LIAM IAN - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IN GENERAL

AS AN ARTIST AND ENTREPRENEUR, HOW DO YOU ENSURE THE QUALITY OF YOUR WORK? - I maintain a high degree of self discipline and management to make sure I’m observant and aware of my business, the goals and clear directions of my business as it’s part of a larger community and market. I make very profound efforts to listen to my clients and their needs. I then make every effort to communicate effectively within the Creative, Contract and Service Fulfillment processes as to ensure clients are aware of each and every aspect of their creative project. I take the opportunity to have clients review work and products developed before reaching the end result in making the end result meets their expectations. I use forms, texts and emails to ensure the accuracy of what all parties involved are communicating and expecting.

PHOTOGRAPHY

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PHOTOGRAPHER? - I’ve been doing Photography for over 10 years (5 years as hobby + 5 years professionally). My passion began at the Art Institute of Washington in 2004 but grew as an employee of the Washington City Paper under the advisement and inspiration of Photographer, Darrow Montgomery and professional guidance of then Publisher, Amy Austin.

WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE? - I enjoy shooting Artistic and Abstract Compositions. I often think, create and am inspired off of Commercial works within magazine and other print publications within Fashion, Lifestyle and Product Marketing. I like to shoot from various angles and perspectives in an effort to either tell a story or inspire thought and/or emotion. I often apply some vignetting in post-production editing to encourage blacks and contrast as to bring forth the central target subject.

WHAT DO YOU SHOOT WITH? - I use Canon Camera equipment. I shoot with a primary unit and a backup or supplemental unit. I often have lighting equipment in tow but rely on natural lighting sources to get the elements and compositions I want.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FULFILL A PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT? - It depends. The shoot process is often my favorite aspect of a project because I’m getting a chance to interact with others. Post-production is my next favorite to edit and change what exist to gain what I need. It’s the process of interacting with a client post-photo shoot that becomes timely because a client may have a certain vision they’re looking to gain or develop. I’d say from the end of a photo shoot, the editing, formatting and finalizing process takes anywhere from 7 to 14 days.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY SHOOTING? - I’m much more an enthusiast of Automotive and Product Photography however I enjoy shooting Studio, Outdoor and Street Portraits and Candids. I often avoid and resist shooting events and social gatherings unless it is for personal projects therefore I charge much higher for this kind of work if I accept it.

ART & DESIGN

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AN ARTIST? - I’m a Qualified Artist specializing in Detail Design and Commercial Art for the purposes of Branding and Message Interpretation. Having studied the Arts throughout the course of my life from elementary to college, I attended the Art Institute of Washington in Arlington, VA.

WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE AND DESIGN PROCESS? - I work thru a process of fully engulfing myself within an environment of creativity and artistry. Often I play music to help inspire thoughts centered around the theme of what I’m striving to create. I take pride in developing pieces that are symbolize three of my highest values; Intelligence, Ethnicity and Innovation.

WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS IN SERVING CLIENTS? - I seek to build an understanding of the Client, the Client’s Vision and the Client’s Expectations. What is key is developing any artistry for a client is conveying their thoughts, vision, mission and/or ideas as concise and comprehensively as possible. Depending on the type of project, I may sketch freehand or begin with a digital sample.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FULFILL A DESIGN PROJECT? - I typically and often quote a minimum 7 day creative fulfillment process in offering initial sketches with a 14 day project completion period. This is the standard and minimum however, there have been projects that can be expedited and completed much sooner (however requiring higher fees).

WHAT TOOLS DO YOU USE WITHIN THE DESIGN PROCESS? - I often design on a sketch pad during freehand processes however I will use iPad apps such as Autodesk Sketchbook Pro, Adobe Sketch and Photoshop Sketch and Procreate with the Apple Pencil. I may transfer content to my Mac to complete with a larger display but have found an iPad more than sufficient.

TECHNICAL

CAMERA & LENS

PRIMARY: CANON EOS 5D Mark 4 | SECONDARY: CANON EOS 80D | SUPPLEMENTAL I: CANON T5i | SUPPLEMENTAL II: CANON POWERSHOT SX60 HS

LENS: CANON 50 MM | CANON EFS 55-250 MM | CANON EFS 18-55 MM

PERIPHERAL

APPLE PRODUCTS | EDITING: ADOBE PHOTOSHOP, PHOTOSHOP EXPRESS, LIGHTROOM

FAQ SHEET - LIAM IAN [Updated 2024.01.11.03.11.071]