Andrea Joan
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“As a photo retoucher, I take what comes out of the camera and turn it into what we see with our eye (or what we wished we would see). ”
Cameras are so good these days that they can catch the most minute detail, which is great in a lot of ways, but not so much when it comes to a stray hair, a piece of lint or every pore on someone's face. These are things we don't notice in every day life, so why should they live forever on in a photo? Here is another example: your company is shooting a garment in red that is only going to be made in blue. I can simply change the color of the garment without you having to spend thousands of dollars for a second photoshoot.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
Ever since I can remember, I have had a camera or creating something with my hands. In high school I took my first formal photography class and fell in love. I spent years working on other projects but always played around in PhotoShop. I love that you can create an entirely different mood from what the photo looks like raw. I love the meticulousness of removing wrinkles, sharpening eyes and removing blemishes or wrinkles.
How do you stand out in your field?
I stand out in my field by taking on projects that others have turned down. I am willing to give any project a shot because PhotoShop is such a vast program that almost any photo can get the desired result.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Currently, I am working with a clothing brand retouching photos for lookbooks, e-comm and marketing materials.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Photo retouching is pretty subjective. I don't want to represent one particular style or taste because I want to be able to work with each client to get whatever look they are trying to achieve.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Art! I do watercolor and pen and ink illustrations. Sometimes I wish I could live in a remote part of Italy in a modest villa by the water and paint in solitude. Alas, I love being around people too much for that.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Trying to keep up with adding projects to my portfolio.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
If I could hire someone for $20/hour I would have someone keep my portfolio up to date and grow my social media. Social media feels so daunting at times but such a useful tool.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
GIRLFRIEND. Relax. You will be fine. Tap into your creative side now. Don't worry about that 9-5 life, it's not for you. Trust your gut and while we're on the topic of gut... eat as much cheese as you can because you won't be able to after 21.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Social Media. Seriously, SOS. How do you grow an engaging following? What kinds of content should I be posting? Why is it all so confusing?
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm looking for freelance work with contemporary brands. Retouching skin, clothing, adding a mood to photos. Whatever the client needs!
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal job would be with a client that we can build an ongoing working relationship. I'm always wanting to work with new companies and brands!
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
This depends on what kind of work will be done. More in-depth work will be priced accordingly compared to quick-fixes.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
If someone wants to work with me they should email me at salsburyaj@gmail.com with a budget, a timeline and clear instructions. The last part can be worked out together.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Books, social media, the quiet.
This member profile was originally published in February 2020.