WELD Artist of the Week: JerSean Golatt

Career: Photographer | Graphic Designer | Creative Director
Website: www.jerseanphotography.com
Mantra: Enjoy and seek the best and beauty in everything!
Interview by: Kristin Read

What challenges you most about being around other artists?

Working around other artists has personally been a good career challenge. It’s not just the talents that come from the artists that surround me that are inspiring, but also their lifestyles, and how we’re able to interact together in that space. I feel like sometimes that speaks more volume than ones work. For example, working around other artists pushes me to be more useful of my time not working—instead, being more attentive of my surroundings, and constantly searching for inspiration from the world around me. There are artists that grab so much inspiration from not working, that when they get to it, they just crank it out.

What do you think your biggest break or greatest opportunity has been thus far in your career?

Since I graduated high school, I’ve been working as a freelance photographer, and quote, end quote, graphic designer. However, in early 2012 I was offered the position of Creative Director at a long boarding company. I consider it a break as it freed me up financially to do what I really want to do—lifestyle fashion, editorial fashion. But what I didn’t realize when I took the position was that I’d be traveling to places out of this world, and that I had no clue existed. In 2012, I flew to more states than I have ever been to. The biggest traveling year of my life happened all because I took a chance in assuming a Creative Director title.

As an artist, how would you define success?

A state of joy—with what you’ve done and what you’re doing in every moment. Because sometimes you’ll feel like you’re in a rut, and others you feel as if you’ve found your groove. In my eyes, being successful means you’re joyful at whatever it is you find yourself doing. And honestly, when I know I did the best I possibly could on a project—even if no one else likes it—I would buy it, then I’m happy. Then I’m successful.

Do you have any hidden talents we should all know about?

I DJ. I did it a lot before working full-time as a graphic designer and photographer. Then, it was then an escape from work and something I was good at.

Also, I used to rap in a group named Xcel.We got together right out of high school. It’s funny now, but then we were pretty serious. We came out with four CD’s—don’t ask me for music, because you won’t get it. I use it as an icebreaker on dates.

What advice would you give to an aspiring photographer/designer?

Firstly, don’t procrastinate! Wake up and stay up. I feel like sleep kills. Everything I missed out on in life has been because I was sleeping. Learn to wake up early, and get stuff done. Secondly, don’t concern yourself with the careers of others. If someone likes your style, offer him or her tips. If I were doing something wrong or ineffectively, I’d want others to share advice, or invite me to their next shoot for pointers. Don’t be the photographer that acts very territorial over your style. Never think you have a “secret”—there’s no secret in taking pictures.

What would you like carved onto your tombstone?

He loved God, he loved life, he loved people…and sleep.