One of the greatest validations of what we do as artists and creatives is having an agency, design firm, marketing department, or a publication bring you on for a project or an assignment based of your style of work. It’s happened to me and it feels great. And I love seeing it happen to others.

Photographer Richard Renaldi has a distinct style: very natural, solemn, and sensitive. Especially with his photographs of people.

© Richard Renaldi

© Richard Renaldi

© Richard Renaldi

Renaldi recently wrapped up working on a campaign for Microsoft and McCann (the ad agency) that is all him.

Microsoft ads photographed by Richard Renaldi

On his blog Renaldi writes:

In the end I am so happy…that [Microsoft/McCann] produced an entire advertising campaign of real people in eight by ten large format with all natural light- all extremely rare and unusual in this business especially in the digital age.

What’s even better is that they chose Renaldi to photograph it based on his style and vision, which is making photographs of “real people in eight by ten large format with all natural light.”

It’s a perfect example of good things coming your way when you stay true to your vision, are honest with and about your work, and make it your own way.

© James Day

David Byrne, one of my artistic heroes, has written a thorough and realistic piece about the changing music industry.

What is called the music business today, however, is not the business of producing music. At some point it became the business of selling CDs in plastic cases, and that business will soon be over. But that’s not bad news for music, and it’s certainly not bad news for musicians. Indeed, with all the ways to reach an audience, there have never been more opportunities for artists.

The web is changing things for artists and creators of all kinds. We can all glean some insight from Byrne’s article.

UPDATE 1/9/08: Byrne gets and posts responses to feedback his article.

UPDATE 2/15/08: Byrne’s Addendum to recent Wired Article (Part II)

Speaking of David Bryne, The Knee Plays has recently been released on CD for the first time. It’s nothing short of inspiring and a wonderful listen. Check out this video of “The Sound of Business” from The Knee Plays being performed live: