Hi Rich.
I have a few rambling thoughts on this.
I've always been an artist. Drawing, painting, whatever... and I decided to
"Do what I love"(to an extent) by going to artschool and getting a graphic
design degree. While at school I apprenticed with a painter for 5 years. I
learned a LOT and became a much better painter but it BROKE MY HEART when
one of my pieces was sold. I could not distance myself from the work because
of the physical closeness and creativity the work required.
As a graphic designer it is MUCH easier to part with my work because most
times there are important guidelines to what I am doing. eg: selling a
product, telling a story, etc. Guidelines like these require you to arrive
at a "vision" early on and carry that through to the final product. At the
start of a project I explore a number of styles and looks but sooner or
later they must be narrowed down and then "produced".
The "Production" is the part of the project that I can take pride in no
matter how badly the client has butchered my original ideas. This is the
part where I am more "craftsman" than artist. A craftsman takes pride in the
details and doing the job right.
It's been my experience that very few photographers can put food on the
table by just doing "art" photos but I've met a few who make good money
doing product photos in the studio. These photographers are sought out
because they are craftsmen and the clients know that they will get a high
level of craftmanship and technical skill for their $$, nomatter what the
subject is. They also have a good deal of time to shoot their own stuff too.
My point(I think) is that work is ALWAYS work, and at some point you get
sick of it nomatter what you're doing. If you can't stand the idea of
photography becoming "work" then there is NO WAY should attempt to make it
that.
I still paint but I will NEVER sell paintings again. They are given as
gifts, just like my photos. :-)
- Matt Crawley
Doggre@xxxxxxx wrote:
> Interesting commentary, Ag Schnozz...
>
> This reminds me of a fellow from Boston I worked with for a few years. VERY
> talented painter in both oils and watercolor. He had taken college/art
> school classes, knew his stuff, and had work in galleries in both Seattle and
> Boston. He also knew very clearly the difference between the work he did for
> himself (his "vision"), and work that would sell to the masses. He couldn't
> bring himself to do the majority of his work "to sell", as that would be a
> "sellout" of his talent. So he worked as a deck hand, and painted for his
> own personal fulfillment. I think that's why my sister doesn't want to try
> to sell any of her work, either. It would change the nature of the "work".
>
> I have the same hesitation, thinking about "going pro". As it is,
> photography is pure joy, an escape for me. I don't want it to become "work".
>
> The saying, "Do what you love, the money will follow", and Joseph Campbell's
> "Follow your bliss" come to mind. For now, that adds up to "Shoot more
> film." :-)
>
> Rich
< This message was delivered via the Olympus Mailing List >
< For questions, mailto:owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx >
< Web Page: http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright/olympuslist.html >
|