People that have “done it” will be able to do it again. Whether it’s shooting a successful commercial assignment, hanging in a museum, making a music video, or whatever. It may not be a de-facto truth, but that’s what’s believed on the open market. It’s SAFER for the person hiring a creative if they can point to something that you’ve already done. One reason I get a lot of work is that I’ve done a lot of projects. They’re banking on my portfolio–work I’ve actually completed, work that I can point at, not a “resume,” or work that can be surmised.
I’m not saying it’s right or fair. It’s just the way it is.
But what if we’re not on the up-side of experience? For someone trying to get their first chance at anything where the keys to the kingdom are closely held by someone else, this can be a huge paradox.
If what you think you need is a new platform to show you can do something, you’re barking up the wrong tree. “Just gimme a shot and I’ll deliver” won’t cut it, no matter how loud you say it or how much you hope for it. The people making the decisions want proof. After all, if you fall flat, it usually means their ass is cooked.
So instead of lamenting “woe is me”, try this: Don’t create a resume, create a portfolio. Create actual WORK that looks like what you want to get “discovered” for. And make that work very strong.
Stop waiting for someone to take a chance on you. Do the work. And then show it to whomever’s got the keys to the kingdom. Once you’ve “done it”–and done it well–the phone will ring.
[inspired by a recent post featuring Randy Nelson from Pixar]
So true. x2.
A very inspiring blog. Something that I have taken from you from your earlier videos like the RAW Ninja’s one.
You said “No one will ever employ to shoot Ninja’s but the fact that I have done it shows I can do it” (or something like that)
However what I took from that was the fact that your personal projects are as much an extension of you like the work you get paid to do.
Jason P.
This SLAMS the nail right on the head, Chase!
It’s so important to get out and shoot vision based work so that you get hired for that vision.
Whether that vision is a mood, a look, a lighting style, whatever – shoot it, develop it, refine it, evolve it even further, and don’t stop.
-DFJ
Heres a hint that helps. If you see something you admire, like or think is awesome. Get out and try to recreate or reinterpret the idea. Sift thru mags, online, etc and find some inspiration and call friends, find models, etc, and create a project.
Wash, rinse, repeat. It will help your chops, your vision and your networking. It will make a huge difference.
You will get hired for that. Just like CJ said above.
Thanks for the blog CJ, awesome as always.