Today we’d like to introduce you to Ari Knight.
Hi Ari, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I took my first graphic design and photography classes in my freshman year of high school. I was lucky enough to have an excellent teacher (Mr. Jayce Giddens, who taught all the graphic design and photography classes), and from there my passion only grew. My business began when I was 17, by taking senior portraits of my graduating friends. Word got around and my portfolio grew. By the time I reached college, I had officially started a business under the name Cranegirl Creations. I am now in my senior year of college studying graphic design and photography, and spend my free time continuing to grow my business.
The name Cranegirl Creations comes from the origami cranes I love to fold. Anytime I run across a loose piece of anything flat, I make a paper crane out of it. In high school, this earned me the nickname Cranegirl. I was originally taught by a close friend of mine when our beloved band director was diagnosed with cancer. The school’s band students all teamed up to fold her 1000 cranes, as there is a legend telling of a wish that is granted to someone that folds 1000 paper cranes. I always like to have something for my hands to do, so I ended up sticking with it long after the band was finished folding. To this day, I love to leave origami cranes for people to discover; I find it always puts a smile on their faces.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a surprisingly smooth road starting a business from such a young age. I was lucky enough to grow up in a business-minded family, and spent my childhood watching my parents struggle and succeed with their own small business. It’s nice to know I can rely on them when I hit a roadblock.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I like to say that I specialize in “logos & branding for small businesses and individuals”. This breaks down into my enjoyment for both logo design and portrait photography; I have always been unable to prize one over the other. I have been told that I have a distinct and recognizable style in both — my logos are minimalistic, subtle, and often incorporate flat-toned but bright colors. My photography is crisp and dark, and I make an effort to keep each of my individual photos visually interesting. It is my hope that they can be looked at for a long time. I am most proud of my portrait photography, although I harbor a quiet love for macro photography as well.
How do you think about luck?
I believe that I have been very lucky. I was lucky to grow up around a budding family business, I was lucky to end up at a high school with such a great teacher. I have been extremely lucky to meet great people who are willing to support my business and pass along the word. But I also believe that skill plays a huge part in a professional’s success. I would not have had access to so many opportunities along the road without proving to people along the way that I was capable of handling it. I am very grateful to all of my word-of-mouth clients, but they did not hear about me through luck. They heard about me because someone felt my work was worth passing along.
Contact Info:
- Website: cranegirlcreations.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/cranegirlcreations/
Image Credits
Ari Knight
