Alysse Gafkjen is an American portrait photographer based in Nashville, Tennessee. Her work is featured in publications around the world, and has served as the artwork for countless albums and promotional content for musicians of all genres. Hear Alysse in episode 90 of the podcast.

 

If your life were a novel, what would be the title? 

Through the Eyes of a Midwest Woman

 

Where were you born?

Marion, Ohio 

 

Where is the place you call home?

the Universe

 

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

an ad agency owner, a criminal lawyer, or a fighter pilot 

 

What is your profession?

Portrait Photographer 

 

What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?

Interior Design

 

What is your favorite quote(s)?

Fear less, love more. 

“It is truth that liberates, not your effort to be free” 

 

What is your preferred form of creative expression?

visual arts, music, and dance

 

What is your favorite movie, song, and work of art?

Dirty Dancing, Love Man by Otis Redding, and The Birth of Venus by Botticelli

 

Who do you admire most?

those who take their struggle and turn it into strength

 

Over the course of your life, what is an issue with which you have repeatedly struggled?

letting go

 

What historical figure would you most like to meet?

Annie Oakley

 

What natural gift or ability would you most like to possess?

flying

 

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

starting my own business

 

What quality do you admire most in a person?

empathy

 

What is something you would like to learn about?

how to use a bow and arrow for hunting

 

What do you wish more people knew about you?

I love to sing and dance

 

What is your idea of success?

Joy

 

What would you like people to say about you when you’re gone?

I was an artist with a mission to use my work to help others love themselves more.

 

 

A native of Ohio, Alysse received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Columbus College of Art and Design. She began her professional career in New York City as an assistant art director and photographer for various arts and fashion companies. Alysse’s dedication to the arts community and commitment to the collaboration and development of artists’ visual expression is what makes her work distinct.