American Broadside

Starting Another Business? You Gotta Be Joking!

After some consideration, I've decided to plunge back into another business venture; again it is in a very competitive market. I've begun to post my photography on the site hosted by the Minnesota Artists Organization (http://www.mnartists.org/) which is a portal that supports struggling artists. To find me, search for Les Phillips.

I can't help myself. Throughout my entire adult life my holy grail has been to have my own business: an endeavor that would allow me to focus my creative energies on subjects and tasks that would give me the greatest personal satisfaction. Wealth has never been a goal, though making a decent living has.

My dream career, what I'd really like to do when I grow up, is work as a freelance editorial photographer and writer. Hand me a meaningful topic, a deadline, pay the bills, and turn me loose. Sort of like Thomas Friedman with a camera. I've always had a wide range of interests. Call me eclectic.

Why haven't I done this before?

As I mentioned earlier, this is a very competitive market and, I am fond of eating regularly and keeping a roof over my head. In the past, I've occasional worked as a freelance technical writer, providing me the opportunity to practice many of my skills: technical writing, product photography, and photo-illustration. Recently, my wife and I had a bicycling tour business in the south of France and once again, I was able to practice my skills when creating our brochures, web site, and illustrated road maps.

As I've said, I can't help myself. I love the challenge of creating and operating a business, even with its record keeping and accounting, so long as the result is a creative outlet for my photography, photo-illustration, and writing.

Why did I decide to post my photos on MNartists.org?

It's the best of all possible worlds (thanks Candide). The Minnesota Artists Organization supports artists by providing them a centralized place to display their work and actively promotes the site nationwide. I can continue on my current path, working full-time and going to school, while my photography is actively promoted.

The worse that can happen is that nothing happens. No problemo! I'm only out the effort of posting my images and the cost of a Digimarc watermarking subscription. I'm not giving up photography, it is a physical need that I have to express myself.

What if I get an occasional request and sale of existing photo's on the web? Dyno! Not only do I make a few bucks, at market rates, but I also get the personal satisfaction of knowing that a few folks have uncommonly good taste.

What happens if I start to get project offers? Incredible! I love to explore ideas and brainstorm and if it leads to a creative project, excellent.

What if I get an offer I can't refuse? Out-a-sight! I'm living the Dream.

Currently, my life is very good. I have my tech writing job, I'm going to school so that I can eventually migrate to a new career as a teacher, and I'm doing my personal photography and writing on the side. Anything more will be cream.

So dear reader, please take a look at my work and if there is a project you would like to talk to me about, contact me through my page at www.MNartists.org. Please spread the word.

posted by Les @ 7:48 AM