Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy J. Schultz.
Hi Amy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For years, my B.A. in Marketing and M.Ed. in Higher Education afforded me opportunities to work in just about every communications and constituent relations role that exists at universities, including marketing, PR, alumni relations, speech writing, social media, and more. While the work was fulfilling—and sometimes all-consuming!—the most rewarding aspect was definitely meeting some amazing people who helped me grow personally and professionally along the way. I learned so much from mentors who became friends and friends who became mentors!
Then, about eight years ago, I felt my career priorities shift. There had always been a slow burn inside me to move into a creative field, one that could combine my love of writing, photography, art, and design as well as satisfy that tenacious need I have to connect dots and shine light on compelling stories that hide in plain sight. I started my own studio practice in 2015, and since then, my curiosity and creative work have led me on incredible journeys.
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?
The most important lesson I’ve learned in my career (and personal life) is that there will always be challenges. Always. This is why it’s so important to make relationship-building a cornerstone of every job you have, whether you’re just starting out or you’re building an empire around your passion project. Take the time to truly connect with people. Listen. Learn how you can help them do what they do and offer help whenever you can. When they reciprocate, say “thank you” and really, really mean it. Laugh together. When you take the time to build solid relationships during the good times, it’s way more likely you won’t have to face the struggles alone.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
My creative practice is called unplain jane studio. Besides Jane being my middle name, I chose this name to emphasize what I believe, which is that NOTHING is “plain Jane” if you take the time to see, listen, and understand. I don’t work with very many clients at a time because when I work with a client, I roll up my sleeves, and I’m all in. Over the last few years, I’ve had so many wonderful opportunities to help more people learn how my clients are making the world a better place.
In addition to helping clients with all kinds of communication, branding, and creative needs, I also spend time developing my own creative interests and skills. I’ve won awards for my photography and traveled across the southeast to participate in dozens of art festivals. In 2019, I was asked to serve as the inaugural Artist-in-Residence at the Arlington Museum of Art, and in 2022, the museum and I reunited to work together on creative communications projects.
From 2020-2022, I co-founded and served as editor-in-chief for Sociability, an online magazine dedicated to “living generously and serving joyfully.” During that time, I finished my first manuscript, and I’m so excited to say that in 2023, Atmosphere Press (Austin, TX) and I will be publishing my first book. The book, entitled MUMENTOUS, is a collection of my photography and funny, sweet, and sometimes surprising stories about homecoming mums, a 100-year-old custom that’s practiced in high schools across the southeastern United States but ubiquitously in Texas.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Not to get too corny, but love matters most. Just think how different the world would be if everyone could love someone unconditionally who loved them back the same way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.unplainjanestudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy_unplainjane
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnplainJaneStudio
Image Credits
Amy J. Schultz
