Thoughts On Artistic Direction III

 I haven’t written in quite some time. Although I have been on an epic journey from the very beginning, this stood especially true in the last couple of years. Ive realized over time how success comes from the constant commitment of continuing on the journey. One must commit to one path, its aspects, ask the right questions and apply the answers to their arsenal. I’ve never stopped studying photography, art, the world, society, advertising. Here and there I will second guess my place in the world by that of comparison. When I speak about comparison I’m not implying that I envy another’s work; I mean their level, on expertise, depth in their career, their inner circle, and the opportunities and experiences that made them who they are. 

Ive read about the relentless work ethic of the upper echelon photographer, their widespread communication efforts, who  create remarkable and timeless work. Work that is often downplayed by the photographer themselves. There have been moments when I ponder that this ideal is impossible to bring to life for the average person. Ive also reached the third decade of my life and many renowned photographers were already a shoe into extreme success much younger. How do they have that freakish level of will power and get up and go? They must be born with it.

 Ive recently realized that it’s not about what skills and habits you don’t own. Or even, studying others habits and comparing; its about the fact that you are not very good at it yet. It is said that a habit becomes automatic in sixty six days but the amount of days to be an expert with these automatic habits is not as quantifiable. In the beginning, potential clients and opportunities are not breaking down our door to get to us. So we must work on getting better with the habits of successful people, regardless of industry, as well as the technical aspects. 

In my studying I’ve realized large mistakes of my own, even though the sentiment of their prevention I’ve understood. I did not perceive or work to adopt. Studying, analyzing another’s work is more than fine, but aiming to recreate for the purpose of ones own promotion will not turn heads, it has already been achieved! Rather, understanding the patterns across great and timeless work and allowing your style to evolve with your experience will result in authentic style that is true to you. David Sims stated that in the 80’s and 90’s if you were told your work looked in any way derivative of someone else, that it was an insult and wasn’t considered a good thing.

 With that I’ve toned down the amount of reference before a production and focused on solid exposure, simplicity and looking for that timeless image. This discovery and its application is not meshing with other aspects of my life. I have become a ghost in my social circle and have become very protective of my time. As harsh as that seems it is without a doubt necessary and not something I will soon regret. An amazing life is about taking risks, and doing things that question our comfort levels. For example, choosing to seek true experience over vanity. Or going with the flow of life as it comes; spontaneity. Sometimes it’s about stepping over the line. Sometimes it’s about putting into question others comfort level. Those who may be impeding your path. 

I recently was in the position as a juror on a case while simultaneously given an opportunity with a well know magazine. I could have rejected the offer to work with the magazine or not shown up to court but rather I researched how to formally ask for dismissal from the case. I didn’t know it would need a mini hearing of its own because I was already in the case now. Yet I was denied, but I felt good about taking up the courts time on the premise of incrementally reaching my goals. You have to be selfish, you are your own support. 

Its not about decreasing care for your fellow human, it’s about making the story of life interesting. You are the protagonist! It’s not about if you don’t have the time its about you have to make the time. Why would success come any easier for me than it does a large corporation, who through years of consistency and snowball effect success has realized their strategy? We have to avoid distractions and things that hinder our speed. I want to be better every year. Look at muscle growth; pushing hard as possible, for as long as possible. It gets easier to push even further the more we do it, we’re building strength. We’re not looking to be okay were looking to be the best (or a best). More communication, wider network, better opportunities, better work, more work in the background, more knowledge and more confidence. 

Get after it.