story you’re telling yourself. For example, you want to apply for your dream job with a high paying salary, and you fall into a thought pattern of “what if I’m unqualified? What if someone else is better and they don’t choose me?” Catch yourself, notice what you’re thinking, and remind yourself that those thoughts do not serve you or your goals. Intentionally choose a new narrative to start chanting to yourself. Some things I like to say to myself are: I am worthy of anything I choose for myself. I am making it happen. There is always a way.
What do you find most rewarding about being creative?
It’s hard to choose the most rewarding aspect of being an artist. Enjoying what I do, constantly learning new skills and upgrading myself in every facet of my life are all eternally rewarding parts of being an overall creative person. I cannot create if I’m not taking care of myself on every level from physical to mental to spiritual. What I am able to do with my life is directly proportionate to how well I’m taking care of myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.skyecrewsphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyesdarkroom/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/skye-crews
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/skyesdarkroom
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClrgct8Xz6ZrD_rOZLXkrHA
- Email: [email protected]
- Other: Link to my online shop: https://skyes.darkroom.tech/
Image Credits
Skye Crews