We recently connected with Matthew Hillman and have shared our conversation below.

Matthew, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

My dad has had an immense impact on my life, both as a parent and as a small business owner. He runs a company that specializes in screen printing, signage, graphic design, and various artistic projects. While he is undoubtedly artistic and creative, his role as a small business owner, and problem solver has had the greatest influence on me. Growing up, my father instilled in me the value of self-reliance and independence. He emphasized the concept of “making your own luck” and taught me that success comes from taking ownership of my actions and decisions. He demonstrated the importance of hard work and the idea that one’s efforts directly contribute to their outcomes. Despite his busy schedule, he always made time to support my interests and fostered my creativity through art classes and involving me in his projects.
Working alongside my dad after school, I learned firsthand the value of dedication to one’s craft and unwavering attention to detail. He never cut corners and taught me the importance of delivering high-quality work, especially when it bears your name and reputation.
The lessons I’ve learned from my dad go beyond entrepreneurship. His daily commitment to giving 100% of himself and his belief in making your own opportunities have become guiding principles in my life. I strive to approach each day with the same dedication and passion that he exemplifies. Taking pride in my work and taking ownership of my responsibilities are values I hold dear, knowing that as a freelancer or small business owner, the ultimate responsibility lies with me.
I am grateful to have such an incredible role model in my dad, who has led by example and instilled in me the values that drive me to be independent and successful. His support and the lessons I’ve learned from him have shaped my journey and continue to guide me as I pursue my own path. I’m proud to call him my hero.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve been freelancing and working in the NYC area for over a decade now, honing my skills in photography and relationships with clients. Originally, my passion for art and creativity led me to pursue a degree in illustration at RIT. However, my technical inclination drew me towards the world of camera systems and the technology behind capturing light. This curiosity led me to further my education in New Media Design and Imaging, where I gained a deeper understanding of photography techniques, lighting, and the post-processing aspect of the craft. It was during this time that I realized I deeply enjoy capturing images through controlling lighting techniques and creating environments.
Early on in my career, I had the opportunity to work in a corporate photo production studio, which provided invaluable insights into industry workflows and allowed me to build a strong network of connections. However, my drive to carve my own path and pursue my artistic vision eventually led me to embark on my freelance journey.
Over the years, this journey has been one of self-discovery and continuous growth. Each project I undertake becomes an opportunity for me to learn and evolve as a photographer.
I’m passionate about showcasing people, products, and places, and applying techniques to highlight the aspect of a subject that makes it striking. Sometimes that’s the perfect time and angle of light on a building, or a precise equipment set up in a studio environment. Working with established brands and startups, I bring a unique blend of technical expertise, artistic vision, and an understanding of clients’ needs to create impactful imagery.
Thanks for taking the time to learn a bit about my journey. I’m excited to see what the future holds. You can learn more on my website: www.matthewhillman.com

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?

As a creative, one of the things that non-creatives may struggle to understand is the constant pursuit of inspiration and the need for creative exploration. It can be challenging for them to grasp that creativity is not always linear or easily defined. It often requires experimentation, and the right environment. A tip I might have for other creatives is to make sure to find your own time for experimentation, as your clients will often demand efficiency and metrics driven results. Delivering high value reliably and within deadlines is a key to maintaining great relationships. I’m fortunate enough to work with clients who respect my experiences and allow me to push boundaries for them.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative for me is knowing that my perspective cannot be replicated by anyone else. In a world where there may be many individuals with similar skills and abilities, the way I choose to represent and interpret a subject visually sets me apart. Honing that distinct voice and artistic style has become my brand. I think especially with the rise of AI there is a lot of concern in the creative world about being an individual, but I have confidence in human intuition and unique vision.      

Contact Info:

• Website: www.matthewhillman.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew_hillman/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewhillmanphotography/

Image Credits
Matthew Hillman