Alumni Spotlight: Ellie Pace

Ellie Pace (B.A. ’21) is this week’s featured alum in our new Alumni Spotlight series for the This Week at Meadows e-newsletter. Each week, a different Meadows alum will be highlighted for their accomplishments post-graduation.

Meadows prides itself on providing its students with the tools and resources to not only land roles at traditional companies and agencies after they graduate, but also to forge their own career path. Ellie Pace, a graduate of the Temerlin Advertising Institute (TAI), utilized these skills to build her company from the ground up.

Ellie Pace Studio is a creative media agency dedicated to transforming how brand photographers are showcased online. Specializing in professional photography and custom website design, Ellie helps photographers level up their digital presence through powerful visuals and custom websites.

“Being in the TAI creative program my sophomore year allowed me to explore freelance opportunities during my junior and senior years, which put me ahead of the curve,” says Pace. “When graduation came, I didn’t feel the pressure to land a typical agency or brand-side role.”

Rather than take the conventional career path, Pace returned to her summer camp where she worked as their full-time photographer, videographer and social media content creator for the summer. Though she has also participated in brand-side roles, it was this experience that was pivotal for her professional journey because it showed her that there wasn’t simply one path to take.

“The agency and brand-side roles I had were enlightening because I saw how our school projects correlated with real-world work; in fact, the work we did in school often exceeded what was required in professional settings,” explains Pace, who felt thoroughly prepared for a creative career after her Meadows experience. “Lean on your professors — they are here to be a resource, not just to give you grades. They want to be your mentors and friends, the people you reach out to years down the road to celebrate with.”

Ellie Pace shot for luxury guest ranch, Buckethead Ranch, outside Steamboat Springs, CO.

With her company’s focus on photography, Pace has done work for several companies across the nation including Buckethead Ranch, a lavish guest ranch located outside Steamboat Springs, CO; The Scout Guide Austin, an elevated city guidebook for Austin, TX; and more.

In addition to commercial photography for high-end experiences, Pace also works with brand photographers to help them discover and define their brand voice, boosting their sales and bookings. Her expertise ensures photographers shine online.

With her thriving business, Pace makes it clear that no matter what field a student studies at Meadows, the skills learned and networks built during their time at the school is invaluable to them as they navigate their careers.

“To current students and recent graduates: You are incredibly talented. Believe in your abilities! You can achieve anything you set your mind to.”

Learn more about the Division of Advertising here.