Creative Vision and the Printmaker

Okay, so now we have all this "creative vision" and this tool called Photoshop that allows us to do most anything we want. Well, it turns out, the downside of Photoshop is that it presents a myriad of possibilities for image interpretation. The incredible flexibility that Photoshop affords can actually cause one to lose their way artistically (raise your hand if you have ever applied the "neon glow" filter...ouch!!!). It brings to mind the adage, "just because you can, doesn't mean you should." (believe me, I know; I have, and I did!) This is especially true in Photoshop, where bad taste is just a click away...So how do we stay on track, and keep our style coherent yet unique...keep our "center", as it were? My advice has always been "stay true to the story". My creative vision as a printmaker has to start with the story that has been presented to me by the photographer. What story, emotion, or subject did the photographer intend to capture when he made the conscious decision to frame that moment within the viewfinder and press the shutter? Does my treatment support, enhance and strengthen the story??? Does it draw the viewer into that photographic moment, or does it allow the viewer to roam about and lose interest?

Here are some examples we have produced for clients; I hope they help illustrate the point...

Cliff Mautner sent me this image to produce a print for WPPI competition:

The story is there, but weakened by competing elements in the background; selective darkening and subduing those elements helps guide the viewer to the where the story is happening.

This image by photographer Carol Bryan has a vintage feel...

I felt that sepia was appropriate in this case, and much darkening of the background was needed; I also added grain for texture and character.

I liked the pose, lighting, and composition of this sent in to us by Fella Studios:

I felt the image would be stronger in black and white (my darkroom days still have a huge influence on me....)

In review, define the "story" and let that guide creative decisions. You can view more examples in my video, "The Printmaker's Vision"

Relevant posts:

Creative Vision and the Printmaker Part 1
Photoshop and Your Creative Vision Part 1
Photoshop and Your Creative Vision Part 2
Photoshop and Your Creative Vision Part 3
Photoshop and Your Creative Vision Part 4
Photoshop and Your Creative Vision Part 5