VSCO, digital photography’s probably leading solution for the emulation of film, wants you to live the artist in you and get a scholarship of the $1,000,000 Artist Initiative. The initiative is a fund providing photographers the resources to pursue their creative vision. It honors art and artist by discovering, funding, advising and promoting creatives from all corners of the globe.
This initiative, says VSCO, is about all of us, the creative community, banding together for the sake of beauty and doing what we love. It’s about pouring every ounce of blood, sweat and tears into something worth believing in. It’s about the power of art for art’s sake and the belief that a photo can change perspectives, moods and lives.
VSCO is initiating this worldwide movement for the love of craft and community. Anyone with a feel and gift for photography is welcome and can apply. But there’s a catch. You first have to be an active members of the VSCO creative community. Before you apply, you’ll have to download VSCO Cam, available for iOS and Android, and then start your very own VSCO Grid.
VSCO wants you to share your work, to be involved. Its Grid is a minimalist publishing platform for displaying curated collections of mobile photography.
The VSCO Film Pack, on the other hand, is not your average film emulation. VSCO is not about hitting a preset button and getting it all done by itself. VSCO is about fine-tuning and personal preferences. Yet it’s considered the gold standard of all available applications.
It goes without saying that working with VSCO solutions is a creative process in itself. Add the rich visual microcosms available on the company’s website, just to mention the Journal with reportages and features.
Now this Artist Initiative, some photographers are already recipients who document their ideation and creation process on VSCO Grid, with the end result sold via VSCO’s store and physical gallery exhibitions. Profits are divided between the artist and a reinvestment in the Initiative, enabling future projects for other artists. In this manner, the creative community can build a growing and sustainable movement built upon principles of integrity and artistry.
The initiative is a continuous effort. It depends how much money is allocated towards each project. The scholarship amount varies for every project, based on factors such as scope of project, location and timeline.
After you have submitted your application, these criteria are vital to be selected:
- The project has the potential for positive social and artistic impact.
- The project is unique and interesting.
- The budget is reasonable.
- The applicant displays passion, initiative and creativity.
If selected, VSCO will supply financial and creative resources, mentorship and promotional resources. Scroll down on the initiative’s microsite. The listed recipients and their work give a pretty good idea if this competition is down your alley or not.
Check out the amazing portfolios of Josh Wool or Leo Martinez. Great stuff, but not unachievable for many of THEME’s readers.
Over to you now. Tell a good story, and you’re in. Good luck!