Micheal Torosyan of
www.lushwebdev.com
www.stver.com
Do you think that creativity is part of human nature or is it
something that must be nurtured and learned? Please explain your
answer.
Actually, I believe that creativity is both part of human nature and
also something that must be learned. The reason for my belief is that
I myself have been creative my whole life in many things but not in
art. When I started designing websites I slowly started creating a
more natural feel for it which still grows until this day.
What made you decide to follow a creative career choice (though
possibly risky) rather than something more stable?
I like to look at my decision of following a creative career choice as
a smart one since the creativity it requires determines the future of
my career. Basically, the web is the future and the only time it gets
better is when designers and developers like me create something new.
What is your inspiration? How has personal experience influenced your
creativity?
My inspiration comes mostly from the works of other artists. Although
everyone has his or her own view on something, another creative mind
might be able to express it more clearly so by taking different
concepts from several works the final product is almost always a good
one
What is your favorite creation? Please explain why you selected this one.
My favorite creation is definitely Armenian Radio Stver (stver.com)
since it combines all of my expertise into a compact website that
allows users from all over the world who may not even know how to use
the computer well to enjoy with ease. Not only do I listen to my own
radio while I work, I get emails every week from people who thank me
for helping them get through the day with my site. That alone makes me
proud.
What do you wish to accomplish with your art?
I wish to have my art and talent create premium content on the web for
the Armenian community.
How do you know when a piece or project is finished and needs no
additional work?
Although I might think something is complete when I am designing it I
always make sure to ask for the opinion of my friends and family to
add the final touches and really make it a masterpiece.
Have you ever been faced with negative feedback? How was this
reflected in your work, if at all?
Of course I have, I am faced with negative feedback everyday. When I
first started, I didn't take it well since I took pride in my work and
having someone criticize it did not feel good. Now I look at it as
constructive criticism and as a way to improve my work.
What impact do you think that commercialism and the media has had on
your work? Is this good or bad?
The media has impacted my work greatly since it always gives me more
ideas. Someone might look at a billboard to find the release date of a
movie, but I look at it from the eyes of the designer and what he/she
might have wanted to express through the work.
Are you a fan of cartoons? If so, what is your favorite one?
I am in fact a fan of cartoons but not in a way where it influences my
work or designs. I enjoy watching Family Guy and South Park.
What is playing in your CD player/Ipod right now?
As of now, my iPod consists of 98% Armenian music, and the rest Hip-Hop or Rap.
If you had to be any of these things, which would you like to be?
a) a member of the opposite sex, b) a clock, c) a pair of shoes, d) a duck
Please explain your choice.
From the choices given, I would like to be a pair of shoes. I am sure
many people might want to be a member of the opposite sex but we're
all humans and we can figure things out without experiencing them. I
would like to be a pair of shoes because shoes go where we go. I might
be a lucky pair and be on the feet of someone who climbs Mt. Everest
or does something else amazing.
If you only had 24 hours to live, how would you spend your day?
If I only had 24 hours to live I would enjoy it with my friends and
family, the people who matter the most to me.
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Interview With a Creative Genius
Kris of Kris Kan Photography
www.KrisKan.com
When was the first time that you remember realizing that you are a
creative person?
When I was five, watching my parents looking down at me in
disbelieving a picture that I drew. But I was a naive kid back then, who
just loved art in general.
When did you know that this was what you wanted to do with your life?
How did you get started?
My third year being an apprentice for a well experienced studio. That is
when I knew that photography was what I wanted to do with my life.
I got started with a highly knowledgeable photographer, who was willing to
take me under his wings and show me the lifestyle of a visual artist.
What traits, if any, do you think that creative people have as
compared to people who are not creative?
Creative people in my opinion see things totally different from people
who are not creative. I feel that you need to be very open minded, in order
to be as creative as you can.
Do believe that your training has influenced what you create?
I truly believe that my training influenced me to this day. Its very
important to get some kind of training, It helps you focus on
yourself. Most of all, makes you understand what your getting yourself into.
Have you ever felt that your personal expectations have limited your
creativity? If so, how have you dealt with this?
I have never felt that my personal expectations have limited my ability
to be creative. That is actually a fear that a true creative person would
have. I think If I ever felt that way, I would move on to doing something
different. Maybe staying away would spark up a new idea and bring back all
the creativity.
Have other people supported or inspired you? Please explain.
Inspiration plays a big role in my life in general. I feel that in order
to inspire, you need to be inspired. The value of inspiration is priceless,
and unlimited. Many, Many people and things have inspired me to be more
creative. If I had to name everyone and everything that has inspired me. It
would take up a huge amount of space. My family has been the biggest support
in my life. I know that if I didnt have the strong solid support of my
family, I wouldnt be able to do what I love.
How have you dealt with any criticism you have gotten because of your
creative endeavors?
I have dealt with many criticism with my creative attempts. There are so
many different kinds of people. Its very natural to criticize someone who is
creative. But I feel that criticizing with knowledge is most important then
without. I always take a negative criticism and flip it into a positive one.
Do you ever feel that you have to censor your creativity because you
don't want to offend anyone?
I think a true creative individual should never censor anything. I have
never felt censoring my work was the right thing to do. I feel that Its
useless to censor something that is creative.
Do you do anything special to get your "creative juices"
flowing? Please explain.
I do a lot of things to get my creative juices flowing. I listen to a lot
of different kinds of music. Watching a really good directed movie is always
a must. Going to art shows, and having the artist explain the work that they
did is always a plus. But most important from my experience. A healthy diet
with exercise, and a full night sleep will make a huge difference.
Does your work convey a specific emotion or message?
My work specific a lot of different emotions, with messages. The one
major emotion would have to be love. The most positive feeling that a human
can have. Which in my opinion is very powerful. And we all know that love
reflects a lot of messages.
If you could be any object, what would you be? Why?
If I had to be an object I would choose to be a picture frame. It would
be a blessing for me to hold a picture, a moment, a memory. For a person to
share with themselves or with someone else.
What are your words of wisdom for someone starting out in your field?
First recognize that this is what you truly want to do with your life.
Second take the first step and get inspired. Never be satisfied with the
amount of work you have produced. Always look for improvements in yourself
to clime higher. Take risks that will identify yourself as a true creative
person. And make sure you love what you do. Let it fulfill your life with
happiness.