Je Suis Amy Risley Small

Occupation: Creative Director / Web Designer / New Mom.

Instagram: @amyriz

Website: www.amyrisley.com
Where were you born?
I grew up in a small town in Connecticut called Tolland - it’s picture perfect, idyllic New England. I couldn’t wait to get out and move to the city when I was younger, but I love going back now. I appreciate the slow pace and simplicity so much more now than I did when I was a kid. To this day I think the town only has two traffic lights.

In one sentence what is unique about your work?
I have a strong intuition when it comes to bringing a client’s vision to light and can adapt my style and approach to ensure they really see themselves in the final product.

Why do you do what you do?
I work with a lot of brands at their inception, many launching solely with e-commerce- which means together we’re designing their whole world and defining how their customers will get to know and engage with them. With the web, I love that there’s a constant opportunity to evolve. Brands can create layers of unique creative content, from lifestyle imagery to blogs, videos and social media content- and it can all change and refresh as often as they want, on their own terms. I get to be the architect behind all of that and it’s always an exciting challenge.

What inspires you?
Fearlessness. Selflessness. Acquiring more experiences than material things...smoky pastels…and Alicia Keys’ whole not wearing makeup thing.

Describe your personal style.
I’m that typical NYC to LA convert who went from caring about fashion to focusing more on versatility and happily adopting an effortless California style. I love that the weather here always permits combos like a sweater paired with jean shorts or a cropped leather jacket over a sundress…and I’ll pretty much wear anything striped.

Your ultimate must-have.
Balance. Time to work and grow my business, quality time to unplug with my husband and daughter, and time for myself to exercise and be mindful of my health and wellness.

What superpower would you have and why?
The ability to fit all of the above into a single day!

What is next for you?
I’m working on some fun new branding & web projects; a hotel in Palm Springs, and a redesign of one of my favorite lifestyle blogs, among others...but what I’m truly excited about is anticipating the first time my 3 month old daughter starts to giggle…that’s the next heart-melting milestone I’m looking forward to most.