Michael Newsted
Michael Newsted
Photographer/Art Director
Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, CA
www.michaelnewsted.us
instagram: @michaelnewsted
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am a multi-dimensional/interested artist, spending most of my time with photography, art direction, and design (apparel, interiors, & objects).”
*In that order.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I took a lot of steps backwards. Ha! Or, so it seems that way at times. Honestly, tho, I have learned (and continue to learn) that art/life are completely about the process. My best work- or my favorite work, at least- comes from an instinctual place, a spontaneous place, an almost accidental place at times. Really, I just do my best to not get too heady and overthink things. Rather, I remind myself to simply move from a place that simply feels right, and remember to always trust my gut.
How do you stand out in your field?
When I look at my work as a whole, I see that it carries a singular and synonymous voice. And being that each of us are all too familiarized with the over-saturated-content-world we find ourselves in today, I think that my work's vibrant and sincere singularity is what others discover to be most memorable and apparent in my work.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Right now I'm working on a few projects that I’m super excited about! At the forefront of my energies is creating a new brand that I've been dreaming about for quite some time now- I will be designing clothing, objects, and selling vintage Moroccan rugs among other curated vintage objects. It is a total baby right now, but I am looking forward to watching it grow! I am also currently working on a publication tailored for an ongoing photo project I have been exploring these last two years, titled, "Jesus Was My Boyfriend." Lastly, I am working on planning each a lookbook and in-studio shoot for the lovely women’s lifestyle brand, "Tribe Alive.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My visual perspective and style are steadily spontaneous, pure, timeless, vibrant, and playful. And I’d say the overall aesthetic of my photos is illuminated by the 60’s and 70’s eras, due to my eternal daydreaming of mid-century nostalgia.
WE ALL HAVE MULTIPLE SKILLS OR WORK IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD FOCUS ON MORE?
Me- I wish I could focus more on being purely a designer. Interiors. Clothing. Objects. Art direction. Yes!
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Like many freelancers and friends, I am currently finding it challenging to gather a sustainable regularity of work opportunities. Especially those that both value and carry adequate budget to support my standard pricing.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would have them answer my emails. Done! (Annnnnd also reach out to new clients!)
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I wish I could have told myself that I never need/ed to worry about pleasing everyone. When: When I was 5 years old. Also, now! I am never not learning this lesson. It is a significant lesson to constantly be in the midst of because it frees me up to think and act exactly how I am wired to do so. Namely, how I want. And tho that is completely elementary, it is also so profoundly liberating.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would talk to "said expert" about what the best ways are- for me- to attain work, and to free me up so that I can simply create and focus on making, and not drown in the details.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm looking to take photographs for brands, artists, people, and pretty things. I enjoy producing shoots and I continue to excel in that area. I am also very interested in providing brands/labels/artists with art direction.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal collaboration would be with the legend designer, potter, and overall incredible artist, Jerry Ackerman. He is almost 100 years old and he is still producing art. Charles & Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, and Alexander Girard were just a few of his noteworthy contemporaries at the peak of his career.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Hourly: Standard- $400 ~ Minimum- $250 (Tbd w/supplemental trade)
Day: Standard- $3200 ~ Minimum- $1800 (Tbd w/supplemental trade)
WHO IS A CREATIVE THAT HAS HELPED YOU ELEVATE YOUR WORK?
The first person that comes to mind is my dear friend Bonnie Tsang! She's an incredible woman, artist, and gentle soul. Before I moved out to LA from the great lakes state of Michigan in the summer of 2015, she was supremely encouraging and affirming me of my artistic talents and worth. As a midwesterner, I guess I found her words to be quite powerful. And I still do.
Social: @bonnietsang
Email: hi@bonnietsang.com
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Ha! I love this question. Ugh... how about a classic smily emoji? :)
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Snuggle my dog, Dave. He's a terrier mix. I also shoot hoops, take walks before dinner, walk to TJ's, play the occasional MarioKart, and redecorate my home (all the time).
This member profile was originally published in March 2019.