How do you find the courage to leave a stable career and chase a creative dream?

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible photographer Mark Clennon, who did exactly that. Mark shares the real story of his leap from a 9-to-5 into the world of full-time commercial photography. We talk about the initial struggles, the community's pivotal role in his journey, and how he built a new life and career after moving to Los Angeles.

I’m excited for you to listen to this conversation. I wish I had had this episode when I first started out as a commercial photographer. Mark shares the challenges and triumphs of defining your artistic voice and building a sustainable creative life on your own terms. Mark’s journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes the biggest risks lead to the most rewarding destinations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mark Clennon and His Journey

01:59 Early Creative Influences and Curiosity

04:14 The Gift of Photography and Initial Struggles

05:54 Building Community and Transitioning to Full-Time Photography

10:12 Taking the Leap: Quitting the Day Job

12:10 Navigating the Early Days of Freelancing

15:00 First Major Commercial Success and Learning the Trade

17:00 Relocating to Los Angeles: A New Chapter

19:03 Defining Artistic Identity and Signature Style

22:57 Creative Voice and Decision Making

30:26 Building Community in a New City

36:22 Learning from Challenges and Problem Solving

42:31 The Importance of Creative Play and Reflection

Connect With Mark:

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark.c/?hl=en

Mark’s Website: https://www.markclennon.com

Listen to Mark’s TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/mark_clennon_finding_your_point_of_view

Support the Show

Website: www.martineseverin.com

Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_

Subscribe to the Newsletter: www.martineseverin.substack.com

This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Santiago Cardona and Daniel Espinosa.

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