Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nathan Sebakijje. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nathan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

Here are some nuggets of advice I’d give on learning and honing your craft:

Practice Consistently: Like any skill, practice is key. Dedicate regular time to your art, even if it’s just a little bit every day.

Study Fundamentals: Understand the basics of your chosen medium (e.g., drawing, painting, sculpting). This includes things like composition, color theory, perspective, anatomy, and so on.

Experiment and Explore: Don’t be afraid to try new techniques, styles, or subjects. This is how you’ll discover what resonates with you and what you excel at.

Observe the World Around You: Pay attention to details, light, shadow, and how things interact with each other in the real world. This observational skill is crucial for creating realistic and believable art.

Learn from Masters: Study the works of renowned artists, both historical and contemporary. Analyze their techniques and try to incorporate elements into your own work.

Seek Feedback and Critique: Don’t be afraid to share your work and ask for feedback. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and give you fresh perspectives.

Don’t Be Discouraged by Mistakes: Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. Embrace them and view them as opportunities to learn and grow.

Set Goals: Establish clear, achievable goals for your artistic journey. This could be mastering a particular technique, completing a certain number of pieces, or participating in an exhibition.

Stay Curious and Open-Minded: Be open to learning from various sources, whether it’s other artists, books, workshops, or even different art forms.

Find Your Unique Voice: While it’s important to learn from others, strive to develop your own style and perspective. Your individuality is what sets you apart as an artist.

Patience is Key: Improvement in art takes time. Don’t get discouraged if progress seems slow. Keep pushing forward.

Document Your Progress: Keep a record of your work, including sketches, studies, and finished pieces. This can serve as a visual diary of your journey and help you track your growth.

Stay Inspired: Surround yourself with things that inspire you. This could be nature, books, movies, or other forms of art. Inspiration often leads to creativity.

Network and Connect with Other Artists: Engage with the art community, both online and in person. This can lead to valuable insights, collaborations, and opportunities.

Enjoy the Process: Remember to have fun and enjoy the act of creating. This passion and joy will come through in your work.

Remember, every artist’s journey is unique. What works for one person might not work for another, so don’t be afraid to adapt and personalize these tips to suit your own learning style and artistic vision.

Nathan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am fine art photographer known for my evocative and thought-provoking visual narratives. My work aims to transcend the boundaries of traditional photography, capturing the essence of emotions and stories within each frame.

Born and raised in both England and the US has given me an interesting prism through which to view the world. My photos are imbued with a deep appreciation for the interplay of light and composition. My profound connection to both hip hop and street photography have become a hallmark of my artistic vision. My studies delved into the intricacies of composition, color theory, and the manipulation of light – all of which now serve as the foundation of my distinctive style.

My work is characterized by its urban quality, masterful play of light, and a keen eye for composition. My photographs often evoke a sense of introspection, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of contemplation and self-discovery.

Through my lens, I explore the intersection of street culture and fine art photography, delving into themes of bravado, resilience, and the ephemeral beauty of life. My portfolio includes striking portraits, urban culture, and intimate glimpses into life in Los Angeles.

I currently supervise a fine art print studio/gallery in Culver City and work with artists from a diverse range of artistic disciplines. Whether established or emerging artists, I am fortunate to work along an enormous amount of talent on a daily basis.

For me, photography is a medium of profound storytelling. Each click of the shutter is an opportunity to capture the essence of a moment, inviting viewers to share in the emotions and narratives that resonate within the frame.

With an ever-evolving body of work, I hope to inspire others to see the world through a new and profound lens.

I currently divide my time between shooting both analog and digital photography, drawing inspiration from both the past and the present. You can find me in the streets of Los Angeles with a camera in hand.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative can vary from person to person, as it’s a deeply personal experience.

Here are some of my own reasons I love being an artist:

Self-Expression and Catharsis: Creating art allows for a unique form of self-expression. It provides an outlet to convey emotions, thoughts, and experiences that might be difficult to express through words alone. This process can be incredibly cathartic and healing.

