Designer insights with Susan Brinson

Susan Brinson is a lifestyle and photography blogger along with her husband William, at House of Brinson. Together they draw from their diverse backgrounds and positive outlook on life to create an artistic portal for their work, lifestyle and inspirations. Susan has over 13 years of experience working within advertising, but only found her calling after deciding to join “The Brinsons” photography duo on a full time basis. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Susan Brinson.

Designer Insights - Susan Brinson

- Transcript -

1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?

I like to focus on contrast to define my style. The relationship of light and dark, old and new, modern and antique. I believe in creating the perfect balance of these elements.

2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?

I start by getting a ‘feel’ for the project. Whether it’s a space I’m designing, or photograph we’re shooting, it’s all about the feeling. By starting like this, you can look back and know if your project was visually successful by setting out to accomplish what you were looking to do.

3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?

Definitely my husband, William. We work as a creative team, and he balances me in the best way possible. Besides being an extremely talented photographer and visual artist, he’s the one person I can have an honest creative conversation with. Everyone is always worried about being proper, like not being too critical or too romanced by a situation, and he’s one person I can always talk to and say exactly what’s on my mind. That honest conversation leads to productive feedback, which is really inspiring, and in the end produces better work.

4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?

I get inspired by what’s around me. While I can find beauty in the daily routine, it’s wonderful to get out and travel, or go to a museum to find something that inspires you. One thing I will say, you have to look for inspiration, it won’t find you, you have to find it. I love Instagram and the fact that we have a place to document it.

5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?

My career has been a twisty road. I worked in advertising for 13 years as a design director, then a managing director. All the while going home in the evenings and weekends to blog and photograph with William. It was a double life, and I really enjoyed the photography aspect of blogging. So after 5 years of doing this and working, I just quit my advertising job to work with William as a photography team. Advice to people who want to do something similar: stick with it. It’s not going to happen overnight, so make a plan and see it through. Have a good support team, who’s will to go through the transition with you because you’ll need and value that relationship when you emerge successful.