Tony Luna discusses Crafting a Meaningful Career for Creatives in the 50+ community.

He focuses his presentation on different methods to design and develop your career at this age and stage of life; and how you can use reward milestones to meet your goals every step of the way.

I wish to extend a very sincere Thank You to Joanne Webb and Patch Schwadron from The Actors Fund - SAG-AFTRA, The Career Center, for inviting me to be interviewed Thursday, February 24 for their first webinar of their 2022 series “Creativity Doesn’t Age Speaker Series.”

I was able to explain how the assignments and discussions involved in our Art Center Extension “Crafting a Meaningful Career” classes help mid-career creative professionals design and create new and rewarding career opportunities for themselves. I am told that, during the 90 minute interview, 62 individuals from across the United States listened in and the response has been very positive. In Joanne’s words, ”…we so appreciate the wonderful work you continue to do for artists in helping them craft a meaningful career. You should be so proud of the amazing training you continue to offer to the artist community, as it is much needed for gathering clarity in moving forward with one’s career.”

Joanne and Patch, you are both amazing and inspirational professionals—actual angels—and we thank you for all that you do for members of the performing arts!

ABOUT THIS SERIES

The world of work and meaningful connection for people over 50 is challenged by a number of factors at any time, but never as dramatically as during Covid-19. The Career Center's Creativity Doesn't Age Speaker Series invites guest speakers who have knowledge and commitment to addressing strategies for our community to connect and engage in creative ways during this time of physical distancing, and beyond. Of course, topics highlighted by our speakers are relevant to arts professionals at all ages and stages of their lives and careers.

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- Garrisson Pena, Super Bowl Champion Rams Photographer-

(Editor’s note- You may recall that in June of last year the work of photographer Garrisson Pena was showcased in our blog as an up and coming artist to watch and he had just been hired to be a photographer for the Los Angeles Rams. Here’s a follow-up to that article and a testimony to his talent. As Branch John Milton and Branch Rickey are both attributed as saying, “Luck is the residue of design,” or “Luck is the residue of desire.” Whatever way you want to think of that Garrisson has demonstrated he has both.”)

“Dear Tony, Happy New Year! How are you? How is everything?

It is an understatement to say that it has been an incredible roller-coaster ride over past 2 months. After 4 thrilling playoff wins, I am proud to stand here today and officially shout to the world:

THE LOS ANGELE RAMS ARE SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS!!!

Words cannot comprehend how emotional I am, as the reality of the moment still hasn’t completely set in. I am soaked in euphoria and have shed tears of joy as I do not want this feeling to dissipate.

What a surreal and magical time to be alive. While I was unable to work the Super Bowl as a photographer, the Rams were so kind enough to offer me complimentary tickets thus I attended the Super Bowl as a fan.

It was worth it! Super Bowl LVI was the greatest sports moment I have ever been a part of and seen in-person. I will cherish it for the rest of my life.

As a fan, this championship means so much to the City of L.A. As a photographer, the most humbling part of it all is that I can now call myself: A Super Bowl Champion Photographer.

All the people, beyond my co-photographers, that I had the honor and privilege of working with at the Rams share this sentiment. It is an everyday joy and blessing to be a part of the Rams Family or as we call it over here:

‘The Ramily.’ We shared blood, sweat, and tears together. Looking back, I recall the excitement and anticipation when I first joined the Rams for Training Camp at UC Irvine, given it was my first day.

Little did I realize, what was in-store for the next 7 months. Working with the Rams required every single ounce of education and experience in my life to be used. I made sure to leave it all out there,

day-in and day-out. Without question, this was the greatest ride of my photography career thus far.

With the off-season underway, so does a period of reflection and celebration settle n. This chapter is officially closed. I’m excited to see what happens next and await the next phase from the Rams.

As the organization begins the process of preparing for next season, I continue to expand my horizons, stay productive, and utilize my time efficiently as possible. As you once told me, “Even Ansel Adams Has to Earn a

Living.”. It is time to get back to the drawing board and focusing on the immediate future. Let’s get to it!

Most importantly, I am not here today with the Rams without you and your endorsement. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting me throughout this once-in-a-lifetime journey. And above all, thank you for supporting

our team on our run to glory and immortality.

Once again: L.A. IS THE CITY OF CHAMPIONS!!!

I hope all is great with you and Paula. May 2022 bring you greater promise, renewed prosperity, and good health.

All my best!”

Warm Regards,

Garrisson E. Pena

Email: garrissonpenaphoto@gmail.com

Website: http://www.garrissonpena.com

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- Ellen Friedlander, Fine Art Photographer-

(Note: The following is from her 19 January, 2022 email)

Blog #1: The Creative Flow

When the feeling comes over me, it’s a gift.

It doesn’t mean that it’s art, but it is a true expression of the self.

“I often describe myself as ‘possessed’ when sharing my passion for photography. But what does this mean? For me, there are times when an overwhelming gnawing feeling takes over bothy body and my mind - telling me there is a need for something to be expressed. This my experience of The Creative Flow.

One of my strongest experiences of this flow state has come through creating my Betrayal Series (showcased above). When this project began, I was doing everything in my power to make sure my kids were healthy and stable. but this left me brewing with raw emotion that needed an outlet. At that time, I was working with a mentor to improve my art, and he shared the following creative exercises: use your camera upon waking up, going to bed, in between activities…without gatekeeping. through repeating this exercise for several months, I learned to lean into my photography as therapy and not judge any frame.

