Staying Truly Colorful: A Vivid & Vibrant Story
- Amanda Grillo
- Jul 1
- 2 min read

Why My Name Isn’t in My Brand—and Why That Matters
One question I hear all the time: “Why doesn’t your photography brand include your name?”
It’s a fair question. After all, I used to go by A. Grillo in my earlier work with Theatrics & Graphics. I could have easily chosen Grillo Photography, A. Grillo Artistry, or even Cricket Photography (since “cricket” is the English version of my Italian last name).
But those names never quite captured the full picture of who I am—or what I want my art to represent.
Where It All Comes From
I come from a theatre background. In college, I was the bold, expressive one—the friend who was always ready to jump into a bit, deliver the punchline, or sing out the harmony (okay, maybe too loudly). Subtlety? Not my strong suit.
That didn’t always work in my favor. I’d sometimes lose out on roles because I went too big. I was called the "Jack Black" of the group—as if that were an insult. But I never stopped being colorful, even when I was told to dim it down.
And I mean that literally, too. I’ve often been told that, as a plus-size woman, I should “stick to black” or wear navy “because it’s slimming.” But I’ve never subscribed to that idea. Why should boldness be reserved for the few?
Vivid & Vibrant Isn’t Just a Brand. It’s a Belief.
I believe in showing up authentically. Loudly. Joyfully. In full color. And that’s exactly what Vivid & Vibrant Photography stands for.
My photography celebrates bold color, genuine emotion, and unapologetic presence. Whether I'm capturing the energy of a community event or the quiet strength of someone just being themselves, I look for those electric, vivid moments that tell a story.
Because when people feel comfortable—when they feel seen and safe—they reveal their truest colors. And that’s what I live to photograph.
Let’s Celebrate the Colorful Moments—Together
My goal is to capture the richness of life, in all its hues. Whether you’re radiant and loud or quietly vibrant, I want to help you see yourself the way I see the world: full of color, character, and beauty.
Ready to embrace your vivid side? Let’s make something vibrant together.
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