In reply to 11:11:

That's good advice 11:11, I think you're right in some ways. Why should I give up something I am truly passionate about because I may be doing something slightly different in the mean time! Surely happiness is the most important thing in life and if that's what makes me happy...besides, could I really give up anyway?! I am addicted to the point that other peoples images can bring me an enormous amount of excitement!

I must admit, recognition is important to me. That may sound sad and materialistic but I gauge my success on breaking in to the industry with my own individual style. I love what I do and will continue regardless but it would mean the world to me to be commisoined by one of the known fashion mags. Although my style will take another year or so of refining and I need to get better technicaly.

But hey, if I stop I will never develop my style right?!

In reply to Patch:

Life can be whatever you want it to be Patch. If it truly nourishes you then why stop? You just have to find the way to make it work. Which is not entirely easy and why it's so easy to give up. You just have to be strong, be yourself and do your thing.

Recognition is hardly sad, nor materialistic. It's important to me also, but I don't want it to be my guiding force. My goal is to be happily immersed in what I love to do. If it's enough to make people take notice then great!

Art is afterall, or at least I believe, the forum of humanity. The place where ideas, and opinions are placed on a stage for society to scrutinise and reflect. When we pour our heart, soul, our beliefs, hopes and fears into that then a even a little recognition goes a long way.

In reply to 11:11:

Hopefully! But hey if not atleast I tried!!! You have to give things a go or you will never know if it's for you. Patch if it's an consolation I worked for Elaine Constantine and she, like many established names, don't achieve that known status til mid 30's. At 27 you're still young in this game. Some break out early but it's not always the way it goes. Be patient (which I'm sure you & most on this site are) but it is a key part of freelancing.

In reply to bina79:

I read some where once that Peter Lindbergh or Patrick Demarchelier (cant remember which)did'nt pick a camera until he was 27 and I know that Mario Sorrenti did'nt assist. So maybe there are signs for optimism. I've just always had it in my head that I need to assist some one like Nick or Steven Miesel full time to fully understand studio lighting etc but maybe I can work it out on my own..or maybe not? The whole thing baffles me. Trying to understand what the industry wants next and whether or not I can fill a gap. Did you work for Elaine Constantine for long?

In reply to Patch:

I'm sure there is a story to fit every occaision as I don't think there are any hard and fast rules.

If you want break out with your own individual style, which I think I remember you saying, I think you need to dig deep and pull that out what technically re-presents you. Is this not something only you can ultimately do? To me that is the holy grail of art...to effictively communicate, staying true to my thoughts and emotions.

Does anyone actually ever know what the industry wants next? My guess is that the industry wants something fresh. They want the next big thing. I don't think you can package that. I think you can fill the gap by just being you...we are afterall distinctively individual. If you try and be something else, then you surely create a gap where you used to be? So for me, finding who I am is more relevant.

Basho said "...Don't seek to follow in the footsteps of others; seek what they sought..."

Easy,