Attention Louisville Photographers!

Join us for the third installment of Prints & Proofs — a unique event series where we leave the digital world behind and gather to showcase our work in person.

Register Here

Ben and I are excited to host another prints and proofs event with our local community. It's an opportunity to step away from the likes and shares of social platforms and dive deep into in-person conversations about our work for meaningful conversations, discovery, and feedback.

Event Details

• Date – Thursday, October 5

• Time – 6:30pm to 8:30pm

• Location – Sunergos Coffee (3922 Willis Ave)

• Theme – Movement

We encourage you to create and bring photographs that resonate with the theme of "movement." Whether they are freshly clicked or older gems from your portfolio, we're eager to see your interpretation of the theme!

​​If you register as a photographer, please plan on bringing at least 3 prints (no larger than 17x22) of your work that you'd like to show and chat about with other photographers/observers.

​​Not showing work? Register as a spectator and come hang out and meet other creatives. It's a great opportunity to connect with other creatives and patrons of the art. This is a casual, fun hang with other creatives in town.

In case you missed it, Joshua and I held our second IRL event for designers in July. We had a wonderful turnout and it was inspiring to see some artists experimenting with using AI in their creative workflow.

Special thanks to Tyler Deeb and the crew at Misc. Goods Co. for hosting us in their beautiful new space, and Tim Robertson for walking us through the ins and outs of riso printing. Here are some images that Joshua took at the event.

The boyz are back together trying to make sense of this creative world featuring Joshua Jean-Marie, Tim Harris, and Andrew Grandstaff. Together, we go on a deep dive into the dynamic realms of freelance work versus agency engagements.

With a wealth of collective experience, we attempt to shed light on the intricacies of pricing services according to one's seniority in the field, a topic that often bewilders many aspiring professionals.

Listen to the Podcast

We dissect the nuances of leveraging LinkedIn for career growth and networking, then shift the spotlight to an innovative budgeting tool, the Copilot app (Use my referral code 7DJCP7 to get 2 months free), and delve into its multifaceted benefits for both financial planning and personal growth.

As the episode unfolds, we explore the ever-evolving landscape of photography trends. From the resurgence of point-and-shoot cameras to the nostalgic revival of film photography, we dissect the driving forces behind these shifts and what they signify for the creative community.

Creative

A curated online gallery with the best design studios, designers, type foundries, and other creatives worldwide. (The Index)

The resurgence of film photography in women’s soccer (Huck)

Creator Economy 2.0: What we’ve learned, why it’s hard, and what’s next (chen)

A place for creatives to find and offer their time to others with the goal of sharing, learning and problem-solving with each other. (pair-up)

Books on contemporary art, design, critical studies, and visual culture (uncommon)

Benchmark report on the freelance industry (Mailchimp)

Tech

AI-Created Art Isn’t Copyrightable (HollywoodReporter)

TextFX is an AI experiment designed to help rappers, writers, and wordsmiths expand their process. It was created in collaboration with Lupe Fiasco (TextFX)

Raster is a digital asset manager for modern teams, saving time organizing, editing, and hosting photography. (Raster)

A New Interactive Networking Site Is Connecting Artists and Curators With Alternative Arts Venues Around the Globe (artnet)

Venture capital and other tech-industry funding methods come to the art world (art)

Misc.

White noise podcasts account for 3 million daily consumption hours on Spotify (Bloomberg)

Telemarketers’ Heroes Fail Spectacularly. It’s a Triumph. (Slate)

Parks around the world handpicked by the internet that are perfect to sit down in and enjoy a book. (Places to Read)

Sorry, but LinkedIn is cool now? (Bloomberg)

Social media is dead — and group chats killed it (BI)

Why is everyone trying to sell me their old stuff? (GQ)

Jobs

Creative Producer at Mouthwash Studios (Los Angeles)

Head of Impact at Rivet (Boston)

Head of Marketing at PhantomBuster (remote)

Marketing Lead at Foundation (remote)

Brand Designer at Tome (San Francisco)

Hiring? Send us your job posting and we will share it through our newsletter.

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In this week’s episode, Todd Balsley the founder of Clever Supply Co. and photographer joins me on the podcast to embark on an exploration of his intertwined journey through the realms of photography and marketing. I’ve known Todd for many years and it was fun to look back and reflect on his creative journey.

We uncover the genesis story of Clever Supply, tracing its evolution from a concept to a thriving reality. We delve into Todd's growth as a leader and the foundational company values that have become the cornerstones of Clever Supply's identity. And discuss lessons learned from his time working in tech at Apple and Buffer.

Todd’s been a photographer for 15 years and over the last 6, he has been making camera straps for some of the best photographers. Most recently, he just launched his newest straps and partnership with Joe Greer.

Clever Supply started out in Todd’s garage, where he came up with the idea to combine great hardware with the best leather he could find. The result was a comfortable, high-function camera strap that looked great, and inspired him to take his cameras with him everywhere.

Having spent years in the tech industry, Todd found immense satisfaction in crafting something from scratch with his own hands. It was even more rewarding to see someone actively using what he had created.

Todd’s goal is for Clever Supply to be a brand recognized as a champion for creatives, especially photographers in the artistic domain. While selling products is how they sustain their business, Todd is deeply committed to enriching the photography community. From purchasing prints and sponsoring projects to commissioning work, giving back is not just a business strategy; it's a core value that defines Clever Supply.

As I do with every guest, I asked Todd to tell me about a cherished rare possession and he sent me a note about the following:

Todd on his Waxed Canvas Jacket by RGT:

This jacket holds sentimental value for me, not only because my wife gifted it to me a few years ago, but also because it represents a full-circle moment in my life. About a decade ago, a beloved jacket of mine fell apart, fundamentally altering my perspective on the importance of high-quality, durable goods. That experience served as the catalyst that led me into the world of leathercraft.

Todd shares about his go-to camera, Fuji x100v:

Over the years, I've experimented with various cameras, but at this stage in my life, which involves capturing countless everyday moments with my family, this particular camera has brought me unparalleled joy. Ultimately, the best camera for you may very well be the one you most enjoy having by your side. Plus, it just looks so good and an essential fashion accessory.

Follow Todd Balsley on Clever Supply’s instagram and check out the most recent product release, the IOE Short Strap. And make sure to listen and leave us a review on whatever platform you listen to the podcast!

In this episode, an old friend of mine, Britt Bass Turner, joins me to discuss her creative journey. Britt has experienced it all throughout her journey to building a full-time career as an artist. As seasons change and bring new challenges, Britt has done what she always has done, which is to react and adapt.

Listen to the Interview

An Atlanta native and abstract artist known for her vibrant and playful paintings. Britt's love for color and design blossomed at a young age, influenced by Henri Matisse and her interior designer mother and her exploration of fabric samples and color swatches. With her refined eye for aesthetics and design, Britt brings a sense of curiosity and exploration to her captivating work.

Britt shares her experiences of balancing her artistic pursuits with being a dedicated mother to three children. Discover how she embraces her art as a liberating space where she can break free from the confines of structure and expectations, allowing her creativity to flow freely.

We delve into Britt's journey of restructuring and reimagining her artistic practice. She opens up about taking time off to be a full-time mom and her decision to step away from social media during the pandemic. We explore how she rebrands herself and redefines her artistic identity after her well-deserved break, as well as some exciting ideas coming in to fruition in the future.

Listen to the Interview

After the podcast interview, I asked Britt to tell me about a cherished, rare possession that she owns. I’m always fascinated by the things we are drawn to collect and hold onto since they are vessels of stories and memories. A small window into knowing the person just a little more. Here’s what Britt shared:

“A two for one here with my heirloom photos of my 3 children by Birmingham photographer Rylee Hitchner- classic, timeless, precious, I just love those faces!

And my communion set by Mississippi artist, Peter's Pottery. I lived in Oxford, MS the year after graduating college and started my art career there in the company of so many other inspiring artists, photographers, writers, and musicians. It's a special place to us and this pottery represents that season- oh, and it was a wedding gift we used on our wedding day to take communion and we still use it today for communion at our house church.”

“My Bo Bartlett print of the Maine Coast. It's a long intimate story, but the short is I asked God to give me a word and a name and I received Ocean and Selah (translated to Pause, Rock)- so the images of the ocean and rocks have been significant for me this past year. Ren found and bought this print for me as a Christmas present. It hangs in our room as my daily reminder of my identity and vision- and it's gorgeous!”

“I received this Wendell Berry poem from Ren in a camp letter when I was in British Columbia at Malibu back in 2008. It is dear to me because it's the first poem I ever read by Wendell Berry, it was written by my now husband in the infancy of our relationship, and it's a humorous and accurate word of the complexity of this beautiful, messy, eternal, and ordinary humanity we live in. A good daily reminder, so it sits on my bedroom dresser.”

Follow Britt Bass’ instagram and website for upcoming original artwork. She recently just launched a new summer garden series of paintings too. And make sure to listen and leave us a review on whatever platform you listen to the podcast!

Are you a graphic designer? Illustrator? Artist? Join us for our second IRL event where we disconnect from online and share our work in person and together.

Register Here

In case you missed last week’s announcement, we’re just 2 days away from our Prints & Proofs event this Thursday at Misc. Goods Co. This month’s event is focused on designers and we’ve packed the night full of opportunities to connect, learn, and leave feeling inspired.

Q&A with Misc. Goods Co. Owner/Designer, Tyler Deeb

In addition to starting Misc. Goods Co. in 2012, Tyler has designed work for Quills Coffee, Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time, and Elevation Worship. However, not every project Tyler works on makes the final cut. During a Q&A session, Ben and Tyler will explore three of Tyler’s pieces that didn't make the cut and how Tyler has learned to navigate those experiences.

​Risograph 101 with Tim Robertson

Have you ever used a risograph printer? For the last six years, Misc. Goods Co. Brand Director, Tim Robertson has used his riso printer for photo projects, zines and flyers, product packaging and more.

Learn what the process of printing with a risograph looks like and why you may want to incorporate it in your next project. You can see more of Tim’s work here.

Hosted at Misc. Goods Co.

Special thanks to Misc. Goods Co. for hosting this month’s event and providing a store discounts for attendees. On Thursday, you’ll have an opportunity to shop locally-made goods and tour their new space in the Shelby Park neighborhood.

​Make sure you register and bring friends to this free event. There will be light snacks and refreshments, but it is BYOB 👀

Are you a graphic designer? Illustrator? Artist? Join us for our second IRL event where we disconnect from online and share our work in person and together.

Prints & Proofs is a new series of events that Ben and I are excited to continue hosting here in Louisville. It is a way for us all to get off Instagram or other online platforms and meet up in person to talk about our creative work.

At our last event, we focused on photography. There was a great turnout of photographers excited to show their work and interact with other photographers too. This month, we’re switching gears and focusing on designers!

Register Here

​Print and bring your WIP or designs that didn't make the cut to show and review. It's your chance to connect and meet other designers hosted at Tyler Deeb's, Misc. Goods Co. new location. Here's what will be happening:

• ​Designers will have work on display to review

• ​Misc. Goods will have store discounts for attendees

• ​Training and experimenting on Riso Printer with Tim Robertson

• ​Tyler Deeb & Ben Terry will do a Q&A on 3 of Tyler's pieces that didn't make the cut

​​If you register as a designer, please plan on bringing at least 3 prints (no larger than 17x22) of your work that you'd like to show and chat about with other designers/observers.

​​Not showing work? Then you can register as a spectator and come hang out and meet other creatives. It's a great opportunity to connect with other creatives and patrons of the art. This is a casual, fun hang with other creatives in town.

For the first 20 designers that register, State Film Labs will print your three images (up to 8x10) for free. We will send you the details after you register for the event.

​Make sure you register and bring friends to this free event. There will be light snacks and refreshments, but it is BYOB 👀

One of the best parts about the internet is discovering a photographer, designer or artist who is creating really good work. It’s a hidden gem and a fun discovery. A couple of years ago, I came across some of Clara Shuku Mokri’s work and I became a huge fan of her style of photography and visual storytelling.

Listen to the Interview

Clara Shuku Mokri is an Indonesian-Iranian photographer, documentary filmmaker, cinematographer, and surfer from Los Angeles, living in Santa Cruz, CA. She received her BA from Yale University in 2018, where she was a member of the Yale Women's Basketball team, and her MJ in Documentary Filmmaking at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism in 2021.

In 2022, she was included in The 30: New and Emerging Photographers to Watch list. She is an alumni of Eddie Adams XVIII and a member of Diversify Photo and Women Photograph. Her work centers around character-driven stories that draw attention to larger societal issues, particularly as they pertain to the environment, immigration and sports. Stylistically, her work includes a lot of color, symmetry and a combination of dramatic natural light and strobes.

She has published photography in The New York Times, TIME Magazine, The Guardian, The Players' Tribune, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Bloomberg Businessweek, The Wall Street Journal, NBC News, Vice, California Sunday, New York Magazine, Mother Jones, The San Francisco Chronicle and The Pulitzer Center, among others. In 2019, one of her photographs was included in TIME's Best Photojournalism of the Year.

​She was the co-director and cinematographer for the short documentary, Anchored Out, which was acquired by The New Yorker in 2022 and was nominated for an International Documentary Association award in 2021.

Clara's early connection with nature and adventure shaped her artistic sensibilities. In the podcast, Clara talks about the inspiration behind her hyper-fixation on capturing life's fleeting moments. The experience of witnessing her beloved grandfather battle Alzheimer's disease ignited a profound desire to preserve memories and cherish the precious moments that make up our lives.

Clara's artistic approach is remarkable, with her diverse portfolio from sports photography to portraits. Clara nestles herself excellently in the niche of emphasizing the power of stillness and the emotions evoked by frozen moments.

Listen to the Interview

After the podcast interview, I asked Clara to tell me about a cherished rare possession that she owns. Her level of cool just continues to shoot off the radar with dropping some vintage heaters passed down to her from her father and grandmother.

“My dad gifted me his Leica M6 this past Christmas. When I was a kid, he was always photographing me. As an adult, I’m grateful to have such an extensive visual archive of those years of my life and I’m even more excited to have inherited the tool that he used to capture all of those memories.” 

