Polymathic creative professional with more than 20 years of multidisciplinary experience spanning photography, visual art, graphic design, editorial writing, research, brand storytelling, and digital content. Published author, cited industry expert, and thought leader in the legal cannabis space. Renowned for self-taught artistry, innovative digital content, and sought-after music and fine art photography. Known for visually resonant, emotionally grounded narrative—bringing projects from brief through final delivery in remote, freelance, and deadline-driven environments.

Amber Mhairi Buchanan

Polymathic creative professional with more than 20 years of multidisciplinary experience spanning photography, visual art, graphic design, editorial writing, research, brand storytelling, and digital content. Published author, cited industry expert, and thought leader in the legal cannabis space. Renowned for self-taught artistry, innovative digital content, and sought-after music and fine art photography. Known for visually resonant, emotionally grounded narrative—bringing projects from brief through final delivery in remote, freelance, and deadline-driven environments.

Available to hire

Polymathic creative professional with more than 20 years of multidisciplinary experience spanning photography, visual art, graphic design, editorial writing, research, brand storytelling, and digital content. Published author, cited industry expert, and thought leader in the legal cannabis space.

Renowned for self-taught artistry, innovative digital content, and sought-after music and fine art photography. Known for visually resonant, emotionally grounded narrative—bringing projects from brief through final delivery in remote, freelance, and deadline-driven environments.

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Work Experience

Contributing Photographer & Writer at Ghost Cult Magazine
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Produced concert photography and written reviews for heavy music coverage, translating live performance sound, atmosphere, and audience energy into cohesive visual and editorial narratives. Selected, edited, sequenced, and delivered publication-ready image sets under event-driven deadlines. Published three combined words-and-photography concert reviews and received photo credits for major touring acts including Voivod, Prong, Machine Head, Fear Factory, and Hulder.
Brand, Product & Content Contributions at 105th Holding Company Inc. & Subsidiaries
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023
Helped develop and launch two cannabis product lines, contributing to brand direction, packaging, product-facing assets, billboard creative, and cross-channel presentation. Led a brand redesign across business and customer-facing platforms contributing to sales growth of more than 31%. Created training materials, documented workflows, and translated complex regulated processes into usable content for varied audiences.
Visual Communications & Training Content Contributions at Turnout Nation
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020
Filmed and edited volunteer training videos and designed graphics for the website and public-facing communications. Helped shape clear, consistent messaging for volunteer engagement, outreach, and fundraising activity.
Freelance Cannabis Writer at Wikileaf
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2020
Wrote 20 published articles covering cannabis history, culture, creativity, lifestyle, education, products, medicine-adjacent topics, and responsible use. Converted technical, historical, and cultural research into accessible consumer-facing content while maintaining an engaging editorial voice. Developed article concepts, conducted research, structured drafts, incorporated edits, and worked within publication standards and deadlines.
Research Assistant — Biological Sciences at Sam Houston State University
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2010
Contributed to scientific research on host cues and establishment of oak mistletoe, supporting laboratory and research processes and co-authoring a peer-reviewed publication. Applied evidence-based research, technical writing, source evaluation, and precise documentation skills transferable to editorial and educational content.
Freelance / Contributing Writer at The Huntsville Item
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2010
Reported and wrote community features on local businesses, public programs, and nonprofit services. Conducted interviews, gathered supporting information, and produced clear, audience-focused local journalism on deadline.
Visual Artist, Photographer, Graphic Designer & Freelance Writer at Amber Buchanan Studio
September 1, 2001 - Present
Provide multidisciplinary creative services spanning photography, graphic design, writing, digital content, mixed media, visual storytelling, and portfolio development. Photographed 150+ live performances, creating image sets centered on performer identity, gesture, atmosphere, lighting, and emotion. Created mixed-media, acrylic, digital, and photographic artwork shown in seven public gallery exhibitions. Developed concepts and produced finished assets for portraits, artist/musician promotion, small-business branding, product imagery, editorial use, websites, and marketing materials. Research, write, revise, and adapt content for specialist and general audiences across cannabis, science, local journalism, arts, culture, and music media. Manage projects independently from discovery and brief through production, revision, formatting, and final delivery in remote freelance settings.

Education

Art History (oDegree studies) + minor in Film at NSCAD University
January 1, 2026 - July 16, 2026
Coursework in Business Administration and Biological Sciences Education at Western Governors University
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2014
Coursework in Biological Sciences; Research Assistant to Dr. Christopher Randle at Sam Houston State University
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2010
Coursework in Psychology at American Public University
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2009

Qualifications

American Mensa — Member
November 30, 0002 - July 16, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Other