There is something that keeps coming up among the creatives that I have around me, and I thought it was worth sharing with the 3 people that read this blog (not counting my mom).
The idea is this: don't stop creating work and new imagery (video, illustration, etc), even if no one is paying you. I know what you're thinking, make stuff for free?! Blaspheme! But I think you'd be surprised how much free work top tier photographers do, both for themselves and in collaboration with other artists. But why? What's the logic? It's simple, when you aren't getting paid and there is no client you create things that you WANT to create. There is no one telling you to change the lighting, to move this person or that, it's just you and your vision. I have found that is when the most dynamic work comes out, when it's for you.
Recently I did a personal project I call "Tired people drinking coffee". It was probably the most fun I have had in the studio for quite sometime. What was different from my normal routine? I didn't make them composites, I focused on grass roots lighting and fun photoshop techniques. What inspired me do it? Two things, we just had our second baby, so I am exhausted, and I love coffee...especially after the second baby :) It was designed to be fun and that is exactly what it was. Funniest part about it is that the series has received more recognition than most of the commercial work I have been doing...ironic isn't it?
I will leave you with this idea: How do you ever expect to get the clients you want if you only make work for other people? Create a portfolio you love, work with people that inspire you, and most importantly...be awesome.
