Today we’d like to introduce you to Aimee Gauthier.
Hi Aimee, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born & raised in Minneapolis, MN and graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art & Design with a BFA in Graphic Design. I’ve always been interested in the role of creativity and art in child development and looking back on my early life, I’m so grateful that I was raised in a house where I was allowed to make messes and be creative. My dad is a painter and my mom is a blue-ribbon winning baker and crafter, so I think the combination of the two really sparked something inside of me at an early age that had a huge impact on the way I see the world as an adult.
I attended the Minneapolis College of Art & Design and struggled to decide on a major, but ultimately graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design. I think this struggle to be tied down to one medium carries through into my adult life, for better or for worse! But I loved the fact that Graphic Design had the potential to combine all the mediums, from photography to illustration to typography to abstract expressions.
My career has taken me on many twists and turns since then, including four cross-country moves in the span of 10 years! I’ve worked as a children’s book designer, design studio manager, event caterer, graphic designer, art director, stylist, content creator, and photographer, balancing full-time jobs before deciding to go freelance a few years ago. Ultimately all these risks and experiences have led me to where I am now–focused mainly on my career as a full-time Art Director while still taking on styling and photography projects on the side. A lot of my favorite artists and designers have jumped across mediums throughout their careers, so I’ve come to see that has a healthy expression of the creative process and want to continue to push myself to try new things.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The constant tension between the freedom and variety of the freelance life vs. the stability and “security” of a full-time salaried role is something I’ve definitely struggled with. I have a bit of a rebellious streak and am not sure I’d ever be fully satisfied working a traditional 9-to-5 in an office environment. I put “security” in quotes here since if the pandemic has taught me anything, it’s that there’s no such thing as true job security, especially in the creative industry! It sounds cliché but I think that as an artist, you do have an innate desire to create in order to live, and will make it work no matter what. That said, here’s a reminder to anyone reading this to pay artists and creatives what they’re worth!!!
I also think as a sensitive, shy creative you are constantly in a struggle with the voice inside your head telling you you’re not good enough, you don’t deserve the job, you’re an imposter, etc etc. It feels embarrassing as an adult to admit to your insecurities, but we all have them. My boyfriend got me a notebook last year with a cover that says “Be Nice To Yourself,” and it’s a good reminder!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Color, contrast, texture, and play! My eyes are my most important tool, and a lot of my work is inspired by curiosity, observation, and not taking myself too seriously. I’ve always tried to have my personal work evoke a sense of joy from the viewer or make them see something in a slightly different way. Anything can be wondrous if you look hard enough!
I’m also a strong believer in collaboration, and I try to see the world and other people with a lot of empathy. A lot of what I do benefits from having strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with clients or other creatives. As an Art Director, your role is to not only have the vision but to also be able to bring that vision to fruition through effective communication and successful collaboration. I love working on photo and video shoots for that reason–there’s something incredibly magical about making a vision come to life in a communal way or celebrating with a group of people when you’ve landed the money shot. I’m not a sports fan but I sometimes think that experience must be comparable to winning a big game.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
See above. No creative is an island! I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many talented people throughout my career, and they’ve challenged me and made me better. I wouldn’t be where I am today without having worked with all of them.
As far as support, I’m so grateful to live in a city like LA with such a vibrate creative community. The city itself is so alive and inspiring, but after living here for over four years, it’s the people that have made it home to me. Uprooting my life and moving to a new city was a huge risk and came with its fair share of struggles and heartbreak, but knowing I’m supported by a like-minded community has made all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aimeegauthier.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aimeegauthier/
Image Credits
Portraits: Diana Koenigsberg (https://www.instagram.com/dianakoenigsberg/?hl=en) All other images by me.
