A Girl with Grit

A Girl with Grit

Grit. It’s that unwavering determination to do… to be… to achieve… to make a difference.

Howdy, I’m Terran Bayer (sounds like Karen with a T) and my life’s mission is to do good and put joy back out into the world through my art. I’ve got a boatload of grit (not to be confused with cheesy grits; those are different) and I’m not afraid to use it.

I’m totally the Crazy Dog Lady and that’s alright by me. I have connected deeply with animals my entire life and practically grew up in a barn in upstate New York. I was surrounded with dogs, cats, horses — and one very special squeaky little guinea pig — and knew from a young age that working with and for animals was my calling.

I thought I was going to be a vet but — surprise! — science is not my thing (although I find it fascinating). I knew I had to listen to my heart and take the path toward being a creative. It led me to build this beautiful life as a dog photographer and graphic designer. I get to bring happiness to my clients through colorful photographs that tell the stories of their animals and bright designs that help grow businesses that are making a positive difference in our crazy world.

I’m a get-out-in-nature kinda girl. I’m happiest high up in the mountains with my hubby and Roxy, surrounded by trees and wildlife. Any day ending with me being covered in dirt is pretty much guaranteed to have been a good day. I love being off-the-grid, cooking over an open fire, and waking up to nothing but the sound of chirping birds and cooing quail.

I’m not all hippy, though — I have a bit of a city-girl side, too! I’m a car nut and love to race. It’s especially fun to beat the boys. Girl power! I love all the Fast & Furious movies and dream of learning how to drift one day (*waves to Tanner Foust*).

I’m also a bit of a foodie and love trying new chefs wherever we go. I enjoy cooking but my skills are pretty limited. I’m addicted to Top Chef and Top Chef Masters (*waves to Rick Bayless*). 

Shelter animals are my passion. I love being able to help rescue organizations find forever homes for their animals through my art. There is seriously no better feeling in the world! I volunteer my time with Lionel’s Legacy to photograph as many of their adoptable animals as possible and design a printed calendar every year to raise funds to help the critters.

I strongly believe our animals are more than just pets; they are family. We aren’t owners; we’re parents. We don’t just provide our fur-kids the minimum care needed for survival; we feed the best food, take them to specialty vets, and love them more than anything else in the world. We buy them orthopedic beds, allow for ample snuggle time every morning, and happily let them take over our king-size beds. If you feel the same way, the Westway family is most definitely your tribe.

 
I truly feel honored to work with every single one of my clients. I love being able to capture the bond humans share with their animals and to tell every family’s unique story. I also love working with businesses who want to better the lives of our furry family members, whether through design, photography, or a bit of both.

I put my heart and soul into every project, creating art that’s deeply meaningful. If that’s what you’re looking for in a creative, then follow your inner compass — and let it lead you West.