Today we’d like to introduce you to Kassy Menke.
Hi Kassy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Well, it really depends on which passion you are talking about. I wear a few hats that I consider passions of mine and careers. I am a photographer, writer, stage manager and actor. So each one has its own starting point but let’s skip ahead to Jr. College and I entered as a microbiology major (I realized that even with my love for animals, I would not make this my life’s career.) and changed to theater a semester later. This is where I focused more on acting and stage management and played with photography and writing in my spare time. I gained a lot of confidence in my skills as I was learning more. This took me into my undergrad where I received my B.A. in Theater Arts. When I entered into my undergrad, is when I really started to play in all four of my passions more seriously. I realized pretty quickly that I loved each one for different reasons. Now I am working in each of them professionally. Always learning along as I go.
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?
The first thing I want to say is “Yes it’s been hard” but I really think it depends on where I was/am on this journey of mine. Sometimes it has been really hard and other times it felt like it was all working out well holding momentum. Either way, it’s worth it in the end because I get to work in the world that I love. One of the hardest things I have learned and noticed is that it can be rather difficult to get people to care about your art when art is so subjective. I feel like this is especially true when this is a city full of talented artists and people. I also learned that it can be pretty challenging to open yourself up to criticism and not take it personally. The entertainment/creative industry is not the easiest world to be working in and finding work that pays what you need/are worth. I think most people will tell you that. But you have to keep track of your passions and your “why?”
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As I mentioned before, I work professionally in photography (Kasandra Faith Photography), stage management (freelance), writing (medium.com) and acting (freelance). Sometimes I am working on one of these at a time and other times I might be working on two or three depending on if they overlap any. For example, I am currently stage managing on a theater production but also writing articles on my medium account. While creatively playing with some photoshoots. Other times I am covering a concert as press and this requires me to photograph the event and write a review on the show and I then publish on my medium. It all depends on the day and the projects I am working on.
I am not sure if I have a “specialty” but I do try to continue to learn and develop my passions. Why stick to only one-style when there is so much to explore! Who knows, maybe in the future I will figure out which “styles” fit me best, but for now, I am having fun trying different styles.
I know I have said this more than once, it just depends. I would like to be known for being professional, creative and just a trustworthy co-worker/creative. I am proud of most things I work on but just like any artist/creative there are things that I know absolutely need work and not everything I create or work on will be the best thing that I have done. There is always something new to learn in this world of mine and I have so much more to take in! That’s exciting! But I do try to make the overall experience a good one. There are some moments in my journey that I am not super proud of but I try to learn from those.
I think something that helps me stand out is that I always try to be kind and recognize that everyone has their own journey each day. This reminds me to try and gain a new perspective. It’s not always easy, but I try. I also try to support those around me! I want them to succeed too!!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Well, the first thing I want to say is that according to my older brothers, I was probably their annoying kid sister. If you ask my friends, I was probably energetic and always had something to say. If you ask my parents, I was probably an expressive kid who loved her family and friends. When I look back, I know I was a bit of a cry-baby in my early years hahaha but aren’t we all at some point? I always loved to hang out with family and friends. I loved being outside and exploring. The 90’s were a different time altogether in my opinion. Funny enough, I didn’t realize it at the time but I had a love for the arts and creative world even while planning on being a vet from the age of four. Clearly, I am not a vet in my professional life. I would run around with my dad’s film cameras and would always be writing in a journal of some sort. I think it was all there but didn’t really start to put two and two together until I was in elementary school heading into high school when I really started to explore these other options and interests of mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kasandrafaithphotography.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kasandrafaithphotography/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/kassymenke
Image Credits
Kasandra Faith Photography (Myself) Lindsay Morrison Chris Meyers
