ADOBE CREATIVE RESIDENCY PROJECT PROPOSAL
Above: Photo Essay Farmer, continued below. View the complete project here.
My project concept is to gather the stories and advice of creative entrepreneurs from different countries, cultures, ages, races, backgrounds, and industries.
These stories, consisting of photographs and written interviews collected over multiple in-person visits with each creative, will be shared on a digital storytelling platform. It is important to me to highlight communities and cultures that are often underrepresented in the creative industries. So while the stories should be visually appealing and well presented, they should also promote authenticity and acceptance of both others and of ourselves.
The goal of my project is to provide a communal place where creatives can be inspired and empowered by how other creatives have used their combination of skill sets to positively shape the world. The variety of stories shared can help widen the scope of possibility for those who may be struggling to find their path, while also giving them practical tools and strategies for using their own blend of skills to bring greater good to themselves and to the world.
I will aim to capture answers to questions such as the following:
How do they live? What and where do they work? What do they wear? What and where do they eat? What do their homes and surroundings look like? How do they work best? What details make their daily life special?
How do they live? What and where do they work? What do they wear? What and where do they eat? What do their homes and surroundings look like? How do they work best? What details make their daily life special?
A selection of questions I might ask during the interview include:
What are your core values and how do they show in your life and business? How do you believe you can achieve three years worth of personal and professional growth in one year? What do you do when feeling overwhelmed, anxious or scattered? What specific tools have helped you progress in your industry, and why?
Research and Inspiration
The project is highly influenced and inspired by August Sander and his lifelong project People of the 20th Century. Sander aimed to create a “mirror of his time” by documenting people from all segments of German society, categorized into seven groups. He created an exhaustive visual archive of archetypal professions and people, telling their story, portraying their characteristics, and capturing the social and political situation of his time.
Freunde von Freunden (FvF), an international interview magazine that portrays people of diverse creative and cultural backgrounds in their homes and daily working environment, also inspired my project proposal. I love the documentary and in-depth storytelling which captures each interviewee’s life and working process.
Finally, Tim Ferriss has played a big part in my own personal and professional development for a long time. In his podcasts he interviews world-class performers of any walk in life to extract the tactics and routines his guests have used to get to where they are today. His ability to deeply engage with people and capture actionable pieces of advice provides immense value.
Above: August Sander, from left to right: Blacksmith, Pastrycook, Master Mason
© Die Photographische Sammlung/SK Stiftung Kultur - August Sander Archiv, Cologne; DACS, London, 2018
Above: © Freunde von Freunden, Katie Stout
Below: © Freunde von Freunden, Vijendra Chhipa
Long-term career goals + Adobe Creative Residency
First, I plan to make this project my singular focus for the year, sharing value with the creative community and beyond. I want to support and empower aspiring entrepreneurs from all walks in life on their journey to finding their voice. By doing so I also aim to positively represent Adobe and reflect its values.
Second, I endeavour to find my niche and grow as a documentary photographer to cultivate a stable client base. I aim to refine and evolve my style, photography techniques and editing skills, specifically within Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
Looking a few years ahead, I would love to combine life coaching and photography to offer unique services that help creatives find clarity on their path.
In order for me to provide the most help and create true value for the world, I have to continually grow. I want to challenge myself to put my work out there, no matter where in the process I’m at. I want to push past my own limits, and share work that I don’t feel ready for yet. I believe the residency will provide external accountability, role models and mentors to challenge and help me grow beyond levels I’m able to comprehend just yet.
Above: Photo Essay Behind The Curtains. View the complete project here.
Recent project
Newfound is a lifestyle magazine on sustainable and conscious living. Newfound aims to inspire and empower people to take action towards positive global change on an individual level and to make conscious living part of our everyday conversations.
Beautiful visuals and educational interviews are combined and presented in an easy-to-understand and down-to-earth way to effectively engage readers.
