Artist @photified uses Instagram as a tool to take his work further
When it comes to digital Photoshop art on Instagram, there are less than ten accounts that I can think of that you must follow if you want to advance your skills and continue to learn and grow.
Justin, better known as @photified on instagram, sits at the top of that list, his shear creativity and attention to the details on his composites makes him a must follow for anyone who’s into art and design.
I’m really pleased to present you with @photified’s responses to our questions, it makes for an interesting read and maybe we all can pick up a tip or two on how grow as an artist in today’s digital world.
How long have you been using Adobe Photoshop?
I have been using Photoshop for 18 years! Crazy to think it’s been that long.
How did you get into digital arts?
I got into digital art back when I was a huge gamer. I used to edit wallpapers and do my clan website. There used to be a graphics message board that had challenges and battles, it was my thing.
What inspires you to create?
My surroundings inspire me. I have a close circle of friends and we all like and share different forms of art with each other. I love science fiction movies, and many genres of music inspire me to create.
Who are some of the creative artists on Instagram that inspires you?
I really like the work of @cole, @thebrightesthour, and @bosslogic. I’m also inspired by the hard work and watching the come up of @visualsofjulius, @8thdamon, and @ronnaldong.
With Instagram being so saturated with talent right now, how are you able to stay unique and fresh, and how do you educate yourself and keep learning?
When I feel like taking a break, I do. I think most people try to move to fast and force art especially when they are trying to beat an algorithm. I like to organically create, experiment and take my time. For every post you see on my feed, I’ve made a dozen and thrown it away.
What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started editing using Photoshop?
It took me many years to get past people trying to tear down my art. Before Instagram, what I did was considered a taboo thing to do in photography. It has blossomed into a new niche. I guess when I started I wish I knew that I could just ignore the naysayers and not let it stunt my growth.
Do you use Adobe Lightroom? If so for what specific purpose?
Yes, I recently started using Lightroom for final tweaks and color consistency.
Take us through your workflow from beginning a project to posting it on Instagram?
Generally, I start with an editing concept, or a trippy visual idea. The next step consists of attacking the internet for stock images or taking my own to get the desired effect. Then I edit and exchange photos over and over until I get something I like. Most of my work looks very different than what I had envisioned at the beginning.
What do you hope to achieve by posting on Instagram? Are you just posting for the fun of editing or are you hoping to use your gallery as a portfolio for bigger opportunities?
I use Instagram for a few reasons. I like to post personal artwork, but I also use it as a resource to try to get clients. I am constantly DM’ing and emailing big brands and working behind the scenes.
I know from experience that photoshop files many layers can take up lots of space on a computers hard drive, How do you back up your original work?
I don’t keep my personal psd’s for long. I like to do a cleanup of my PC every few weeks. I throw my large res jpegs and my client psd’s on an external HD.
How important is getting likes and comments vs just posting as an artistic expression?
It is a balance. It’d be nice to say that likes and comments don’t matter, but in 2018 social currency is a thing. I think as long as you’re feeling what you’re uploading, that is (mostly) what matters.
If there wasn’t an Instagram, where would you showcase your work?
Facebook. I spent years building up my Facebook before abandoning it for Instagram in 2016. I wish I did earlier.
Have you gotten any financial opportunities because of Instagram?
I make a living off Instagram and providing content creation for social media. The next decade is a very exciting time for content creators, the demand is massive. How you present and market yourself is everything.
Do you think that Instagram has helped or hurt digital artists?
Instagram is an amazing free visual platform with 400 million daily users. If it is hurting you, you’re doing it wrong.
What State/Country do you live in?
I live in Toronto Canada. We have a huge Instagram network here and an amazing art community that is super supportive.
Is there anything else that you would like your followers to know about you?
I’d like my followers to know that Photoshop for me has transcended a hobby or career, it is my lifestyle. I do it for pleasure, for therapy, and to communicate ideas every single day. Many artists want to be in magazines, I want to be in textbooks.