Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Cummings.
Hi Sydney, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am from San Angelo, TX, about 3.5 hours from Austin and I moved here in 2019 right before COVID-19 hit- so glad we moved when we did! I’ve been married to my husband Matt for four years now and we have two dogs Champ and Chief and a cat named Ann Purrrrkins. We came to Austin for Matt’s job but wanted to move here before that so we are thankful it worked out!
In my free time, I enjoy reading, being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants (we are really big foodies) and being active.
My passion for photography started at a very young age! Growing up, I always loved taking photos- I remember using my allowance every month to purchase disposable cameras and taking pictures of everything. When I was really young, my grandma gifted me a Barbie Polaroid and I remember taking photos of EVERYTHING I could. As bad as those photos all were, they make me happy to still look back on. I also grew up doing 4H, showing animals and doing various photography contests and writing contests. One day we got to visit a film studio and learn about darkroom photography and my dad let me take his old film camera – from that day on, I knew I wanted to do something in that world. In college, I took a film class as well and enjoyed it so much! Professionally I only shoot digital but for fun, my husband and I like to take our Pentax camera out and shoot film from time to time.
In college, I started “Sydney Jane Photography” and worked taking photos while taking classes and doing some other odd jobs. I was also newspaper editor at Angelo State University for three semesters and managed a staff, and did all of the designing and editing for the college paper. After graduating, I worked for a company doing photography and graphic design for almost five years. I majored in Mass Media & Graphic Design.
As we know, this past year has been super hard and I was laid off from my job. I was understandably upset but also still had my side business. After a few hard months of job searching, I had an epiphany – I was already doing what I loved; why try so hard to work for someone else? It was then that I rebranded to Creative Forces Design Company, LLC. My husband was super supportive and honestly, it’s been the hardest but best decision I’ve made career-wise. I knew going out on my own was something I had always wanted, but truthfully I didn’t think it would happen so soon, and I am so thankful!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think imposter syndrome is a daily struggle. I think most people deal with this is some way, shape, or form. But I know that when I am behind the camera or working on a brand that I am excited about, time passes SO FAST and I know that I’m doing the right thing in this stage of my life. I also have amazing people in my life that speak life into me and encourage me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Creative Forces Design Company?
Creative Forces Design Co. offers website design, photography, branding, logo design and social media management services. CFD is not only a small business but has a huge passion for other small businesses. We know how hard it can be to get started and to stay consistent with your brand. We specialize in building big brands for small businesses. We want to make small businesses feel seen and create innovative brands that stand out above the others. This being said, we also really love highlighting other local businesses and supporting/collaborating with other entrepreneurs. There’s nothing more fun than taking a client’s idea for their branding and bringing it to life.
On the other hand, CFD also does a lot of family and lifestyle photography. We love capturing moments and being a part of major milestones in people’s lives. I have several clients that I took their engagement, wedding, maternity and now family photos for them- it’s a very fulfilling feeling and provides a great deal of connection, as someone who identifies as an enneagram two and loves connections and people that speaks to me so much.
I am most proud of the passion behind each project; whether it’s a new logo or a family photoshoot, I really strive to make each client feel special and heard. I always want to encourage people to get family photos done often, we never know how life is going to go and photos are some of the most cherished things in my life of loved ones no longer here.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I would describe myself as sweet, a good friend, outgoing, always was friends with all different cliques, wanted to have fun but not a rule-breaker, and very much a people pleaser. I am the oldest child so I definitely felt responsible for being a good example for my brothers.
My mom found an art and crafts piece that I did in elementary school (probably first grade) that said, “I love dogs and talking to people,” and we all laugh because that still rings true to this day.
Interests: Photography, Basketball, Scrapbooking, Hanging out with Friends, 4H, spending time with family. Growing up, I showed goats through 4H, was extremely involved at my church, whether it be small groups, mission trips or youth choir. I grew up going to my grandpa’s ranch, riding horses, spending time outside working with my dad. I have two younger brothers, so we were always outside playing or running around with our friends. We had a pretty tight neighborhood growing up with kids all around the same ages so we all hung out most of the time that we weren’t in school. In high school and college, I went on several mission trips (mostly to McAllen, TX but twice to Costa Rica) and I really loved helping people in that way.
Contact Info:
- Email: sydney@creativeforcesdesignco.com
- Website: https://www.creativeforcesdesignco.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/creativeforcesdesigncompany
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativeforcesdesigncompany/
