We recently connected with Neri Diomedi and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Neri, thanks for joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Working “regular” jobs growing up always felt monotonous and uninspiring to me. I’ve always had a creative drive and a passion for creating stunning images and whenever I’m out shooting, even if it’s a paid gig, it never feels like work to me. The time flies by and I just get lost in the moment. As a creative it’s hard for me to not be doing something related to my craft, so working at a grocery store or a desk job feels like a prison with my mind racing a million miles an hour. Luckily for me I found my passion at an early age and it was very clear to me what I wanted to do so I’ve never really struggled with this question of am I happy. Sure there were times where I wish I had more work and struggled to find people to pay me, but through all that, it’s what made me happy so I never let that stop me. I think once you’ve found your passion and gift, you’ll have that feeling and know almost right away. And once you can live off of what you love to do, that’s even crazier of a feeling

Neri, 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?

My name is Neri Diomedi and I’m an Argentine artist living in Seattle, WA specializing in automotive photography and creative filmmaking!

When I was young my dream job was to be a car designer. My dad has worked in the automotive industry for as long as I could remember and my mom is an incredible artist, so I think those two disciplines came together perfectly to shape my love for car design and styling. As I was growing up and trying every hobby under the sun, I came across photography. That’s where the spark was ignited! Since I had such an affinity for cars I dove straight into the world of automotive photography. And If 16 year old me could see where I am now, as a result of picking up a camera, he’d be dumbfounded. And the blinding passion I had as a kid still burns strong to this very day working in a high paced creative environment.

After building and curating my portfolio around everything automotive, with constant practice I started getting more paid work which eventually led to working with businesses and car manufacturers, including Polestar, Pit & Paddock, and DeTomaso shooting event coverage and scenic imagery, to now working in a triple A game studio (Turn10 Studios) doing automotive photography for the Forza Motorsport franchise.

Throughout my career I’ve introduced videography as well which helps in providing short and long form content to tell a story, sell a product, or just educating a customer base with helpful knowledge. I’ve personally loved developing my skills in videography because it lends itself very well to convey a message and gives you so much more room to explore creatively.

I work super well with others and love teaching people things whenever I can. Whether that be another artist or a business owner that wants some creative marketing but doesn’t know quite where to start. Having those conversations to help bring out an artistic vision out of others if what I strive for. Being a *Visioneri is my moto

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

Being a creative comes with so many good times, whether it be exploring a new part of the world, making new friends, or editing your favorite shot to be just how you like it. However, the most rewarding thing about being an artist for me is the reaction I get from a client when they see my finished product for the first time. There’s nothing like being proud of your own work and then being validated by the person that trusted you enough to handle their creative vision!

I think all artists at one point in their life struggle to value their work and sometimes may feel like they aren’t good enough. But nothing puts those thoughts to rest more than someone that’s thrilled with your work and isn’t afraid to show it. We as artists put so much pressure and scrutiny on ourselves that we forget how valuable we really are.

That for me makes me feel over the moon and that my mission is complete.

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

I think in the age of constantly being online, the magic of physical art has sort of faded in the eye’s of a lot of people. You see so many cool photos every day on your phone that you start to get desensitized to all the amazing art you’re seeing. But the internet is a double edged sword, because through this you can find niche artists and very talented people from all over the world that make a piece of art that tickles your fancy. Finding an artist, big or small, and supporting them by buying a physical piece of art would mean the word to them. Artists post their work all the time and for someone to like it enough to stop what they’re doing, order a physical art piece, and display it in their home, this has to be the best feeling ever.

We take good art for granted. not just a generic painting or sculpture you find in a department store but a one of a kind handcrafted work of art created by a thriving artist with a heart full of passion for what they do. Find someone that makes art that you like and buy a piece or two, if it’s within your means. And if you see they make stuff you like but don’t sell it anywhere, reach out to them and ask if you can buy something. Maybe they feel like their art isn’t good enough to be sold and you giving them that level of reassurance will help nurture the fire they have for pursuing their passion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nerivalenti.com/automotive
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neri.valenti/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neri-diomedi/