Creative Conversations no. 019 | chatting with Heather Burris

You know that feeling of knowing that some people are just absolutely down-to-earth and genuine even without meeting them? Heather is one of those people. I found Heather through Becky Higgins’ Creative Team this year, and I’ve loved being inspired by her heart and amazing creativity. Welcome to the blog, Heather – so glad to have you!

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Tell me about yourself. I’m Heather, I’ve been married to my high school crush for three years and we currently live in North Carolina. I clean houses for money, but for fun I’m a writer, amateur photographer, and paper crafter.

What is one weird or interesting fact about you? My sister and I taught ourselves how to ride unicycles ten years ago. It’s my cardio workout of choice.

What do you do to express your creativity? I have a lot of creative outlets, and sometimes it’s hard to know which to focus on, to pour myself into. But photography, writing, scrapbooking, art journaling – it’s all related. It’s all about storytelling. So, whatever medium I’m using, I like to think that at the end of the day I’m simply a storyteller.

Who or what inspires you? I am not a musical person in any way, shape or form (I once faked my way through an entire middle school band concert.) But music is my biggest inspiration. It alters my mood and gets the creative juices flowing. My musical taste is incredibly boring, though; I’m all about Stevie Wonder and James Taylor. Mom music, basically.

Why do you do what you do? I ask myself this a LOT. But even when it’s hard, making art makes me feel more like myself. Writing long journal entries clears my head, taking a great photo energizes me. Life would be so boring if I didn’t spend it making things.

What are your favorite tools or products?

1. I have a huge stack of notebooks on my coffee table that I use for different things – an idea notebook, a journal, a photography idea book, etc.
2. Lightroom 5. I thought photography was fun before I had editing software, and now I think editing is half the fun!
3. Public libraries. I don’t know if this could be considered a “tool” but I love having so many resources available for free.
4. My scrap pile. It’s full of vintage yearbook cutouts and bits of washi tape and Anthropologie catalogs. Just sifting through it is inspiring.
5. Sharpies. They’re great.

Are you an early bird or a night owl? When are you most creative?

I’m kind of both, at least as far as creativity goes. I am most creative when it’s dark out (rainy days are a dream!) but I can’t create to save my life on a sunny afternoon.

Thanks so much for having me, Amelia!

Be sure to follow Heather’s blog and Instagram for more inspiring posts and photos. Don’t miss out!

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Creative Conversations is a blog series getting to know fellow creatives and friends that I’ve made through the internet. Read more about Creative Conversations here.