Senior William Chase Peterson was not the artistic type growing up nor were his parents artists. Yet as he grew older, he found a quality in art that he loved and that still remains true: “Art provides the freedom to be able to do whatever I love.”
He has been impacted most in his art by his parents. They are his role models. They both love art and have a medley of paintings and sculptures around Peterson’s house from a handful of artists. Although, Peterson’s favorite artist is Vincent Van Gogh.
Coming into Northwestern as an art major with a graphic design focus, Peterson has continued on this path all four years. His journey with graphic design started a year before he came to college. While at NW, his graphics class of Layout and Design with public relations professor, Ann Minnick, has been his favorite because it helped shape his designs in other areas of his life.
The style of art that Peterson loves most, though, is photography.
“In photography, no two photographs are the same and the possibilities are endless,” said Peterson.
Crafting and art seem to be some things that many people picked up during their times in quarantine throughout 2020. Peterson and his fiancé, Brayden Paul, were no different.
Paul and Peterson decided to launch a business venture during the summer of 2020 stemming from Peterson’s photography business. His photography business had been growing since his freshman year, fall 2017. At the time, Paul was his most featured model.
Their rebranding of Peterson’s business, Brase Images, launched in September 2020. Paul, instead of modeling, now does posing with clients and handles the social media pages on Instagram and Facebook. Peterson focuses behind the scenes, working the camera and editing software, but he also is in charge of the website.
Brase Images is named after its owners: Brayden and Chase. Peterson built the photography website using tools he learned in a design class at NW. He photographs portraits, families, couples and weddings. Although, his favorite category to photograph is weddings.
“We know that each person has their own unique story and we strive to translate that into our photos,” according to Brase Images website.
For Peterson’s senior project, he has pulled from his love of photography and his love of people. His showcase features landscape works based on a summer 2020 trip to multiple national parks with his fiancé. The portfolio will include photos from these national parks: Zion National Park, Crater Lake National Park, Yellowstone, Yosemite and Arches.
“I believe everyone needs an escape from their daily lives. If I can give that to someone through my photography, that would make me ecstatic,” said Peterson.
As a senior, Peterson plans to graduate this spring, be married in August and then move to Sioux Falls, S.D. with her. Both Paul and Peterson hope to continue flourishing their photography business in this new location. Peterson also hopes to find a graphic design or marketing position while living in Sioux Falls since there is not currently enough clientele for financial freedom in his business.
Being on the wrestling team is what Peterson says he will miss most. He loves working with his coaches and teammates.
“Thanks to everyone here for making this place feel like home,” said Peterson, “and for making sure everyone has always felt loved.”
