Life & Work with Ciara Davis of Greensboro

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ciara Davis.

Hi Ciara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My name is Ciara, and I am a graphic designer and photographer. I knew early on I wanted to be creative. I always had my hands on a camera, and my favorite subjects in school were humanities and digital media. I believe being a North Carolina native also shaped my appreciation and rediscovery of the beauty and wonder in our world. I am thankful to be allowed to share this gift. After graduating from North Carolina A&T State University in 2018, I decided to pursue a full-time career in graphic design to support my love of travel and commercial photography. My family and friends were supportive throughout my life, especially during the start of my career. During this time, they were my first clients before I started networking consistently to gain clientele on my own. Fast-forward 3 years, I continue to help brands and individuals rediscover the wonder in the ordinary.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t, but that’s part of the journey. Between the “panoramic” and challenges of juggling a full-time role and side hustle, I experienced burnout for the first time in late 2020. Deciding to put photography on the back burner while I recovered was one of the hardest decisions I had to make, but I had to do something to ease the workload. Through my colleagues’ advice, I began practicing mindfulness every day. My routine now includes meditation, self-care days, and daily gratitude reflections, which all have helped me burn brighter today. Another obstacle every creative has experienced is rejection. I initially took the “no’s” in my career as a sign that I wasn’t good enough. It took time to realize that I wasn’t facing rejection but redirection. Along with having resilience, I learned that I am the only person responsible for my professional trajectory. Now, I am focused on improving my craft while continuing to let opportunities come naturally.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a commercial photographer who focuses on e-commerce and product photography. I also specialize in travel photography and look forward to finding new clients in this niche! I love working with local businesses, other creatives, and corporations who push me to think outside the box in helping promote their brand. Thanks to the foundation I developed as a designer, I’m known for the vivid colors and extraordinary perspective in my photos. What sets me apart is how you can vividly see my appreciation for the subjects captured, whether by paying attention to the lighting in landscapes, creating appealing shadows on a pair of kicks, or highlighting unique details in handmade jewelry. I attentively listen to my client’s needs and openly share my ideas about how consumers can accurately perceive their brand. Although it is not always a simple task, I am proud that I have consistently transformed visions into reality.

We’d love to hear what you think about risk-taking.
I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t take risks. You’ll inevitably face some risk or change in every aspect of your life to grow. Ironically, I’m taking a risk now, being vulnerable and sharing my story in hopes that it reaches someone and helps them understand they are not alone. Embracing risk over the years has taught me to laugh at myself when I make mistakes, not let fear dictate my thoughts, and keep an open mind. I feel like the most important step is to know why you are taking the risk in the first place.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snapbyce/
• Other: https://ciara-davis.wixsite.com/portfolio/