Tools to find your Creative Flow:

- Tap into your awareness when you feel any urge to create

- Take initiative in some form as immediately as possible (whatever means of documentation that is accessible to you - clay, camera, painting, writing, tearing up paper, video…)

- Stay objective and non-judgmental as your emotional state is fully realized

- The Creative Flow is easy to ignore, there is a discipline to learning how to act upon it

Sending Love, Light, and Creative Flow

Ellen

https://www.ellenfriedlanderphotography.com/blog-doing-the-work/2022/1/17/the-creative-flow

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- …And also from Ellen…

Thrilled to share that I am the guest curator for L.A. Photo Curator!

THEME:

'The "I" - A Call for Self Portraiture'

“For however dutifully we record what we see around us, the common denominator of all we see is always, transparently, shamelessly, the implacable ‘I.’”

~ Joan Didion

DEADLINE: March 13, 2022

CHARITY: The Creation District

https://www.laphotocurator.com/call-for-entry-the-i-a-call-for-self-portraiture-curated-by-ellen-friedlander-deadline-to-enter-march-13-2022

First Place Winner Receives... Q&A with curator (aka me!). I will also write a review for the first place winner and past curators may contribute reviews as well. BONUS: The first place photograph shows on the L.A. Photo Curator splash page for a month. AND early entries may be featured on L.A. Photo Curator's Facebook and Instagram.

20% of artist entry fees goes to charity. 10% of artist entry fees goes to the curator's choice of charity I have chosen The Creation District. The Creation District is an incubator and a safe haven for creation, discovery, activism, daring, and dream-making for Sacramento’s youth and young adults. Another 10% will go to the first place winner's choice of charity.

Whether you think of yourself as an artist or not, I invite all of you to take a moment to reflect on what it means to be YOU.

Sending Love, Light, and Creative Flow,

Ellen

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Photo by Ramon Rik Singley (c) from his website

(Editor’s note: I received several emails from a former photography student and am posting this in the hopes that if anyone has a suggestion for him they can contact this very talented, intelligent, and hard working young man.)

- Ramon Rik Singley, Photographer, MFA

Hi Tony! I was in your course my last semester at Art Center. I graduated in Photo, Spring 2004… would love to catch up and speak of any professional opportunities… I just graduated with my MFA from Claremont and teaching in higher academia is certainly a goal of mine and one of the main reasons I went back for the extra degree. I know if you want to teach in higher academics you need the MFA.

If you can provide any direction on attempting to look at and secure any consideration for something like that, I'd love to get your insight.

Kind regards,

Ramón Rik Singley

Ramon’s areas of expertise and interest include:

1.) Teaching in higher academia is a primary goal, as we discussed previously. (With a background in social media applications.)

2.) Alternatively, photography production will always be of interest to me, especially anything in the Key-Art advertising space. Key art is the image used to market a film in editorial print, as well as billboards we see on the street every day.

3.) And lastly, content production and art direction of commercial / film projects is in my wheelhouse and expertise.

The Chalk Fields, Inc.

http://thechalkfields.com

C: (424) 382-4144

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“Showcasing relationships is one of my favorite aspects of being a photographer. From newly formed couples to those who have been together for years; having privilege of creating portraits that tell their stories makes me truly happy. Allow me to create these special portraits for you.”

George DeLoache

Master Portrait Photographer

“You’r going to look amazing - I Guarantee It!”

Creating Heirloom portraits for your family.

Call today- 213-804-8044

Cell phone- 818-749-9374

Visit our website- http://www.georgedeloache.com

Email me at george@georgedeloache.com

195 Mateo Street, Suite 111

Los Angeles, CA 90021

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As always we are honored to share stories of the hard work our contributors have accomplished and we are thrilled to promote their activities. Please continue to support the members of our creative community as they design meaning within their careers. Thanks to all for their informative and inspiring contributions.

If you are not on the mailing list and would like to receive your own monthly notices of these Updates please contact tony@tonylunacreative.com. Conversely if you would like to be removed from the email list simply email tony@tonylunacreative.com and write "Unsubscribe" in the subject line.

Keep sending in your informative and motivating emails. I may have to edit them in the interest of space but I will do my best to keep their integrity. Emails and notices are usually posted in the order they are received. Tony Luna Creative-Updates are produced approximately at the end of each month so please provide enough lead time when submitting emails so they can be posted in a timely fashion.

Remember to keep sending us news of your wonderful art, design, and careers, and—as always—stay in touch!

Best.

Tony

Tony Luna Creative

A Creative Consultancy

819 North Bel Aire Drive

Burbank, CA 91501

Home office: 818-842-5490

Email: tony@tonylunacreative.com

http://www.tonylunacreative.com

http://www.tonylunacreative.com/blog

Adjunct Professor, Senior Faculty: Art Center College of Design

Author: "How to Grow as a Photographer: Reinventing Your Career" Allworth Press and

"Mastering the Business of Photography: What the Pros Do When They Are Not Taking Incredible Photos" Skyhorse/Allworth Press

Providing support, inspiration and networking for mid-career creative professionals

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