We recently connected with Sonya Kammes and have shared our conversation below.

Sonya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned in school and why that lesson is important to you?

I truly miss Design School. Our curriculum was heavily focused on art/design principles with an emphasis on preparing you for a career as a creative professional. They didn’t adopt the starving artist mentality, which I loved and was a deciding factor for me when choosing The Art Institute over many other Design Schools.

The way I think creatively, my process, and the way I share concepts with clients is a direct result of my time in school, specifically development in:

+ Visual Communication
+ Organizing Abstract Ideas
+ Art & Design Fundamentals/Principles
+ Creative Thinking/Creative Development

The two skills that differentiate me in my industry is the ability to consistently generate creative concepts, communicate them with clarity, and delivery them as valuable brand assets

In one study we were asked to walk the streets of Chicago and take photographs of shadows. When we returned to class we were asked to develop a collection of working/functional light fixtures made out of cardboard using the shapes we found in those shadows.

We were tasked with developing 30 different sketches illustrating unique forms/functions. No two could be alike. After presenting the ideas to our professor we choose 3 sketches to develop into prototypes, exploring how those shapes changed when we took them from 2d to 3d, different ways to connect and attach the cardboard together – eventually turning them into sculptural forms.

Finally, we had to build them into full scale models, wire our own lighting kit, install and present them as a collection in a lighting gallery. Not only did we need to answer questions about our designs in person as people viewed our work, we also had to create literature for them to take with them.

I learned very quickly that being able to generate creative ideas was a meaningful differentiator. And, the ability to communicate them beautifully and with clarity was invaluable.

Today I use my work in art/design school to turn feelings, visual inspiration, and ideas into curated stories and content for my clients so they can communicate + connect with their audience.

Sonya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a Visual Story Maker and Creative Director for Brands with Something Soulful to Say. I empower small brands to play big; developing ::

+ visual identities
+ taking artful/editorial portraits
+ curating storytelling imagery
+ developing social & communication strategies
+ creating clarity, confidence, and intention in brand messaging

I am deeply passionate and wholeheartedly compelled by people turning dreams/ideas into thriving businesses.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Of course I love delivering beautiful work but what I love more is the creative process of developing that work, deepening my desire for creativity, and cultivating new ways of creating.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Leading with curiosity. I am very intentional about listening to what is being said ( not said ), asking thoughtful questions, being authentic, transparent, and showing a willingness to work hard.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sonyakammes.com
• Instagram: @sonyakammes

Image Credits
Headshot taken by Stephanie Kadlicko @stephkadlicko onI IG. The remaining photographs are taken by me.