Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Miller.
Hi Ryan, 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?
At a young age, I was inspired by my grandfather to do something creative. He was an outstanding oil painter and actor. I used to sneak out to the garage and rummage through his materials to find something to create with. As life went on, I grew into a creative mind as I painted and drew continuously. In my late teens and young twenties, I found a passion for film photography. I started shooting anything and everything I thought was cool. I worked as a medium format portrait photographer and then on to a marketing photographer at the San Diego Zoo while I pursued a degree in Graphic Design and marketing from the Art Institute of California. Design took over my life as I grew into some major roles including creative director for a global manufacturing and distribution company and then on to a short role of Sr. Art Director for a large grocery chain here in Michigan. Again, I was longing for something different. I wanted to create more. I started Back into my journey as a photographer including weddings, portraits, boudoir, and product photography to name a few. Fast forward to now: I am photographing products and events as well as running a marketing agency where I just brought on two more creatives to help expand our workflow and clientele.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Like anything in life, there will be obstacles and hurdles to overcome and conquer. Taking the leap of faith to become an entrepreneur was a risk to say the least. There were many times I was scraping by just to make ends meet. And I wasn’t just providing for myself. I am a father of two boys and a proud pet parent. There were times I couldn’t afford to feed all of us good food so I made sure to feed the crew well before myself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
While creating a name for myself I was shooting creative portraits and boudoir solely. Now I am functioning at a higher level with the cannabis industry. I focus on high-end product and lifestyle photography for cultivation and processing companies across the country. I think what sets me apart from others is my individualistic approach to all of my clients to provide one-of-a-kind looks for their brands.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
A lot of things make me happy but the one that stands out the most is being able to provide a beautiful life for my family from my art. It’s still surreal at times but I just remind myself to be grateful for all of the continued abundance and gifts this world has to offer.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/roasted.media
Image Credits
Ryan McConkey
