We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Wendy Hope a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Wendy, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic is a fundamental inner belief based on “keep going and do not stop until you have completed that specific goal or arrived at that destination” My mother was a hard worker and had a strong work ethic and she started over more than once. The notion of succeeding was ingrained from an early age and time in my life and the idea of failure was not ever an option. “Keep going” seemed to have been my natural path towards accomplishing a set goal. Perhaps it’s socialization or perhaps I’m naturally wired that way. Somewhere along my journey I was taught “keep your eyes on the prize” and much like a pitbull, I do not let go until I have it at hand.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Of course! Happy to answer that!! I’ve spent most of my career pursuing work in terms of landing advertising campaigns, prestigious editorials and defining my success and my self around that role as a working artist.
I’ve strived to elevate the caliber of my work collaborating and positioning myself with the other established artists I knew and respected. Over the years, I began in celebrity shooting for Rolling Stone Magazine, MTV, Rev Run’s (Run DMC) Footwear Brands, eventually moving into beauty & fashion including Essence Mag. Neiman Marcus, Revlon, Wella to name a few. I’ve photographed A-List celebrities and I’ve “archived” notable celebrity estates. I’ve photographed the BMAC Gala event in Beverly Hills by request twice and have had long standing relationships with many of my clients for over twenty + years. That speaks volumes for my integrity and work ethic, as well as my long standing success as a working artist in an ever changing landscape.
I’ve come to realize that I’ve been gifted with many opportunities and although I’ve worked extremely hard to achieve and accomplish them, I’m now so aware that many people don’t, and so now it feels like a privilege. These golden opportunities which were just considered a “normal” part of my life and path, I’m currently aware that most people won’t experience in a lifetime. I’m beyond grateful to have been a part of this world and often “in the room” even if I’m not the final decision in a triple bid. Being “in the room” means my work was recognized and highly considered. That is success even if I didn’t land the job, I have to understand those were pivotal moments in my career and still an accomplishment. In terms of my repetoire of accomplishments, I’ve had many. For that I’m grateful.
Current update:
I’m currently enrolled in school to expand on existing services and learn more about the changes in the industry affected by AI and technology. I’m studying digital marketing and AI, which is important in this industry’s evolution. I’m self taught in AI photography and AI Art and I’m excited to see where this next chapter can take me and grow my evolution as an artist. I’ve also gone back to my roots as a “traditional artist” and I’ve re-learned art and illustration, watercolor, guache, acrylics and recently large-scale murals with spray paint acrylic combinations. I was an artist since I’m a child and that’s not going to change, but it will grow and evolve.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The qualities and skills I hold dear as a working artist are constant practice, focus and networking. Practice, exploration, discovery and challenging yourself outside of your comfort zone is key. Repetition increases conditioning and I keep striving to study and learn something new. Building relationships is imperative to career development. Be kind to everyone because you never know who moves into what part of your creative industry, who can open doors and create opportunity in the future. Don’t dismiss or take anyone for granted. Sorry, more than 3!
Like all artists, the inspiration component ebbs and flows so forcing yourself to keep learning and finding inspiration is paramount to your artistic evolution. Being an artist is like always having multiple tabs open in your mind all day every day, so meditation and focus are also super helpful, especially when you’re “just not in the mood.” Be mindful of your dreams and remembering the details. So much inspiration for me comes from dreaming and my surrounding environments, and evening wellness and visualization routines.
Although social media can be damaging (FOMA) it can also be incredibly inspiring. Access to viewing and studying other artists and learning new techniques, trends, and skills as well as networking, is a great opportunity and resource to find inspiration.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is one who is well versed in the logistics and the necessary budgets associated with a high level of production value including all the necessary artists and contributions within our creative teams and support system of assistants and digital techs. They understand the detailed work, skillsets and experience that go into a successful production and respect each creative component involved for the overall production success.
Last thoughts:
My current thoughts are to strive for a collaboration that transcends the ordinary and becomes truly extraordinary. Seek out clients who inspire and challenge you to bring out your best work. Surpass expectations and leave an impact on the industry as a whole. Prioritize communication, creative collaboration and shared vision. Cultivate your relationships with clients who not only appreciate your expertise but can also contribute and elevate your work to excellence.
Leave an indelible imprint on the people you work with and know it can only get better.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: @wendyhoperocks (PRO) and @glittersofhope (PERSONAL and ART)
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyhope/
Image Credits
Self Portrait
