What do you do to refresh yourself creatively?
It’s easy to feel stuck in a rut when you work in a creative field. Things can begin to feel routine your approach to projects may lack a certain spark that existed just a short while ago. That feeling sucks and it can be hard to shake.
I know it’s time for some introspection when I start to feel myself becoming a stereotype of a crusty g&e guy (we all know the type).
If that ever happens, its time to step back and change my inputs.
“Your vibe attracts your tribe” I like working with talented people that I can continue to learn from. Sometimes a new group of collaborators can help to refresh your approach and implement new skills. Send some cold emails, drink some hot coffee and forge new relationships!
Instead of scrolling on r/cinematography, go to an art museum and look at some paintings. Travel to a new city and do the same. Study the light and colors. Painters are trying to give their flat surface depth through light and shadow and composition (sound familiar?) Paintings from the Dutch Golden Age are particularly striking. Like, these dudes predated Deakins by almost 400 years 🤯
Continuing education is another important input to consider. There are countless resources these days to sharpen your technical skills and stay current on the state of the art. Subscribe to American Cinematographer magazine. Read the Set Lighting Technician’s Handbook (again). Attend an in-person masterclass. Engage in discussions on the Gaffer’s Salon FB page.
Being a freelance creative can be physically and emotionallychallenging. I’ve found that fresh eyes and a good attitude come with periodically changing your inputs to level up your craft.
This setup was outrageously simple. LiteMat 4 Spectrum on a menace arm motivated by the warm lamp in the background. Sheers on the window and some haze in the air. Bingo, baby™️!
Production @lumenati.co
Director @swiney
Producer @cameronjgrimes
Producer @sewhite11
DP @radsconner
AC Kasen Schamaun
2AC @ben_zuckerman
Grip @electric_grenade
Art Tina Gill
Art assist Jeff Erwine
PA @sota.jack
Diagram Master @sidus.link
Tyler Kaschke is a freelance gaffer with G&E and grip truck and sprinter van rentals based in Boulder, Colorado and serving Denver, Golden, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs.
For more information about lighting tips and shooting commercials in Colorado, follow me on Instagram @colorado_gaffer