Meet Kerri Clark

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kerri Clark.

Kerri, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up, I’ve always wanted to be a photographer. My father gave me his Pentax K1000 and with that, I was ready to jump into my photography class in at St. Agnes Academy when the first day rolled around. I enjoyed experimenting with the camera and especially prints in the school’s darkroom. I was constantly carrying my camera all day as I was on the yearbook staff. I was then awarded “Most Likely to be a National Geographic Photographer” by my class as we were graduating from high school.

Then came college at Stephen F. Austin State University. I was one of the photographers for the campus newspaper and yearbook so I was holed up in the darkroom at nights. Then an elective class called Advertising Design 101 appealed to me. Took it and I was hooked. It was more than just photos. There was typography, colors, layout design. We weren’t to use computers then (it was 1996) but I decided to go against the rules and created my project for the semester final using Corel Draw. I was one of the two students in that class who dared to do so. The very next semester, we were finally allowed to use computers. I was also taking Computer Art. If I wasn’t in the darkroom, I was in the computer lab, learning how to use Adobe Photoshop and Macromedia Director. The possibilities were endless, hence, I was holed up in that lab many nights, too. College taught me so much about working with photos and applying graphic design digitally. It was a brand new era.

From there, I was pretty much a graphic designer and worked for many different companies ranging from a monthly tourist magazine publication to a small graphic design firm to an advertising agency to a major city newspaper company to a Japanese manga (comic book) company to a restaurant company called Luby’s, which owns Fuddruckers, Cheeseburger in Paradise and Luby’s Culinary Services. Having worked at all of these companies has given me a very rich experience. Since 2002, I would do a little bit of freelancing on the side doing logo designs and event invitations. And since 2010, I’ve picked up my camera and thanks to Facebook, my photography business shot up. I have done portraits, headshots, and weddings with my husband Charles, who is a fantastic assistant. I never thought we’d be so blessed having the opportunity to capture special moments in time for our clients to cherish from.

Since 2015, I have been freelancing on my own, full-time. And starting in March 2019, I decided to immerse myself in Real Estate and Food/Product Photography. If I’ve got the skills, why not branch out into different genres of photography? I’m loving it! I’m constantly learning and growing.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
To be honest, it has taken me a few months to get a new job every time I need one. Mostly due to the fact that I am deaf. And my speech isn’t perfect but pretty coherent. I’ll never forget the interview I had with Luby’s. I beat out 200 other designers for the job. 200. All because of the two ladies I interviewed with. They saw my work and believed in me. They asked me to come back for a second interview. Then a third. I never thought I’d work for a company like Luby’s. The downside? I’d be working with photos of food when I’m hungry. (laughs). I never thought I’d get this lucky. All because of the two women who looked past my disability and believed in me.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kerri Clark Designs – what should we know?
Kerri Clark Designs specializes in graphic design and photography and I’m the company’s president and owner. A lot lately, it’s more photography based than graphic design as I do enjoy taking photos more. Along with my husband the assistant, I do mostly family portraits. The holiday season is our busiest time of the year, and we always enjoy capturing the moments. We are exceptionally good with children. I oftentimes get feedback such as “You captured my child’s personality perfectly!” and “my kids really enjoyed the photoshoot with you and your husband! They always dreaded having their photos taken!” My husband Charles would make funny faces and give me rabbit ears behind my back whenever I take photos and the kids would eat it up.

After doing posed portraits, I’d follow the kids around, taking candid shots of them as they explore the location and play. They really preferred to play than pose. Sometimes I have to be quick on my feet to grab the perfect moment. Kids do move fast. (laughs)

Ever since March, I’ve been taking photos of homes on the market, even homes of friends and family members to practice.  The average days of the homes on the market that I have photographed are 20 days.  The homes are either under contract or leased almost immediately.  One of the homes already got an offer the same day it was listed.  After learning about the techniques of real estate photography, I noticed that I’ve improved in a very short time. Even my realtor client keeps telling me the same thing.  I never thought I’d be a real estate photographer after doing portraits for so long.  And I do enjoy it!

What sets my company apart? Perhaps it’s the fact that my husband and I have really good sense of vision. We are very visual, which helps compensate for our loss of sense of hearing. We can tell if the poses don’t work and if the spot doesn’t work and we’d be blunt and say, “Okay, that’s not gonna work.” We have a vision and we want our clients to be more than satisfied with their photos. As for graphic design, I’m constantly providing graphic design options and I continue to revise until they are completely satisfied. And I’m awfully quick with graphic design due to 20+ years of experience using Adobe Illustrator. Oh and also, it’s nice to be well rounded, having lots of experience with graphic design and photography.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First and foremost, my parents. After I lost my hearing when I was an infant, they were more than determined to make sure I can be independent and self-sufficient. They were my educators and are my biggest supporters throughout my life. I wouldn’t be doing this if it weren’t for them. My teachers, high school principal and college professors have also encouraged me to be passionate about everything I excel at. Also, my co-workers who believed in me. And all my friends who wanted me to take their photos. Pretty much everyone I met has inspired me to do my best. They would marvel at how I have a good eye for design and photography. Even though I’m pretty good with a camera, I’m constantly learning to improve my photographic work everyday.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kerriclarkdesigns.com
• Phone: 713-300-2454
• Email: kerri@kerriclarkdesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerriclarkdesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KerriClarkDesigns/

Image Credit:
My profile headshot – by Bryan Chan Photography. All others: by Kerri Clark

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