The image below is not a photograph. It’s a drawing. In fact, except for my bio pic, all the images in this article are drawings.
This is only one of the hyperrealistic drawings of Paul Cadden. You don’t believe me? Perfect. That’s the point I’m on a mission to make.
I first discovered Paul Cadden on this Huffington Post article. His work is a testament to just how mind-blowing your art should be. In today’s day and age, everyone and anyone can buy a good quality camera and set about recording their own memories, their own story. Many people in need of a video or photographs may think, “Why see a professional when I can just do it myself?”
In order to prevent those words from ever leaving the tip of their tongue, your art has to be better than they could ever hope to create. Your art should far surpass what any amateur can do. This doesn’t mean that you just know your camera’s manual better than anyone else. It means that you know how to work your equipment better than anyone else and you think differently than anyone else.
Some people are stronger in one area than the other, which is fine. The important thing is to have both qualities. You may have incredible ideas and perspective, but no one is going to know about it unless you create it, which you can only do by knowing how to create it. Similarly, you may know your camera inside and out, but your work will lack the artistic edge that so many people crave.
With all the noise surrounding people today, your work needs to blow people’s minds. One way to do that is to create something that causes other people to expand their view on what’s possible.
The bottom-line is that your prospective clients should view your art and think three things:
- I didn’t even know that was possible.
- I still can’t figure out how you did it.
- I need to hire you because there is no way that I could ever make that on my own.
Your art should make Vizzini say, “INCONCEIVABLE!”
Imahni Dawson is a writer and musician, with a great passion for Jesus, learning, and helping others reach their full potential.
“I need to hire you because there is no way that I could ever make that on my own.”
Yeah! You said it Imahni. Well done.
Thanks Phil!
Ok, I’ve been thinking it for a while, but now I must say it. Your intelligence and passion continues to shine, you are an excellent roll model for young ladies. How about a blog that reaches out to them?
I get warm and fuzzy inside when I have “deep” conversations with my soon to be 17 year old, I can imagine Ron feels the same.
Keep up the good work, I am sure you’ve found your passion and purpose, it’s obvious. Blessings.
Thank you! I really appreciate that. I’ll definitely consider creating such a blog or doing something similar! I am currently doing some work with Teen Identity (http://bit.ly/K2Deyz) to help young girls, but that could be another cool project to do. Thanks again!
Well said Imahni! Keep up the amazing work, God bless you.
-Dan
Thank you so much!
Wow. This art is amazing and the way you describe and illuminate how artists can and should create is inspiring!
Thanks! Cadden’s art is certainly incredible!
Yes, yes. In some cases, you also must convince your potential client that you are a better choice than clip art / royalty free music / canned B-roll / website template / whatever. Those things might look and sound better than the client can do on their own, but they won’t be unique! (Unique is not always good, though. It’s up to us to know what the client wants in clearer terms than they can explain it!) And… are these drawings pencil, charcoal, what? They are breathtaking.
That’s a great point! The drawings featured in this article were done in graphite on paper. The first drawing, “After”, (water) was done on cartridge paper.
Imahni! What a well-spoken, thoughtful and intelligent young woman!! I completely agree! I also agree with Ryan above; your art should be a unique and organic expression of what your clients’ experience with you will involve, and is also intrinsic to developing a signature style, (though note signature style should not read “predictable” or “repetative”) 🙂 Great work!! 🙂
Thank you! I heartily agree. Even if they can get the same product elsewhere, the client would choose you if they developed a preference for your signature style.