Matt Simmons is a commercial photographer and videographer working at the intersection of music, culture, and brand storytelling. From shooting album artwork and artist campaigns to producing advertising content for brands of all sizes, his work is rooted in capturing moments that feel both intentional and real.
What sets Matt apart isn’t just his creative output; it’s how he operates. His process is built on rhythm, structure, and proximity to other creatives. Whether he’s behind the lens or deep in post-production, he thrives in environments that push ideas forward and keep momentum high.
At Ampersand Studios, Matt has found exactly that: a space that supports his routine, fuels collaboration, and connects him with a community that continues to shape both his work and his growth as a creative.
Tell us a little about what you do.
I’m a full-time commercial photographer/videographer. I work mostly within the music industry, photographing album artwork and promotional material for artists. I also do a lot of advertising for brands of all sizes.
What inspires/motivates you to get out of bed?
My favorite part about waking up is getting up an hour early and scrolling while drinking a black coffee. I love to hear the world come to life outside my door while I wake up for the day.
What is the one thing you can’t live without?
I can’t live without my cat. His name is Georgie, and he’s my best buddy
Where do your brightest ideas come from?
My brightest ideas come from living life with other creatives. I thrive off collaboration and need to surround myself with like-minded people who spur me on to become better as an artist and as a person
Where is your favorite place to decompress & unwind?
My favorite place to unwind is on my couch with a pint of Ben and Jerry’s, and my cat curled up next to me.
When do you feel your best, and what do you do to stay in the vibration?
I feel my best when I stick to my routine. My days are never the same, so I have to inject some sort of structure into my life. Ampersand has helped me achieve this by being a sanctuary for my workday. I feel so motivated when I walk into this building.
Tell us something we don’t know about you.
Something you might not know about me is that I was a hand model when I was a little kid. My dad is an art director, and Toys R Us was one of his clients when I was young. On a shoot for Hot Wheels, one of the kid models didn’t show up, so I filled in, and that started a short but fun career in hand modeling for me.
What made you decide to join Ampersand?
I joined Ampersand because it was one of the few coworking spaces that truly integrates a professional content studio into the experience. Beyond that, the thoughtfully designed common areas immediately stood out; they’re not just visually compelling, they’re built to support both focus and collaboration.
Do you remember your first day or first impression of the space
My first impression was how intentional everything felt. The space immediately stood out—not just visually, but in how it’s designed to support both focused work and creative collaboration. It felt like a place built for people who take their craft seriously.
Are there certain areas of the space you gravitate toward most? Why?
I gravitate most to the quiet areas in Ampersand. There are so many communal spaces, but there are also some hidden areas where you can just take a break and get away from it all for a bit.
What does a “good workday” at Ampersand look like for you?
A perfect work day at Ampersand looks like getting to work at 9, sipping a cup of coffee while I update my to-do list for the day. Then I’ll attack that to-do list and try to get it done by lunch. After lunch, I finish my day by editing photos/videos. I wrap around 5 pm and enjoy my ride home blasting screamy metal music.
How would you describe the Ampersand community?
The Ampersand community is incredible. Every member is a top-tier, talented individual or business. Everyone is so collaborative and focused on helping each other. I’ve made connections with several businesses at Ampersand that have become full-time clients of mine.
Have you made any meaningful connections or collaborations here?
Every connection I make at Ampersand is meaningful. I just connected with Happenstance Whiskey for a promotional collaboration, where I’ll be adding travel-sized bottles of their whiskey to some mailers I am sending out to potential clients. It’s little things like this that make Ampersand so wonderful.
Finish this sentence: “Ampersand helps me…”
Ampersand helps me stay in rhythm. It gives my work a place to call home, so I don’t get distracted by all the temptations of work-from-home life.
You can find me:
