Image source: Chicagonow.com
Today we’re going to look at the story of Vivian Maier, a story that is both tragic and uplifting. You have probably heard about her at some point in the news. Maier was an amateur photographer who was born in 1926 and died just recently in 2009. Shortly before she died in 2007, a historian stumbled upon all of her old photographs — thousands upon thousands of them. The story gradually spread and Maier’s photographs earned the acclaim that they deserved.
Image source: Vivianmaier.com
Her photographs are quite moving. Many of them focus on those people who are in the margins of society — the poor, the laborers, and the downtrodden. Her photographs offer a candid glimpse of a side of America that we rarely ever get to see. It’s almost hard to believe that she’s amateur — the quality of these photographs rival what you’d expect to see when you crack open an issue of National Geographic or Time.
Vivian Maier was, to put it simply, a photographic genius.
Image source: Vivianmaier.com
And the truly tragic part of this story is that the world almost never got the chance to enjoy Maier’s art. If not for the curiosity and drive of that one historian, Maier’s photographs may have remained as undeveloped negatives for decades before finally being thrown into the dumpster.
Do you see where I’m going with this? I’m not telling you Maier’s story in order to show you how to apply her photography techniques to become a better visual effects artist. I’m telling you this because it highlights the danger and the tragedy of missed opportunities. If Maier had actually developed her pictures and tried to do something with them, then she might have spent her life as a world-class photographer rather than scraping together a living as a nanny.
Odd are good that you’ve got a few pieces of artwork that you’re not quite ready to show the world. Maybe they represent your artwork at an earlier stage of your career and you aren’t quite happy with the quality. Maybe they’re highly experimental and you’re worried that the artwork won’t go over well. Maybe you’ve got a huge portfolio, but you’re too shy to put your work out there into the public sphere.
Whatever the case, it’s important that learn to stand behind your artwork. If you’re really nervous about sharing your work then you always have the option of posting it through a pseudonym. Just get your work out there! The only way that you’re ever going to be appreciated for what you create is if you share with people.
Image source: Vivianmaier.com
Obviously, we can’t all be Vivian Maiers. The odds of your hidden artwork being worth a fortune are realistically quite low. The core point that I’m trying to make here is that the purpose of art is to affect people. If you don’t share it with anyone, then the only person who can ever be affected by your artwork is you.
So, get out there. Brush the cobwebs off of your folder labeled “Experimental Art” and post it online. The best way to truly grow as an artist is to expose your artwork to the world and steel yourself for what follows, whether it be acclaim, controversy, or overwhelming silence. The reaction will give you a better insight into your own talent.
Image source: Vivianmaier.com
Plus, who knows? Maybe you really are the next Vivian Maiers, and sharing your artwork with the world will open you up to a promising new career opportunity!
Right at this very second, hundreds or possibly even thousands of artists across the world are practicing their artistic skills. Don’t get left in the dust! At the Gnomon School, you’ll learn invaluable techniques that can help you take your art skills to the next level. Discover new and exciting sources of inspiration! Learn art techniques from veterans of the industry! Learn how to create a niche for yourself in this ever-growing market! Are you ready to become a better artist? Get started today!