Today we’d like to introduce you to Phillip Istomin.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always been a creative person. Music was my first love and form of expression. I took some photography classes in college but decided to pursue photography full time after getting laid off from my job at an advertising agency after the financial housing crisis in 2010. I think I’ve always had a unique way of expressing myself and my ideas, but it’s taken me all of this time to really perfect what I do, and I’m certainly far from feeling like a master of my craft. My attitude is live and learn. You never stop improving.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has certainly not been a smooth road, but I think that’s most people’s experience getting anywhere in life. You only have control over your own part of it. I think the recipe to success is made up of many factors. It’s a serious challenge trying to make a living as an artist. I’ve always wanted to be my own boss and make a good living doing what I do, but that’s a tall order when you don’t cater to what’s popular or trendy. You only hope to stay true to yourself and attract a certain type of audience who appreciates authenticity, quality, and a desire to create something truly special and unique. I’ve had plenty of moments of doubt and thoughts of getting a “real job.” My parents have been an amazing support system, they’ve really helped me get through the tough times. I consider myself extremely fortunate. The feedback I’ve heard from people throughout my career has been something that’s gotten me through those tough times. Anytime I hear that something I’ve created has really resonated with someone, whenever someone picks up on exactly the feeling, a story, or an emotion I’ve put in one of my photographs… well, that makes it all worthwhile.