“I recently began playing mahjong with some friends in Santa Cruz. When I told my mom, she let me have my great grandmother’s mahjong set from Indonesia so that I could host some of the game nights. Our family left Indonesia for Los Angeles before my mom was born, so I cherish any opportunity to be able to connect with our history there. When I first opened the box, there were handwritten scorecards inside from decades ago, which was even more special.” 

Visit Clara's website or her Instagram to explore her stunning portfolio and witness the extraordinary way she captures life's fleeting moments. And tap into our conversation with Clara Shuku Mokri, where we talk more about artistry, personal growth, and the power of visual storytelling.

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Andy Miller, also known as Andy J. Pizza, is a well-known artist, illustrator, and podcaster. He is recognized for his vibrant and playful art style, often featuring colorful characters and engaging storytelling.

Andy J. Pizza has gained a significant following for his uplifting approach to creativity and his ability to motivate others to pursue their artistic passions.

Andy is the host of the podcast "Creative Pep Talk," where he shares inspiring advice and interviews with fellow creatives. He has also authored the book "Creative Pep Talk: Inspiration from 50 Artists," offering practical guidance and encouragement to artists looking to unleash their creativity.

In this episode of How You Create, Andy opens up about his upbringing and its profound influence on him, delving into topics such as neurodiversity, self-reflection, and the connection to self-expression. We also explore the delicate balance between compromise and creative liberty, along with the pivotal role of confidence in a creative career.

We also dive into the captivating realm of Andy's latest book, "Invisible Things." This creatively wacky exploration of the invisible things that make up the human experience is a book that encourages readers to look past the visible and connect with the things that are not seen. You can pre-order the book here.

Among other things, Andy and I embark on an enriching discussion that touches upon even more random and interesting things. Take some time to listen and perhaps leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform!

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Want to support the podcast?

A great way to help support the podcast is by writing a review of the podcast on Apple or Spotify!

Over the past month, we took a pause, a step back, if you will, not out of inertia but to introspect, reinvent, and bring you an enhanced version of the podcast you've grown to love. We wanted to ensure that we continue delivering insightful and entertaining content, and we felt it was the perfect time to reassess our approach and format.

We’ve got some small changes coming down the pipeline, but overall I think we have an even better product and focus as well as some new folks jumping in and helping out. New episodes coming out soon. Until then, here’s a dump of interesting links to help kickstart the month.

Creative

A visual technique library for visual technique lovers. (eyecandy)

“In the '90s, we had Droog. And since then, there has not been any big movement in design, or in art or in architecture.” (deezen)

Creatives share their advice on how to navigate the industry as an introvert (it’s nice)

Use simple text to generate multi-screen mockups for apps and websites. (uizard)

Creatives share how they won their first client (boooom)

Open source attempt to organize the best tools and resources for naming brands/projects (onym)

Tech

A graduate course is teaching young artists to embrace A.I. (NYT)

The video editing AI that “Everything Everywhere All At Once” used (axios)

Musicians Are Already Using AI More Often Than We Think (pitchfork)

Create a beautiful website that syncs your latest music, merch, videos, and tour dates automatically. (supertape)

To assess the effectiveness of current A.I.-detection technology, The New York Times tested five new services using more than 100 synthetic images and real photos. (NYT)

A new app that uses music to help you focus, relax, sleep, and stay in the moment. (vibes)

Vintage tech products that work and feel brand new (retrospekt)

Jobs

A Product Designer to explore and evolve the core product, enable storytelling through new types of content, and ensure a magical experience for people on the other end of creation in Tome.

Ethic is looking for a brand designer to help evolve their overall brand language - that includes digital, video, print and all public facing materials.

Bueno is hiring a Senior Product Designer to shape the vision of the product. You’ll be able to work on different aspects of the product, including branding and marketing.

Breef is seeking a Growth Marketing Manager to join their dynamic, quickly growing team. This individual will be responsible for leading their paid acquisition efforts, driving revenue through channel growth.

Hiring? Send us your job posting and we will share it through our newsletter.

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Ash Adams is a photojournalist based in Alaska. Her work primarily revolves around capturing the stories, landscapes, and people of her home state.

With a keen eye for visual storytelling, Ash has built a reputation for her evocative images and insightful approach to photojournalism, often focusing on themes such as indigenous cultures, the impact of climate change, and the challenges faced by those living in remote regions.

In this episode, we discuss the process Ash has when shooting a photojournalism story, what draws her to photography, her relationship with Alaska, and so much more. Sometimes photojournalism means sleeping on the floor, going awhile with food, long sleepless days, or exposing yourself to uncontrollable situations.

Ash talks about what it means to surrender to those elements and how the passion of storytelling motivates her to continue on the grind and hustle of a career in photojournalism.

Listen to the Podcast

Over the years, Ash has garnered numerous accolades for her evocative and impactful work. Her stunning images have graced the pages of prestigious publications, while her ability to forge genuine connections with her subjects has earned her a reputation as a compassionate and insightful visual storyteller.

As she continues to explore the breathtaking vistas and captivating stories of Alaska, Ash Adams' creative journey is a testament to the power of photography as a medium for fostering understanding, empathy, and appreciation for the world around us.

Ash started making photographs when she was 13, and never stopped. After making images of music scenes and the realm of her teenage life for years (including selfies on film before there were selfies), she enrolled in Ohio University’s Viscomm School of Design to study photojournalism formally.

Her professional career after undergrad continued in various parts of the editorial industry—from fact-checking to editing to writing to shooting—but moving up to Alaska over a decade ago was the push she needed to go freelance and devote her full energies to photojournalism.

Her creative journey to becoming a professional photographer is one marked by passion, determination and a profound connection to her environment. With a keen eye for detail and an uncanny ability to capture the essence of her subjects, Ash has carved out a niche for herself in the competitive world of photojournalism.

Lastly, I asked Ash to share something she possesses that she cherishes and has meaning to her. Ash’s answer to that question as well as the image of her possession of significance is below:

“My knitting needles and also candles that I’ve made at home are a part of every carry-on—both have become part of my daily rituals (along with journaling, running, yoga and meditation) that come with me wherever I go and therefore hold me together when I’m in the throes of a lot of travel and weeks with many moving parts. They in and of themselves do not inspire necessarily, but like my running shoes and journal have become pieces of my world that create a sense of routine and stability that allows my mind to run free but with purpose. 

There’s a perpetual restlessness to creativity that can also be its undoing; as I’ve moved through my thirties, I have found more redundant kinds of creativity to be useful tools in reigning in my thoughts and funneling my energy towards a destination. I tend to be on the manic side; I write songs, I publish poetry, I write and photograph as a journalist by profession. My mind is perpetually here and also somewhere else, drawing conclusions and making connections between things. On nights in which I find sleep challenging, I make beeswax candles, which does just enough to let whatever creativity or mind spiraling find focus and eventually restorative rest. When I feel restless but like I can’t get the words for a poem or story pitch together, I knit. When I run, I often have my very best ideas. Some runs feel absolutely spiritual.

There’s joy in these activities, too—I find myself smiling while knitting often, which, contrary to the frequent depiction of the tortured artist, I believe is actually so important to creative process. (Both profound joy and sadness are two sides of the process, at least for me.) 

There is truly nothing in this world that I do not find inspiring—trees, flowers, the fake laughter in a sitcom, the way the dog chases the car, rain (just rain!). But having items and practices that travel well and can provide a sense of stability and structure in a life that juggles many things enhances both my mind and spirit in a way that allows inspiration and creativity to take up a space and a shape.”

Learn more about Ash Adams’ work by checking out her website and follow her on Instagram to stay updated with her.

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When I think about the word flow, I think of following someone or something. I think about falling in line and going with the plan in front of you. The images below were photographed on a Sunday afternoon while exploring Cherokee park with two friends. We jumped down into the creek and allowed the water to guide us.

Instead of reaching for one of my film cameras, I grabbed my Canon EOS R6 and a 50mm lens. Photo editing was done with Adobe Lightroom.

1: A photo I like…

Here’s my top pick from this month’s set. I wrestled with how much of the wooden bridge to include, but I think I landed with just the right amount. The bridge provides a nice frame (and some texture) for the image and helps contextualize that I’m above, looking down from somewhere.

2: Three other photos that work…

I really love the clear path presented in this photo. You can almost imagine walking or riding on this trail and feeling the ground rise and fall beneath you.

The reflection is sharp and clear in this photo. And I love how the two trees on the far right and left help frame this photo in while not being too overpowering or in focus.

Slowing scanning this image from top to bottom reveals how beautifully layered this shot is. Especially with how the dirt separates the flowers from the water in the middle.

3: A photo I don’t like…

I created this image because it felt most honest to the theme of flow. However, it lacks a layer of complexity and dimension that I loved about the images above. Standing alone, this image isn’t very interesting. I think it relies too heavily on being paired with other images for it to draw you in on its own.

Thanks for reading this week’s Five Images photo story! If you have a theme you’d like me to take on, be sure to reply to this email and let me know.

And if you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to our podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Google. You can also stay updated with How You Create by following us on Twitter and Instagram. See you next month!

Last week, Joshua and I hosted our first IRL event for photographers in the Lousiville area. More than twenty-five photographers displayed some of the work they have been shooting lately and we had over fifty people in attendance.

The vibe was great and there was so much creative energy and meaningful conversations. Overall, it was a great time, and based on the positive feedback we will be planning on doing another event soon. Until then, here are some images that Joshua took at the event.

Huge shout out to our sponsors for the event that helped make Prints & Pints happen:

• Clever Supply Co.

• State Film Lab

• West Sixth NULU

Make sure to subscribe to the newsletter and follow us on Instagram for updates on future events.