Connecting with Others: Art has the power to resonate with people on a profound level. When your work connects with someone, it creates a special bond and can even evoke strong emotions. This sense of connection can be immensely rewarding for both the artist and the audience.

Sense of Accomplishment: Completing a piece of art, especially one that challenged you or pushed your creative boundaries, can provide a profound sense of accomplishment and pride.

Continuous Learning and Growth: The creative process is a journey of constant learning and growth. As you explore new techniques, styles, and subjects, you’re constantly evolving as an artist. This sense of progress can be deeply fulfilling.

Recognition and Validation: Receiving recognition for your work, whether through exhibitions, awards, or positive feedback, can be incredibly validating. It affirms that your creative efforts are valued and appreciated.

Contributing to a Legacy: Creating art is a way of leaving a mark on the world. Your work has the potential to outlive you, becoming a part of the cultural and artistic legacy for future generations.

Freedom of Interpretation: Art often allows for multiple interpretations. Seeing how others interpret and resonate with your work can be a rich and rewarding experience, as it demonstrates the universality of human experiences.

Personal Fulfillment and Happiness: Ultimately, the act of creating and expressing oneself through art can lead to a deep sense of personal fulfillment and happiness. It provides a unique avenue for self-discovery and a source of joy.

It’s important to note that the rewards of being an artist can be subjective and may vary based on individual experiences and perspectives. For many artists like myself, it’s a combination of these factors that makes the creative journey so uniquely rewarding.

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

Supporting artists and nurturing a thriving creative ecosystem is crucial for a vibrant and culturally rich society. Here are some ways society can do better in this regard:

Financial Support and Fair Compensation:
Provide grants, scholarships, and funding opportunities for artists, especially emerging ones.
Encourage fair compensation for artists’ work, including payment for exhibitions, performances, and commissions.

Accessible Education and Training:
Ensure that arts education is accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic background.
Provide affordable workshops, classes, and resources for artists to continue honing their skills.

Spaces and Infrastructure:
Create and maintain affordable, inclusive spaces for artists to work, exhibit, and perform.
Support and invest in cultural centers, galleries, studios, and theaters in communities.

Inclusive Representation:
Promote diversity and inclusivity in all forms of art, including race, gender, age, and ability.
Support underrepresented artists and help amplify their voices.

Cultural Exchange and Collaboration:
Facilitate opportunities for artists to collaborate across disciplines and cultures, fostering innovation and mutual understanding.

Promotion and Exposure:
Support initiatives that help artists market and promote their work, both locally and globally.
Encourage public and private institutions to showcase and collect art from local creators.

Artistic Residencies and Fellowships:
Establish programs that provide artists with time, space, and resources to focus on their work without financial strain.

Advocacy and Policy:
Advocate for policies that protect the rights and interests of artists, including fair copyright laws and affordable healthcare options.

Arts in Public Spaces:
Integrate public art installations, murals, and sculptures into urban planning and development projects.

Arts Integration in Communities:
Utilize art as a tool for community-building, social cohesion, and addressing local challenges.

Support for Emerging Technologies:
Foster innovation by providing resources and support for artists working in emerging fields like digital art, virtual reality, and interactive media.

Encourage Patronage and Private Support:
Promote a culture of art patronage, encouraging individuals and businesses to invest in the arts.

Cultural Events and Festivals:
Support and sponsor local arts festivals, exhibitions, and performances to bring communities together and showcase local talent.

Recognition and Awards:
Establish and maintain reputable awards and recognition programs to celebrate outstanding contributions to the arts.

Arts Advocacy Organizations:
Support and contribute to organizations that advocate for the arts, both locally and nationally.

By implementing these measures, society can create an environment where artists and creatives thrive, enriching communities with their unique perspectives, expressions, and contributions. This, in turn, leads to a more culturally diverse, dynamic, and innovative society as a whole.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nqspix.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nqsphotos/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathansebakijje
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nqsphoto

Image Credits
Model: Jasmine Alkouri