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

Matt, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

When I first moved to Seattle, I was challenged with restarting my business. With no steady clients, I took some time to think about the kind of art I wanted to create. I thought about my own experiences with the performing arts, like staring in musicals and traveling as a professional violinist. I always enjoyed the immersion of a full production. I knew I wanted to work with humans that have those similar interests and passions.

As I reached out to theatre companies, venues and producers; I was fascinated by the prospect of an all-Drag-King-festival produced by The Emerald City Kings Ball. Immediately inspired, I reached out to the producers and offered my photography to help them create a calendar to help promote and fund the event. I prefaced our meeting with telling them that I expected no compensation. I only wanted to create something special with other creatives. Then, they agreed to meet for three days of photography.

Since then, I have worked with a handful of producers throughout Seattle and beyond. I have published two calendars, grown a network of clients and venues that keep me busy throughout the year. I have also applied to the Seattle Arts Commission so I can better serve the overlooked and equally talented creatives in my city. I can easily say that my best investment was The Emerald City Kings Ball. I have found the purpose for my photography.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am Matt Shaw, portrait photographer in West Seattle. As a young actor/musician, I had an affinity with the performing arts. When I started learning photography, I experimented vastly with my equipment. I have developed an artistic technique and style that is as versatile as anyone I work with. Over the last few years, I have made connections and partnerships throughout Washington’s Burlesque and Drag communities. I have shaped my business around my admiration for their entertainment and resistance. I am most proud of my work with other artists, using light and perspective to help visualize their stories, depicting climactic and emotional scenes. Through my photography and commitment to artists in my community, I intend to build a space for creatives in every field to exist in one space with a mission toward equal opportunity and respect.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I have made it the purpose of my photography to assist the performances and platforms of all artists. My work with Drag and Burlesque in Seattle has been most fulfilling, documenting their stories for a wider audience. Too many times I have heard performers discussing less-than-fair treatments like tiered wages, overbooking, and neglect. Producers and venues are also constantly being blocked by activities like forced relocation. Now, more than ever, it is critical to support small groups of passionate humans doing things of peace. There is no harm in artistic expression. Our community needs to be a safe space where we can react and reflect on the human experience.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Society has paved the path for business, politics, etc. Creatives, especially those with an alternative “voice”, are constantly struggling. There are roughly 76 million freelancers in the US alone, mostly made up of Millennials and Gen X. Building a complete network of support for independent artists has been nearly impossible. The work needs to start at the smallest level. Supporting struggling artists is the only way to make sure that future generations can continue their work. Visiting small venues, exploring your community, learning about the struggles that go on outside the car window; these simple acts of curiosity will then foster an admiration for the artist and an openness to their message.

Contact Info:

• Website: mattshawphoto.com
• Instagram: @mattshawphoto