Creative

Devin Allen discusses how art is activism (hyc)

Sorry Not Sorry by Tyler, The Creator (youtube)

Tria Giovan’s photographs of the Lower East Side were lost in the archives – until now (ID)

100 emerging and more established independent foundries and designers. (it’s nice that)

NPR prioritizes radio over podcasts with steep cuts (verge)

Ira Glass on storytelling (youtube)

Tech

How to use AI for practical stuff (one useful thing)

22 ai tools you should know about (hackernoon)

Make music by doodling with your fingers (ezpz)

Post-photography and AI (fellowship)

Money

Substack opens up a $2 million community fundraising round (tc)

The income gap is becoming a physical activity divide (nyt)

$335,000 Pay for ‘AI Whisperer’ Jobs Appears in Red-Hot Market (Bloomberg)

Freelancers reveal their rates and share top tips for pricing your work (creativeboom)

One Way to Actually Make Money on YouTube and TikTok: Get Behind the Camera (WSJ)

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Devin Allen is a photographer and activist from Baltimore, Maryland. Photography and activism go hand in hand for him. Devin is a self-taught photographer who shot photographs from the Freddie Gray and George Floyd protests that were both published as covers for Time Magazine.

He shares about his catapult into his photography career as an amateur, navigating the industry, and how to always keep your values at the forefront. Devin is a Gordon Parks fellow and a Leica ambassador. Hear more about Devin Allen’s journey on this episode of How You Create, Art and Activism with Devin Allen.

Who is Devin Allen? Over the past ten years, Devin has become widely known for his powerful images documenting the Black Lives Matter movement and the protests against police brutality that have taken place in the city.

Devin got his first camera in 2013 — a Canon that his grandmother had purchased for him on credit from Best Buy. The self-taught photographer had begun exploring the form a year before, taking pictures of the poetry scene in his native Baltimore with a camera on loan from a friend.

That spawned an interest in the history of photography, particularly the contributions of Black photographers, that led Allen to study the work of the late Gordon Parks, who said "I chose my camera as a weapon against all the things I dislike about America — poverty, racism, discrimination."

In 2015, following the death of Freddie Gray, a young black man who died in police custody, Allen's work took on a new urgency. He became involved in the protests and started photographing the events as they unfolded.

His images were shared widely on social media and caught the attention of media outlets around the world. His images of the protests that followed, which he first posted to his Instagram page, circulated across the country. One made it onto the cover of Time Magazine, which made him the 3rd amateur photographer to be featured on the cover of Time.

Since then, Allen has continued to use his photography to document the Black Lives Matter movement and to raise awareness about issues of police brutality and systemic racism. His work has been featured in publications such as Time Magazine, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, and he has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades.

Alongside his photography, Allen is also involved in community activism and works to support young people in Baltimore through his nonprofit organization, Through Their Eyes. Through his art and his activism, Allen has become a leading voice in the fight for social justice and equality.

Devin Allen's first book was titled "A Beautiful Ghetto". It is a collection of photographs taken by Allen in his hometown of Baltimore over the course of several years. The book features powerful images that capture the daily lives of the city's residents, as well as the protests and uprisings that have taken place in the wake of police brutality and systemic racism.

In addition to Allen's photographs, the book includes essays by prominent voices in the fields of art, activism, and social justice. The essays explore the history and culture of Baltimore, as well as the issues of poverty, inequality, and racism that continue to impact the city and its residents.

Devin Allen's newest book, "No Justice, No Peace" is a photography book that documents the protests and uprisings that took place in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray in police custody in 2015. The book features Allen's powerful images capturing the emotions, struggles, and moments of resilience of the people of Baltimore during this time.

The photographs in "No Justice, No Peace" serve as a visual testament to the community's outrage and demands for accountability and justice. The book also includes essays by Allen and other writers, activists, and community leaders, providing context and personal perspectives on the events depicted in the photographs.

If you’re in the DC area, the Leica Store is hosting an exhibition reception on March 30th featuring Devin Allen's work: No Justice, No Peace. You can register for the event here. Follow Devin on Instagram and check out more of his work on his website.

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If you’ve never been to WorldFest, it’s full of color. Bright neon signs, flags from different countries, plates of amazing food, and more. I’ve photographed WorldFest with color film before, but I thought it’d be interesting to use black and white film instead. I’ve never shared this body of images before so I’m looking forward to sharing it with others this week.

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I’d love to get feedback from other photographers and spectators on what they like and don’t like about these images. I’m also curious to learn how I can better share and communicate a body of work. If you’ll be there at the event, perhaps we can discuss more about my images and your work.

My Five Images…

See you on Wednesday 📸

Whether you’re a professional photographer, just getting started, love to collect images, or maybe you just want to hang with awesome creatives then join us for Happy Hour at the West Sixth NuLu location this Wednesday, March 22nd from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. When you register, you can either sign up as a photographer or as an observer.

