Guest Slammer **Amber Ulmer**

I am happy to introduce you to this week’s guest slammer, Amber Ulmer. Amber and I were on the same design team and I loved her funky, free style. She also shoots some of the most interesting pictures and when you combine her style with her photography, you end up with something magical.

Why are you an artist and when did you become one? Wow… an artist…I am an artist? I suppose so since I express myself artistically through scrapbooking and photography. Well, one a recent trip to visit my biological mother in Florida, she got out a box full of school photos of me and “art journals” I created when I was in elementary school… so…technically… always I suppose. I’ve always loved taking something and turning it into something else.

How would you describe your style? My style is always changing I think. Since being pregnant, my scrapbooking the past 6 months has simplified dramatically. I find myself just using the bits and pieces and having the layout be focused on the photo … which I think has to do w/my passion for photography now. It’s not so much about the supplies for me anymore. It’s about the photo and what the photo says to me.

Can you explain what inspires you? Currently… the thought of being a mother has inspired me greatly. However, it has not really translated into my scrapbooking since pregnancy drained me craft-wise. As far as “what” inspires me, I would have to say colors. I always enjoy browsing through magazines and ads looking for a hot new color combo to try. I am also inspired by a photograph and how it “speaks” to me.

What kinds of interests do you have outside of this form of expression? Photography is a huge passion of mine and my husbands. We own Ulmer Studios and operate it together. It’s such a blessing to be able to be creative with my husband. It definitely keeps the flame going.

How do you keep motivated when things get tough in the studio? I get out of the studio… and go photograph things that currently inspire me. With the changing season, I love to capture the leaves… the colors… the changing sky… and now, the bare trees. I feel I can come back, refreshed and renewed and ready for a challenge.

What advice would you give to some just starting to explore their creative side? Look first for things that make you happy around you. Write those things down… expand on them…I feel that if you do that, you will easily figure out what you like to do creatively.