Here’s a funny story: Prior to working as a photographer, I wanted to work in Advertising. I loved the idea of it and worked hard to become a copywriter. I read many books on how to succeed in advertising, studied award-winning work and worked relentless on revisions for my copywriting assignments in school. I thought that by being the hardest worker in the room, I would become the most creative person. I managed to score good grades (A-/A) in most of my assignments but when it came to applying for my practicum internship, I got rejected by all 6 advertising agencies I wrote to. In the end, I finally managed to secure a position in a network agency – not as a copywriter but a strategy intern.
Not being able to do what I truly want, I eventually gave up on Advertising and became a photographer. I was already a part-time freelance photographer for about 4 years then, so the switch felt natural.
In the beginning, photography was just a job I enjoyed to make ends meet but as I delve deeper into it as an art form, I started to realise it’s a powerful medium of self-expression and, in a certain sense, a reflection of my life journey. My photos evolve with me as a person.
This realisation made me understand why I didn’t make it as an Advertiser. I was keeping my head down, doing revisions after revisions of copy but I wasn’t living life. Without real lived experiences, my work was bland and uninspiring.
At around the same time, I chanced upon photographer, writer, and podcast creator Rebecca Toh’s Litolabs podcast. The episode was about becoming a commercial photographer. I was expecting tips and tricks but I ended up taking away so much more. One thing that lingered with me was the the importance of letting my passions take the wheel when deciding my next creative endeavour. For someone who is obsessed with accomplishments and achievements, that podcast was liberating for me. It made me realise that life and art-making is more than just the end goal; it’s about enjoying the process of discovery.
Today, I see myself not just as a Photographer but a Creative who dabbles in many things outside of my main craft. Last year, I was involved in creating a National Day social media campaign using the Animal Crossing game. More recently, I’ve pitched for a film series on the craft beer scene in Singapore as a producer/director. I also discovered I’ve a penchant for writing. My commitment to write a blogpost every week is a manifestation of that.
Outside of Creative Work, I immerse myself in different things that I feel I would enjoy or value-add to my life. I’ve been into Bouldering and sampling local craft beers lately. I also spend time dating, in hopes of finding a suitable partner for life. It’s one of those things that brings you both immense joy and sadness. It is also an excellent teacher in helping you understand perspectives and your shortcomings.
I relish in experiencing the full gamut that life has got to give and actively make decisions to take me closer to that. To me that’s a life well-lived.
What’s yours?
- Matt