We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Glen Carpenter. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Glen below.

Glen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

For working photographers turned artistic, that’s not an easy question to answer, because to my friends and family, I already was!.

I’d been doing work for studio in Detroit for nearly a decade, but none of it as a creative. Sure, I’d sell a “pretty picture” (my words) for clients who’d ask for something after a shoot, but the studio- Corporate headshots, copy and restoration, sports or local businesses- Just didn’t do that. It was a 9-5 job, nothing more. And just like many people working their day jobs, the desire wasn’t to go home and do it again.

Thing is? I loved every aspect of photography outside the 9-5. I loved darkroom. Loved the spontaneity of the street. I loved the freedom of capturing something that truly interested me, then sharing it with friends. Thing is? I wasn’t doing this for anyone but myself- And when that sale came through? That was special. It was during an art market. Someone I’d never met. Someone not familiar with me nor the studio nor anything comfortable to pretty, A billboard, on the side of the freeway, with a message. Something that mattered to me, as a creative, shot in a manner more than documentary, and this person I’d never met before paid for it to hang on their wall.

That feeling- Of a shared experience, meant everything.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

An Artists statement?

Detroit native Glen Carpenter moved to Houston and immediately fell in love with H-Town’s zoning laws:
Or lack thereof.

Camera in hand, found he could run the gamut of the human experience within a single city block. High end shopping, derelict buildings, the best coffee in town? Side by side!

Glen began his photographic journey at Michigan’s Oakland Community College.
He’s been a member of the Houston Center for Photography, the Visual Arts Alliance and a supporter of the Lawndale Art Center.
Glen was recently awarded a scholarship at the teaching institute of the Museum of Fine Art Houston, Glassell School of Fine Art, where he’s continuing his pursuit and love of art and photography.

Exhibitions include;

Houston’s Archway Gallery – 12th and 13th Annual Open Exhibitions
The Hardy & Nance Studio – Black & White 5.0 | 6.0
The Visual Arts Alliance – 37th Annual Open and 37th Annual Members Exhibitions
Houston’s Art Car museum – “Landscape” Open Exhibition
Former resident photographer: Gallery Skye
Currently: Rozi Turnbull Gallery at Sawyer Yards and Resident Artist in Hardy & Nance Studio’s

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

That’s a hard ask. Society “owes” art nothing. When you”re living in a time of double digit inflation, record high gas prices, babies being taken to hospital just because they can’t be fed at home?

We’re a luxury. I fully understand and appreciate that. All I ask is to take a look. Decide for yourself. If you see something you’d enjoy in your own home? Just know I appreciate your decision and your support!

How did you build your audience on social media?

Ha! I remember my first post on Instagram. Two weeks later, the same post, the same “like” (thanks Mom!) A month later? Another.

The word to remember is persistence. If you’re doing what you love, share it!
Social Media is work. Put in the time. Follow other artists. Follow their followers. If they return the follow, great! If not, it’s not personal so don’t take it that way. Build an audience. Don’t be fake. Don’t pay for follows and post often. You’re a creative, right? Oh! Unfollow “unfollowers! Your mission is to expand your base, not to build the egos of others looking for numbers!

Lastly, relax and enjoy it. 500. 1000. 3000. 4000 followers and growing?
You’re doing something right!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.glen.style
• Instagram: 4evansrose
• Facebook: glen.style

Image Credits
Glen Carpenter