Huge shout out to West Sixth for hosting us, State Film Lab for helping photographers get their work printed, and Clever Supply Company for helping make this event possible.

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On this week’s episode, we invited Jalil Wahdatehagh onto this week’s podcast to share not only his creative journey but also his wild ride in the Web3/NFT space over the past two years. In addition, Joshua sits this one out and Ben is joined by our friend, Niko Kampouris, to help co-host this week.

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In 2021, after 10 years of ups and downs, Jalil Wahdatehagh "finally" made it. What did it mean to make it though? "Making it" has always been something he yearned to do. He wanted to build and create something that he could be proud of and others appreciate.

But before he made it, when Jalil was 21, he made some "unconventional" choices. He dropped out of university (twice), got married, and soon after had his first kid on the way. Out of necessity, he started working, but not for a large, stable company. Instead, he tried four times to create his on startup. The last startup failed in 2020, and it hurt hard. Not only did he lose the biggest startup bet he had made so far - it also led to him parting ways with my business partner of 9 years. He wanted to throw in the towel, "give up" and get a normal job.

Might sound cliche, but Jalil shares how Jordan Peterson’s book Maps of Meaning, Naval’s podcast, and Jack Butcher’s visualize value courses. Jalil continued learning and building. His solo software consulting business actually went better than anything he had ever done before. And when Jalil tapped into the network effects of the Visualize Value community, it inspired him to create the "Permissionless Apprentice", for the first time he got to build something that (real) people actually seemed to love.

In January 2021, Jalil had a major project get cancelled and it was with one of the "big 5", so he suddenly had a lot of time on his hands. He decided to take some time to dive into web3 and smart contract development. At the time, it was very upsetting to lose a major project - but Jalil talks about how “truly, thank you client; it changed my life”. After various dabbles with different web3 product ideas and potential projects, Jalil started working on a project called Scapes.

It was very much a "side project" vibe, his intentions were to create a web3 portfolio piece that he could use to engage with other people and initiatives. The success of that project was a catalyst for Jalil to dive deeper into the world of web3 and smart contract development.

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Most recently, Jalil teamed up with Jack Butcher to help work on Jack’s viral NFT called Checks. Overnight, NFTs became a major conversation in this internet sub-culture especially as Jack’s project and team shifted the focus back to the impact of art to spark conversation and build community.

In this episode, we'll dive deep into Jalil's creative process, explore how he has successfully merged his skills in development and design, and learn about his passion for web3 technologies.

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Prints & Pints is a new series of events that Joshua and I are excited to start hosting here in Louisville. Let's get off Instagram and meet up in person to talk about photography.

Whether you’re a professional photographer, just getting started, love to collect images, or maybe you just want to hang with awesome creatives then join us for Happy Hour at the West Sixth NuLu location on Wednesday, March 22nd from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. When you register, you can either sign up as a photographer or as an observer.

Register Here

If you register as a photographer, please plan on bringing at least 3 prints (no larger than 17x22) of your work that you'd like to show and chat about with other photographers/observers.

If you're not showing work, then you can register as a spectator and come hang out and meet other photographers and collectors.

We have the upstairs area of West Sixth NULU so it's a great opportunity to enjoy local craft beers while connecting with other photographers and patrons of the art. Even a chance to buy or trade prints with each other. This is a casual, fun hang with other creatives in town and the first of many more events to come.

For the first 15 photographers that register, State Film Labs will print your three images (up to 8x10) for free. We will send you the details after your register for the event.

​Huge shout out to West Sixth for hosting us, State Film Lab for helping photographers get their work printed, and Clever Supply Company for helping make this event possible.

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As of today, there are 44 weeks left in the year 🫣 😮‍💨

Now, let's talk about procrastination. It's a habit that I’m constantly guilty of doing, and it's easy to fall into the trap of putting things off until the last minute. But the truth is, procrastination is the enemy of creativity, progress and success.

When we procrastinate, we waste time and energy that could be put towards achieving our goals. We delay important tasks, and create unnecessary stress for ourselves. Procrastination is not a permanent condition. It's a habit that can be changed with effort and determination.

Take a moment to think about the tasks or projects that you've been putting off. Break down your tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Small wins create big momentum. Every small step forward counts. Don't wait for the perfect time or conditions to start working towards your goals. Just take that first step, and then another, and another.

And when you feel tempted to procrastinate, remind yourself of why you started in the first place. Think about the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction you'll feel when you've achieved your goals.

So, don't let procrastination hold you back. Take action today, and make the most of the time you have left this year. You can do this!

If you’re not in the mood to killing your procrastination, here’s a bunch of links and resources I came across the internet this past month.

What are some interesting or inspiring stuff that you have found on the internet? Drop some links in the comments. I’d love to procrastinate and get inspired :)

Creative

You are a storyteller (hyc)

Designing Small Sanctuaries In A Fast-paced World (ignant)

Times photojournalists reflect on the images that they can’t forget. (nyt)

The 3 Must-Have Essentials to Survive the Creative Journey (andy miller)

Prints by The Colors of Motion visualize the use of color in movies (com)

An exhibition by the two artists that charts a path through the landscapes of the South. (aperture)

How do you keep yourself protected as an artist in the music business? (frank)

The desire to create visual systems and break them (its nice that)

Tech

Is AI art stealing from artists? (new yorker)

How Spotify’s podcast bet went wrong (semafor)

Glaze protects an artist's style from being stolen and generated by AI (nyt)

The ultimate list of AI tools for creatives (descript)

A viral Instagram photographer has a confession: His photos are AI-generated (ars)

Collaborate, give feedback, make notes on audio files (highnote)

Money

The job market for remote workers is shrinking (wsj)

Life after layoffs: a financial guide (nyt)

Send crypto or NFTs with just a link (tiplink)

The gender pay gap in the US hasn’t changed much in two decades (pew)

Misc.

I Took the SAT Again in My 50s. Turns Out I Had Learned Nothing (time)

Future Cringe: the things we might cringe at in the future (nyt)

18 Mistakes that Kill Startups (paul)

Risks, Rewards, Stress: Early Employees & Founders (elad)

Speak at Figma’s Config Conference (figma)

Obsolete Sounds is the world’s biggest collection of disappearing sounds and sounds that have become extinct – remixed and reimagined to create a brand new form of listening. (obsolete)

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On this episode of How You Create, we are joined by Brian McDonald and Jesse Bryan. In the words of Jesse, Brian is the best storyteller alive today. Aside from being Brian’s biggest hype man, Jesse is the Founder and CEO of Belief Agency. Brian and Jesse work together at Belief Agency, a full-service creative agency, and story consultancy that believes the truth is enough. Things don’t always have to be so arduous, and oftentimes people use big words and over-complicate things to come off as experts. These two live by Einstein’s “If you can't explain it to a six-year-old, then you don't understand it yourself.” And with their deep understanding of storytelling, it all just makes sense.

We discuss armature, a concept that Brian learned from his time working alongside sculptors. They would start with a wire skeleton to support the weight of the clay. It holds everything together, everything is built upon it, and it’s one of the most important elements of the sculpture, but it’s not what people see or pay attention to. We discuss how that concept applies to almost everything, including storytelling. They also get into what survival means - culturally, spiritually, emotionally, communally, and more.

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This month’s theme is shadows. When I think of a shadow, I think of silent shapes. As I was creating this set of images, I was surprised by how easily I tend to overlook shadows in search of vibrant natural light. I also was impressed by how much shadows forced me to move around to find an angle that emphasizes the fullness of their shape. The images below were all photographed in my Louisville home with a Canon EOS R6 and a 50mm lens. Editing was done in Adobe Lightroom

1: A photo I like…

Here’s my top pick from this month’s set. This photo was captured in the evening and illuminated by a bright room nearby. When I first noticed the shadow, I was caught by surprise since I only expected to photograph shadows during the day while the sun was still out. I really love the sharpness and shape of the shadow in this. But more importantly, I love that this image taught me to look for shadows everywhere, even at night.

2: Three other photos that work…

This image was captured in the afternoon on a bright sunny day. While looking at the mirror, I noticed how peacefully these shadows were resting on the curtain. The mirror itself provided an opportunity to frame it all together.

The light coming in from the top left in this image provides a really fun playground for the table legs and chairs to play. As soon as I shot this, I knew I wanted a black and white edit to really showcase the heavy contrast.

It felt kind of cheesy to lift my camera up for this shot, but I’m surprised by how the final image turned out. What I love most about this picture is the way it highlights a set of cheap window blinds with a soft elegance.

3: A photo I don’t like…

Since I appreciated how the table legs and chairs worked together in one of the images above, I tried to create a similar image…but it doesn’t work as well. The shadows are pretty subtle in this image and don’t feel defined. Is the rug the focus of this image? Are the chairs the focus? It’s a little hard to tell what the subject or focus is. The far right border adds some heavy shadow and depth to the image, but overall it’s a pretty uninteresting photo. If you have any thoughts on this image, I’d love to hear your feedback and perhaps some suggestions for what I could’ve done differently.

Thanks for reading this week’s Five Images photo story. I didn’t include this photo in this set since it was more related to product photography for work, but I’m really proud of how it turned out. If you have a theme you’d like me to take on, be sure to reply to this email and let me know.

And if you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to our podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Google. You can also stay updated with How You Create by following us on Twitter and Instagram. See you next month!

On this week’s podcast episode, Ben and Joshua talk about a multitude of topics from Kickstarter projects, to Joshua’s new personal newsletter and thoughts on the e-commerce world, what Ben’s been focusing on with his two big projects, Hidden Ventures, and Mosaic, and quite a bit more.

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