We were lucky to catch up with Sean Thompson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sean, appreciate you joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Yes. I’m very happy as an artist. The thing is that I do have a regular job. Professionally, I work as an emergency medical technician. However, also, being a professional artist has given me a fantastic outlet for expression and creative pursuits. This has in turn allowed me to cope with the lifetime of physical and emotional traumas that come along with my EMS job. I definitely feel that my experiences have motivated me to seek deeper avenues in creativity. Photography and Graphic Design have long been my passion as an artist.

Sean, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have always enjoyed taking pictures and working with cameras, but I first called myself a professional photographer in 2010. It was around that time that I was in college and made the decision to move from a medical degree to a multimedia degree. I had become completely engrossed with learning everything there was to know about photoshop and photommanipulation. Additionally, I explored multiple avenues of digital media, including video, editing, and web design.
After I graduated college, I focused on advancing the specific techniques and styles that I found appealing as a photographer. I was fortunate to meet many different types of photographers and artists who were happy to share their knowledge with me. I honestly could not be where I am today if were it not for them. One of the biggest supporters that I’ve ever had was my wife, Jordan. Working together, I transitioned from a hobbyist to professional photographer and graphic artist. We now manage a private business, Jester’s Forge Digital Arts, where I offer photography of multiple disciplines to clients, ranging from fine art, to cosplay, to traditional portraiture. Cosplay photography is by far my most requested service. I photograph clients in their favorite costume and persona, and then transplant them into a fully immersive image, appropriate to their character. We have enjoyed terrific success and appreciate the support of all of our clients for the last ten years.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

The best way to support artists is to share their work. Acknowledging an artist and ensuring that they receive appropriate credit anytime their work is viewed by the public is Paramount. If they have a gallery, visit it. If they have a convention, attend it. If you can afford to purchase their artwork, do so. But just showing artwork you appreciate to other people and making sure that they know who the artist is is the greatest way to support artists.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Honestly, the most rewarding part of doing this has been seeing people with otherwise poor self image realize that even they have the capacity to look amazing. Watching someone’s face light up when they see the images we create together is the happiest feeling ever. I have had so many people tell me that they love seeing themselves through my eyes and it makes them feel better about themselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Jestersforge.weebly.com
• Instagram: @jestersforge
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19NUwTh2YC/

Image Credits

Jester’s Forge Digital Arts