A list of self assignments

I am reading a book called the EDUCATION OF A PHOTOGRAPHER (2006) by Charles H. Traub, Steven Heller and Adam Bell_ published by Allworth Press. This book was shown to me by Peter McKenzie (meet Peter soon on another Blog entry) , who keeps this book with him at all times regarding it as a valuable source for knowledge and inspiration for teaching and understanding photography.

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On Page 203 is a wonderful "GET TO KNOW"  list made up of 10 points complied by Mary Virginia Swanson [MVS] ---> and I am going to type it out...phew...word for word... to share with you. MVS is a consultant, author and educator who guides artists on making and marketing their artwork. She has inspired many artists to build on the strengths of their work, refine their craft, and identify appreciative audiences.

buka lapha

click to view her 'Marketing Blog'

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As I am always more captivated by images (make me speechless) than words (have to find the words to express myself), I am going to include student images from my collection of past third year student works to illustrate these points.  Think I am going to do this as one Blog entry: warning long but find the stamina to scroll down to the end so you get the bigger picture... ;•{} (winking clown face)... I think it is well worth it + ☕= make a cuppa joe_ and take your time.

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GET TO KNOW...

 #1 YOURSELF

Bwalya Lungu_ 2008

Define your interests, your abilities, your budget, your limits. Find your focus in all aspects of your life and stay on track.

 #2 YOUR SOURCES OF INSPIRATION

Gugu Mqadi_2008

...in the words or works of other creative individuals or the forces of nature. It may be knowledge that is placed near your home or in your mind that brings clarity to your ideas.

Experiment - find ways to access inspiration when and where you wish. 

There are no barriers to imagination unless you put them there.

 #3 YOUR VOICE as an artist

Yandisa Monakali_2008

Only you can determine what you have to say with through your artwork (photography) and only you can best interpret that voice through your final art object (a photograph). 

Experiment with your materials, and by all means take risks.

 #4 YOUR INDUSTRY and its history.

 Banele Bengu_ 2008

It is essential to understand the evolution of your medium and its masters as well as what drives key decision makers. Take tome to study the history of collecting art, publishing photography - past and present, commercial commissions and licensing. Know the role of the curator to  the institution and constituency and role of the gallery to collectors and art makers.

Learn as much as you can about all aspects of your field.

 #5 YOUR GOALS

Nqobile Luthuli_2008

Don't try to be all things to all people. Time and money are necessarily limited, so work hard to make solid decisions towards what is important and essential to your creative life. These decisions may determine where you live and the environment you work in and the company you keep.

 #6 YOUR MARKET

Banele Bengu_2008

Define through research what audience is most likely to respond to your work. If your work has a definable subject, that is a gateway to a much larger audience. If more abstract in nature, a smaller yet perhaps more sophisticated audience awaits you. Once you know to whom your works speak, you can better clarify your path to your audience.

 #7 YOUR PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY

Noxolo Zwane (Chillies)_ 2008

With the work completed, and audience and aspirations defined, present yourself as an artist with the utmost professionalism and clarity of purpose. All promotional materials should have unified style and clarity of purpose. All promotional material should have unified style and coherent message, whether in print, cd-rom or Web site format. 
There is only one chance to make a first impression.

 #8 YOUR TOOLKIT

Natasha Schoeman_2008

You are the amalgam of what you know. Take command of your materials: strive to be no less than an expert with your resources. Embrace the WWW. Listen and learn from other practitioners. Challenge yourself technically and intellectually. Join professional organizations, subscribe to related publications, and keep an open mind, always. Never stop learning. 

 #9 YOUR COMMUNITY

Varusha Govender_2008

Scale will not matter from a small group of neighbors to a large number of like minded people throughout the world. Access may be face-to-face or via technology. You can participate in a dialogue anywhere, anytime. Do not allow yourself to work in a vacuum, however habit forming, there is much to gain from interaction. Partake of many communities.

 #10 YOUR GIFTS

Nicola Stewart_2008

Give back to your community and industry. Become a mentor or intern sponsor. Teach. Volunteer your services to non-profit organizations. Donate prints to support causes that matter to you. 
Never forget to credit those who have helped you become an artist and person you are today. 
Give back and you too will receive. 

☕