AboutTricia Scott-Sahler Expertise I can answer questions on the business practices of commercial photography, self promotion, and negotiations.
Experience I have a BFA in commercial photography, and have been an artist representative for 12 years.
Organizations Society of Photographer and Artists Representatives
Advertising Photographers of America
Education/Credentials BFA in Commercial photography from the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Past/Present Clients Clients include; ad agencies, design firms, Fortune 500 companies, Bank of America, State Farm Insurance, Segway, Williams-Sonoma.
Question Hello. I am your typical "undecided about choosing a major" college student. I have always been artisically talented as a youth and still take on artistic ventures as a hobby of mine. Unfortunately, I never really made the effort to develop my innate talents to new heights, which I very much regret now. I am exploring ways to get myself back on track and I have recently discovered my talent for photography. I mostly do photography work for family and friends' functions like birthdays, weddings, holidays, etc.
I feel as though a career in something art related would suit me well, but with the current state of the economy, I am being swayed away from it as I know the jobs are scarce, and the stigma of ending up a "starving artist" is a sterotype I have trouble shaking away from my thoughts. I am interested in doing wedding photography, multimedia design, filmmaking, and animation. The thought of opening a my own multimedia production company that deals with all these interests makes me drool with excitement. With photography, I have found a very pleasing way to express my creativity and also to have a fun activity to share my work with friends/family, but to be a jack of all trades is a bit much so I would like to focus on photography at first to build upon something.
My question to you is what does it take for people within the industry to succeed. I know that there is no set formula for success, but there should be some general guidelines. Do you have any recommendations of any schools or programs within the New England area, especially Massachusetts, that are great for pursuing art related majors? How strong is the industry right now in your opinion in terms of job security and jobs openings? Where should one focus their attention so that they could take on such a career full-time and raise a family? I read alot that one needs to really have a good buisiness sense to really break into the industry, so I am assuming promotions is a huge part of the jobs to get a steady stream of clients.
I could use some positive reinforcement to help me gain the confidence that choosing to go the art major route won't end with me jobless and back to the drawing board to find a new major.
Answer Kevin,
You are right, there is no silver bullet. But hard work is the key to success. Yes, the economy is tough, and just like all industries, it can be slow in poor economic times. I think you have to follow your heart and do what you love. Digital has changed photography quite a bit. Many photographers are becoming film-makers. New technology is allowing the gap between photography and film to lessen. Animation and multi-media are certainly excellent choices and you should seriously consider them.
I don't know any schools in your area well, RIT is in Rochester NY. You might try The Art Institutes, or CDIA @ Boston University. New York, LA, Pasadena all have great schools if you want to move! Talk to graduates, professors and people working in the field you decide to purse. Search the web for more info on those fields and talk to as many people as you can.
