new england – Alicia Heaney

White Mountains Photography Trip 2018

A few years ago I took my first trip to the White Mountains to photograph and just generally take a little vacation. This year I went for a few more days then previously, hiked about 15 more miles, and stopped at many more places. I started my trip in the reverse direction from the time a few years before, by starting in Conway (eating an amazing dinner at the Muddy Moose!) traveling the Kancamangus hitting hikes and waterfalls, and ending with a couple days in Franconia visiting the Flume and what is left of the Old Man on the Mountain. Here are some of my favorite photos from my trip!

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You Can’t be Both |Rhode Island Graphic Designer and Photographer

Graphic Design

I’ll never forget the laughter and look of shock and horror that my design professor gave me as she said these words to me:

“Oh honey, you can’t be both! You need to choose!”

This was during my senior thesis critique, which encompasses design and photography on the topic of “Typography and Circus Posters”.

I started photography before I went to finish my degree in graphic design. I didn’t actually fall in love with it until my senior year of college while working with clients and comparing artistic shoots. I also worked as a second shooter for my friend who did weddings, dreaming of being a lead some day.

I also love art and design, from drawing and painting, to digital art and lettering and traditional design work. Not all aspects of being a designer in the corporate world are glamorous, a lot of it is editing other people’s files, copy and pasting, using templates, using stock illustration and photography instead of making your own, and just a touch of being able to put your own spin on things. It’s wonderful to be able to work with a team of like-minded and career driven people though, something I have yet to find in a company job. As a freelance designer I have found joy in my job, collaboration, and thriving off of our team. I do honestly love my career path when I get to work creatively and utilize my illustration and design skills! When I work on an illustration project, it’s like time flies. I’m consumed in ideas, creativity, and my passion drives me to work harder!

Then there’s my growing wedding photography and calligraphy business: I photograph weddings, engagements, dancers (did I mention I do that too!?) and artistic portraits. I also address envelopes, design invitations and write out wedding signage, escort cards, place cards, etc. as a hand lettering designer and calligrapher, and I’m growing and becoming more successful for every year that goes by!

I think having multiple talents that harmoniously work together is a great thing! It gives plenty of options and offerings to clients and employers alike. Bringing someone down by mocking their dreams and ambitions is not a healthy way to educate. I always tell people they can be anything they want, it’s never too late and no dream is too big!

This comes from the designer/ illustrator/ artists / dancer/ photographer/ calligrapher herself!

Cheers to creating!

And keep dreaming BIG!

Alicia

Handmade for the Holidays

Artwork

For anyone (like all of us starving artists here!) who don’t have a ton of cash to spend this season, and spend a lot of time stressing over what to get your family and friends for the holidays….don’t!

Crafty-ness to the rescue! There are a TON of great things you can make for your loved ones that will be meaningful, come from the heart and won’t break the bank.

Here’s how:

Think of who you are gifting. What do they love? What are their hobbies and passions? My mom and her boyfriend are ballroom dancers, they love to travel, and my mom loves lighthouses and sailboats, so a few years ago I made them this painting of them ballroom dancing by the sea!

2. It’s all about family! This is the season where you will see family and friends, eat lot of food, drink lots of wine, and be merry, not worry about your budget and if they will be disappointed if you don’t buy a gift. You can create perfect gifts for family, ABOUT family. Last year I made mini albums for my step-mom, Mémère, and sister of all of my nephews birthday photos for a whopping total of $18. Three people covered for $18! Win!

3. What would they enjoy? Maybe they aren’t enjoyers of any particular hobby or have any crazy passions (as a dancer, I get little ballerinas all the time, I’m easy to buy for!) but what would they enjoy? I did little mini paintings for my mom and sister last year of owls. Are they obsessed with owls like me? Nope, but they loved them anyway.

4. What are YOU good at? This is the perfect time to put your crafty skills to work, and if you don’t have one the perfect time to learn! Maybe you’ve always wanted to take up knitting, painting, calligraphy or floral decoration. Learn something new, and apply it to gifts that will be treasured because they were made with care and not bought. My Aunt even makes me amazing hand kit scarves, mittens and leg warmers every year!

And finally, remember no matter what, your family and friends will still love you if you don’t come down the chimney with a sack full of gifts. Use this time to expand your horizons, learn something new, and see their faces light up when you give them something handmade.

This years gift to my barista friend!