The Art of the Personal Project is a crucial element to let potential buyers see how you think creatively on your own. I am drawn to personal projects that have an interesting vision or that show something I have never seen before. In this thread, I’ll include a link to each personal project with the artist statement so you can see more of the project. Please note: This thread is not affiliated with any company; I’m just featuring projects that I find. Please DO NOT send me your work. I do not take submissions.
Today’s featured artist: Amanda Lopez
Mr. Arrieta was my roommate when I first moved to Los Angeles.
As a young photographer growing up in Sacramento, I dreamed of moving to L.A. to launch my photography career, but I wasn’t sure how I’d make it happen. One day, I shared my dream with a friend, and she mentioned she was looking for someone to look after her dad who happened to live in Southern California. If I was willing to keep an eye on her 92-year-old dad, she said, I could live in the home for free
It was an unconventional arrangement, but exactly what I needed. Moving to L.A. allowed me to intern with legendary photographer Estevan Oriol and begin working with some of my favorite publications. But the greatest gift from this time in my life was gaining the gift of a grandpa.
I never had a close relationship with my own grandfathers, so becoming Mr. Arrieta’s honorary granddaughter was something I didn’t know I needed. He was a kind, gentle man who spent his days tinkering in the garage and napping in his recliner. On weekends, he’d knock on my bedroom door bright and early to see if I was awake, so we could head to his favorite diner, Scotties. That became our ritual, and I loved it.
As our friendship developed, I began documenting his day-to-day activities and moments at home not just to process the experience, but to preserve it. Mr. Arrieta had such a kind spirit, and I wanted to create images that reflected that warmth. He brought so much joy and peace to my life, and I hoped that through these photographs, I could offer something meaningful back to his family.
Eventually, Mr. Arrieta’s health declined, and nurses began caring for him full time. Witnessing that transition was difficult, but my camera helped me navigate the emotions. Photography became a way to honor the dignity of his final chapter, and to hold onto the moments we shared.
Mr. Arrieta is no longer with us. But the images I made during that time are a reminder of our brief yet meaningful bond and a way of honoring the grandfather I never had.
To see more of this project, click here
Suzanne Sease is a creative consultant and former ad-agency senior art buyer. She works with both emerging and established photographers and illustrators to create cohesive, persuasive presentations that clients can’t resist.
Suzanne offers something rare: an insider’s perspective on how client’s source creative talent. Her deep understanding of the industry is underscored by her impressive resume: 11 years as senior art buyer at The Martin Agency, seven years as an art producer for Capital One, and stints with the art-buying department at Kaplan-Thaler and the creative department at Best Buy, where she applied her expertise to reviewing bids to see which were most likely to come in on budget. Over the years, Suzanne has worked with a wildly diverse range of clients, including Seiko, Wrangler, Bank One, AFLAC, and Clairol Herbal Essence. Now, as a consultant, she is equipped to problem-solve for her clients from an unusually dynamic point of view.
As a longtime member of the photo community, Suzanne is also dedicated to giving back. Through her Art of the Personal Project column on the popular website aphotoeditor.com, she highlights notable personal projects by well-known and up-and-coming photographers. The column offers these artists excellent exposure while reflecting Suzanne’s passion for powerful imagery.
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