The Art of the Personal Project is a crucial element to let potential buyers see how you think creatively on your own. I am drawn to personal projects that have an interesting vision or that show something I have never seen before. In this thread, I’ll include a link to each personal project with the artist statement so you can see more of the project. Please note: This thread is not affiliated with any company; I’m just featuring projects that I find. Please DO NOT send me your work. I do not take submissions.
Today’s featured artist: Melissa Ann Pinney
Becoming Themselves’ is a seven year and ongoing project that focuses on student life in several Chicago Public Schools. What started as a conventional photography project has grown into a document of identity, community and urgent social issues. The work evolved through a global pandemic, escalating racial and gender inequities and continuing gun violence.
I am interested in what I consider to be real pictures—images that attend to the complex scenes and surprising, unrehearsed moments created by the students. These moments are rich opportunities to reveal the underlying mysteries and meanings of ordinary life. My aim is to capture genuine connections, spontaneous gestures, and fleeting glimpses of emotion and interaction. As I’ve developed connections to students over a period of years, the pictures reflect both the growth of the students and the breadth of the work.
I never know what the students will do next; their beauty, their compassion and their conflicts are unrehearsed. The teens collaborate in the art-making by welcoming me into their world. I’m interested in the sense of possibility and transformation that characterizes adolescence. As my ties to the community have deepened, I’ve come to understand the meaning this project holds for me and for the students themselves, who tell me they feel truly seen by participating.
Tragically, eight students I photographed have been shot and killed since 2019, devastating families, school and faith communities. I intend my photographs to witness, celebrate and commemorate these students. In continuing this work, I am committed to encouraging a deeper consideration and appreciation of the radiant young people in our public schools.
Hireath
Asmah & Arshia
Jael
Jordan
Lizzie
Angelina
Haziz & Caleb
Coach Kenny and the Flag Football Players
To see more of this project, click here
Suzanne Sease is a creative consultant and former ad-agency senior art buyer. She works with both emerging and established photographers and illustrators to create cohesive, persuasive presentations that clients can’t resist.
Suzanne offers something rare: an insider’s perspective on how client’s source creative talent. Her deep understanding of the industry is underscored by her impressive resume: 11 years as senior art buyer at The Martin Agency, seven years as an art producer for Capital One, and stints with the art-buying department at Kaplan-Thaler and the creative department at Best Buy, where she applied her expertise to reviewing bids to see which were most likely to come in on budget. Over the years, Suzanne has worked with a wildly diverse range of clients, including Seiko, Wrangler, Bank One, AFLAC, and Clairol Herbal Essence. Now, as a consultant, she is equipped to problem-solve for her clients from an unusually dynamic point of view.
As a longtime member of the photo community, Suzanne is also dedicated to giving back. Through her Art of the Personal Project column on the popular website aphotoeditor.com, she highlights notable personal projects by well-known and up-and-coming photographers. The column offers these artists excellent exposure while reflecting Suzanne’s passion for powerful imagery.