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2020 PVD Design Catalyst: Rue Sakayama Photography

August 5, 2020 /// Featuring: Rue Sakayama Photography


RUE SAKAYAMA PHOTOGRAPHY

Photo by Rue Sakayama Photography.

Photo by Rue Sakayama Photography.

1. Tell us about your company! 

My name is Rue Sakayama and I am an image-maker, a storyteller, and an art director. I work with people who are looking to document and share their own stories, as well as artists, designers, construction companies, and architects.

2. What is it about this profession that you find the most rewarding?

Every job I take presents new challenges. Whether I’m working with a new or a repeating client, the job is always going to present new ways of approaching a situation and constantly pushes me creatively. 

3. Finish this sentence! When I’m not designing I’m…

When I’m not working behind a camera or editing on a computer, I am learning about plants, making textiles, roller skating, and singing while playing the piano when no one is home. I grew up in NYC with working artist parents who encouraged me to develop my eye and dabble in all kinds of craft, arts, and music. I chase new experiences and being a business owner and a freelance photographer gives me exactly that. 

Photo of Anther Kiley of Cardkits Toys (left) and Rue Sakayama (right). Photo by Matt Cavallaro.

Photo of Anther Kiley of Cardkits Toys (left) and Rue Sakayama (right). Photo by Matt Cavallaro.

4. How has the Catalyst program impacted your business?

The Design Catalyst grant program gave me the opportunity to acquire some new gear, shore up some long term business goals, and connect me to a mentor who helped push me to sharpen my ideas throughout the program. 

Midway through the program, all in-person programming shifted to an online platform in light of COVID-19. After much discussion about how to do so most authentically, the cohort landed on these very articles along with images to support those business stories which I would photograph. In order to best capture each business and designer, I spent time with each grantee getting to know them and their businesses individually. 

Nest Homeware. Photo by Rue Sakayama Photography.

Nest Homeware. Photo by Rue Sakayama Photography.

The Catalyst Story & Photo Series highlights one thing that I love about being a photographer, which is getting to know my subjects and to be inspired by them. 

5. Why do you have your business in Providence? What drew you to the City? 

I like the big town/small city feel of Providence. I like feeling closely connected to my community. Almost everyone in my close community here is not from Providence, but they’ve anchored here. There’s something to that. I want to continue to build connections here, and I want to photograph everything. I want to continue to work with more artists and designers to help tell their stories. I want to be involved in shaping how spaces and products that are made here are seen from places that are not here.

Providence Roller Derby. Photo by Rue Sakayama Photography.

Providence Roller Derby. Photo by Rue Sakayama Photography.

Rhode Island School of Design. Photo by Rue Sakayama Photography.

Rhode Island School of Design. Photo by Rue Sakayama Photography.

Catherine Chung