Amanda Strauser shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Amanda , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
What makes me lose track of time? It’s the simple act of creating something tangible with my own two hands. Whether I’m carving a printmaking block or navigating a trail in the woods, I find peace in being completely hands-on and present in the moment. In a world of constant digital noise, these are the moments where I can truly unplug and relax—this feeling—of being so absorbed in an act of creation that everything else fades away.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Amanda Rie, the creative force behind Amanda Rie Creative and Photography. I am a graphic designer, photographer, and food stylist—a true one-stop shop for all your creative needs.
My work is built on a foundation of creativity and precision, honed by my BFA in graphic design and years of experience in agency settings. I love to translate ideas into powerful visuals. My services include everything from brand identity, logos, and marketing materials to websites and social media content. As a photographer, I specialize in capturing genuine moments and telling authentic stories through portraits, family, pet, and senior photography.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was little, I thought I had to stick to one path and never stray. Like, if I were good at drawing, I should only ever be an artist. Now, I know that’s not how life works—or at least not how I want my life to work. I’ve found that the best ideas often come from trying something new and seeing where it leads. That’s why I’ve built my business around a variety of creative services. My diverse skills don’t just coexist; they build upon one another, enabling me to offer my clients something truly unique and comprehensive.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would simply tell her, “Keep going.” I’d tell her to embrace every interest, even the ones that don’t seem to fit together, because one day she will build a life and a business where all those passions come together beautifully.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
I think of it like the difference between a passing fashion trend and a timeless piece of art. Fads are loud and flashy; they get a lot of attention for a short period, like a specific social media filter or a font that everyone is using. They’re about chasing what’s popular right now, and they burn out quickly.
Foundational shifts, on the other hand, are about something deeper and more meaningful. They’re about lasting principles like authenticity, human connection, and genuine storytelling. For my business, that means focusing on creating a brand identity that will resonate for years, not just a few months. It’s about taking photos that capture a real emotion and a logo that tells a true story.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I deeply understand the connection between different creative disciplines. Most people see things like graphic design, photography, and marketing as separate tasks that you hire different people for. They don’t realize how powerful it is when those skills are all integrated and informed by the same vision.
I’ve learned that a brand isn’t just a collection of different parts; it’s a living story where every visual element has to work together. Think of it like a great chef who understands how all the flavors, textures, and ingredients come together to create a cohesive dish.
Because I can handle every part of the visual process, from the logo to the final photograph, I can ensure a truly seamless and authentic brand story. That kind of cohesion is incredibly powerful and something most people don’t realize is possible when they have to hire multiple people for different jobs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amandarie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandarie__/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandariephotography
