Graphics Everywhere!

Who ever said that work couldn’t be fun, was lying to me. I have finally found my niche in the work atmosphere working here at First Baptist Church of Eugene. For those who haven’t heard, I am working at the church doing graphic design, photography, tech, media, sound engineering, and team building. I keep my creative juices flowing all week long.

What about my photography?

No. I haven’t put my photography on the back burner. I have just been redefining who I am as a photographer. Before: I was taking on all sorts of jobs, from weddings, senior photos, and more. I was sacrificing creativity for money. Is that really a good idea? After much thought, and a new job, I decided that I am going to focus more on what I enjoy as a photographer. I needed boundaries for me to continue to enjoy photography. I am now focusing on what I enjoy doing as a photographer, and only accepting jobs that I enjoy. It has been better, but most definitely slower. I am not in it for the money anymore.

Slower isn’t a problem, it’s a blessing!

Since I work full time in a creative atmosphere, my photography isn’t slacking at all. I am always digging around in the usual Adobe applications such as Photoshop, InDesign, Lightroom, Premiere and eventually Illustrator (Mostly Photoshop, messing around with typography and textures). I have really been able to take my photography to a unique new level, because of my better understanding of these great Adobe applications!

So, how does this apply to you?

Well, you are sitting here reading this now. So, apparently this might have SOME value to you. I am hoping that you see the value behind my focus in photography. I also am realizing that I need to update my blog more often, and try to figure out how to get a more updated (and more professional) web page up to display my artwork. I am also hoping that if you are a photographer that you’ll see the value in focusing on what you enjoy, instead of the money.

Art (music especially) has been directed in the direction of “what makes money” instead of “What makes you happy.” Don’t do it for the money, do it for the LOVE of what you are passionate about!

(Unless, you need to pay rent or something)

Second Thoughts and Apple Sauce

So, some of you may have heard about me considering going to school to pursue graphic design and/or photography. Since I have done a lot of thinking and processing about the whole idea of jumping ship, and moving to Seattle so suddenly. Then other thoughts came into mind about the expenses, risks, and such.

I don’t plan on staying in Eugene for the rest of my life, or very much longer, but I do know that it isn’t my time to leave here. I have a lot going for me in this town, and it would be difficult to let it go. I have built some amazing friendships, and I am just starting to get noticed and recognized as a photographer in this town. Business isn’t exactly rolling in the doorway, but I am on the right path to start earning some income.

Secondly, school is very expensive when it comes to art schools. I was thinking about attending the Art Institute in Seattle. Sure, it seemed like a great idea. The location was amazing, the school was promising, and I would already be on top of the game in the classes since I have a background in graphic design and especially photography.

So why have I changed my mind?

Well, I wouldn’t say I have changed my mind. But more delayed the thought of going to school. The cost to go the Art Institute in Seattle (just for tuition) was somewhere around $80,000. Of course, they let me know that there is financial aid and such, but if I didn’t qualify $80,000 is a lot of money. And that is if I was sleeping in my Volvo and not living anywhere specific each night a different street corner. So, we are looking more at a $100,000 price tag on my education. Now, that doesn’t seem too bad, I get a degree and probably a job. They say 100% of all graduates have gotten jobs in the graphic design market. Starting salary at $32,000 a year. What? I earn that much money without a degree. I could start a business for $100,000 and with proper marketing I could earn more than $32,000 a year.

Maybe I should go to a local community college and study business?

So, my goals have changed, and my thoughts on life have changed. I am looking at the larger picture, maybe not the largest, but larger. I have been processing the concept of traveling. I am not sure where to, or for what. I have a couple ideas bouncing around, but nothing has made it to the surface. A lot of doors are opening up for me, especially since I almost have all my loans paid off and under control. At 25 years old, apparently that is unusual. I will have no credit card or loan debt. Apparently, I am good with money or something. Unusual, especially for the amount of gadgets I have for my photography.

So, this has been a case of another “thoughts on life” by Will Foster. I hope you enjoy the photography I have been posting here and there. I have been a little distracted by thinking about what to do with my life. You know, it can be stressful, making these “life-changing decisions.”

Thanks for all your support!

Thursday Thoughts

A few weeks ago I drove up to Portland, Oregon to go to a photography seminar after work. The seminar was exciting, being my first, but disappointing that it was mostly just advertisement for product.

A few things that I did learn were the importance of a tripod in specific shoots, which convinced me to get a new Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod with a cool head. At the time of writing this blog entry, I have not gotten to use my tripod considering that it is still conveniently located in it's box, and the head is sitting somewhere in either a UPS truck or UPS's home base in Springfield. Regardless, I am excited to use this tripod for some Midnight Photography with some of my friends.

Most importantly, at this Seminar I realized how important it was to go out and take photos for me. I never really went out on my own to explore and take photos by my self. My first time was Sunday afternoon after a couple of my friends convinced me to get out and do some photography. The weather was amazing for early spring, and I took advantage of the amazing clouds in the sky to help compose my photos. And also, later in the week I took some more to add to the collection.

Photography is very important to me, there is very little that can stand in my way of pursuing it as a life long goal. I have been processing the idea of going back to school and it has been becoming very huge deal in my life to find a great school, but not disconnect myself from Eugene at all. I am currently looking at the Art Institute of Seattle, which is very expensive.

Other projects in mind include raising (yes, 100% of all profits) money for a charity or a missions trip by putting together a book of my photography related to Eugene, Oregon before I move on to another location (such as Seattle). I would be getting it printed and selling it myself (obviously) through my web site. Also, I think it would be really cool to have a coffee table book with my photography it.

Anyway, thanks again for all the support, and thoughtfulness. Go ahead and check out all the photos from my photo walks in Eugene, Oregon (More cities coming soon!)

Finished Album Covers

So, finished yesterday my second music album design of the year. I finished earlier the design for Brent Cole and his album "Good Love." I finished yesterday, the album design for Caleb Paul and his album "Learning to Fall" album. I am very excited for both of these albums. Considering I haven't listened to either of them mastered, they both sound great! Above I have both the album covers available to share with you, but i won't release the rest of the design in the same format. When i get the original copies, I will share with you photographs of the finished design! Enjoy the album covers, click on each one and it will take you to a larger version!

Who would have known that graphic design would take up so much of my time? Oh well, I am enjoying every moment of it! Getting a copy of the finished project is worth the time and labor put into it.

Enjoy!