Explore Create Repeat
Online magazine published by 4ormat providing insight and inspiration to the creative community.
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ECR Interviews: Yan Bleney
30 Jan 2013
With work exhibiting a keen affinity for French Classicism, it’s no surprise to discover that Yan Bleney is based out of Montreal and Paris. In this interview he reveals a personality not unlike other notable French artists - elusive but not aloof - all the while exposing his inner romantic.
The Dangers of Writing Off Millennials
13 Dec 2012
Aiming to end what he dubs the "internship mentality", ECR contributor Sean Minogue outlines the risks associated with companies abandoning full-time positions for creatives. He argues that the way to combat economic downturn in the creative industries is to create long-term, sustainable careers to spur on innovation and entrepreneurship amongst the Millennial generation.
ECR Interviews: Flavien Prioreau
05 Dec 2012
Flavien Prioreau is a Parisian photographer whose client roster includes Samsung, French fashion magazine "Le Bonbon", and noodle-house Wagamama. His style is classic, drawing influence from such esteemed names as Edward Hopper and Helmut Newton.
ECR Interviews: Kara Baird
21 Nov 2012
Kara Baird is an Australian photographer and filmmaker with a long list of awards under her belt, having won competitions around the globe. In this interview, she speaks about her propensity towards staged shots, the technique of light-painting, and the challenges of being both a producer and creative at once.
ECR Interviews: Wenzel Templeton
14 Nov 2012
Wenzel Templeton embodies the spirit of the multimedia artist. A photographer, illustrator, and musician, his work spans the spectrum. ECR asks him about everything from his name to the impending zombie apocalypse.
ECR Interviews: Anthony Peters
07 Nov 2012
Anthony Peters is the graphic designer and illustrator behind Imeus Design. Based in the UK, his past clients include GQ, the 2012 Olympics, Warner Bros. and more.
ECR Interviews: Jessica Bogart
15 Oct 2012
Jessica Bogart is a Strategic Designer whose client roster spans a wide range of products and brands. With a focus on creative problem solving, her approach to design is one of integration and thinking outside of the box. Her latest labor of love, a children's iPad app which re-imagines the Hansel and Gretel fairy-tale, exemplifies her alternative and whimsical approach to brand and product development.
ECR Interviews: Nick Aitken
26 Sep 2012
Nick Aitken has spent the past 16 years working as a stylist. Recently taking up photography, he is already turning out amazing work. In this ECR Interview we ask Nick about how he came to start taking photos, the benefits of living in San Francisco, and what makes a good model.
ECR Interviews: Adam Garelick
12 Sep 2012
Adam Garelick is an architectural, portrait, and street photographer based in New York City. In this interview, we ask him about his choice to shoot film, his experiences at Occupy Wall Street, and his favourite photo of all time.
ECR Interviews: Mike Raven
06 Sep 2012
ECR interviews 4ormat user Mike Raven. Mike talks about the UK fashion industry, discusses his love for studio shoots, and reveals which celebrity, alive or dead, he'd love the chance to snap.
4ormat Loves CreativeMornings
30 Aug 2012
4ormat is proud to announce our support of the CreativeMornings Kickstarter project. CreativeMornings aims to establish a comprehensive video archive of their lectures which will serve as an enduring resource for the creative community for years to come.
Rethinking Your Career Arc
22 Aug 2012
ECR contributor Sean Minogue uses The Atlantic writer Anne-Marie Slaughter's article "Why Women Still Can't Have it All" as a springboard to investigate contemporary discourse on achieving work-life balance.
The New Black: Why Having Your Work Ripped Is Great For Business
15 Aug 2012
ECR Contributor Erika Jarvis investigates the phenomenon of extensive copying within the fashion industry, where garments and designs are not protected by copyright laws. Surprisingly, this atmosphere of open-faced imitation has helped to foster the careers of various designers rather than hinder them.
ECR Interviews: Nirrimi Firebrace
31 Jul 2012
Nirrimi Firebrace is an immensely talented young fashion photographer, and ECR had the good fortune to get in a short interview with her in between her busy schedule of travelling, shooting and being a mother to her daughter, Alba.
The Pros and Cons of Drinking the Kool-Aid
18 Jul 2012
As a creative in an office environment, it is often easiest to bite one's tongue rather than voice a critical opinion and rock the boat. ECR contributing writer Sean Minogue points out that - like in Jonestown - always following the leader can lead one down a grisly path.
Sole Trader: The Social Pitfalls of Working Alone
10 Jul 2012
ECR contributor Erika Jarvis delves into the social morass of freelance work, providing insightful tips to avoid the personal decay that can stem from working in isolation.
ECR Interviews: Chris Judge
04 Jul 2012
Irish Illustrator Chris Judge took time out of his busy schedule to do this interview with ECR. He shared his thoughts on the emergence of children's content on platforms like the iPad, his experience as an illustration educator, and the importance of finding one's work / life balance amidst a hectic schedule.
Project Management Tools for Freelancers
27 Jun 2012
As a freelancer working on contract or for yourself, many of the conventional organizational and time-management structures one finds in an office setting are absent. By using project management tools as a freelancer, you’ll enhance your reputation as being organized, timely and accurate.
ECR Interviews: Nicole S. Young
20 Jun 2012
Nicole S. Young is a photographer, photography writer and blogger, as well as an accredited Photoshop professional. Her blog is a source of inspiration for many, and ECR had the opportunity to catch up with her to discuss the current state of Photoshop, the value of Google+ for photographers and more.
Free to Fail: The Pitfalls of Working Pro-Bono
12 Jun 2012
With an ever-more competitive job market for creative freelancers, the idea of doing work for free has become more palatable for many. While there are cases where pro-bono work can serve you, it is important to remember that putting a price on your work helps maintain a professional relationship, not to mention your quality of life.
ECR Interviews: Colin Lenton
05 Jun 2012
ECR had the opportunity to interview Philadelphia photographer Colin Lenton, who's portrait and photojournalism work has yielded steady clientele and critical praise. Colin gave us great answers to questions ranging from the nature of finding one's life/work balance; to the techniques involved to create fantastic natural-looking portraits.
ECR Interviews: This is Them
23 May 2012
ECR talks shop with Amsterdam-come-New Zealand graphic design shop This Is Them; wherein the duo of Klaasz and Floor speak about their design experience, affinity for working with cultural products, and the special place music finds in their work.
ECR Interviews: Nordem Hirst
16 May 2012
In this live interview conducted May 03, 2012, ExploreCreateRepeat sat down with Toronto fashion designer Nordem Hirst to talk about education, entrepreneurship and the evolving role of social media in the fashion industry.
Getting The Most Out Of Your Summer Interns
08 May 2012
With the impending summer season nearly upon us, students at colleges and universities are eagerly searching for internships to fill out their CVs. This article by ECR contributor Matthew Terry explores the best practices for finding, hiring and managing your summer interns, and how to ensure you both get the most out of the experience.
Social Promotion for Your Photography Business
26 Apr 2012
With an ever-expanding number of social networks, the art of self-promotion is becoming increasingly nuanced. ECR contributor Mike Drach guides you through the process of getting your photography business out there with tips for each of the major players.
Google Photography Prize Announces Finalists
19 Apr 2012
The Google Photography Prize is a photo competition open to students of higher education worldwide. From over 20,000 submissions, 10 finalists have been selected to have their work exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery in London.
"It's over in terms of film."
10 Apr 2012
In this interview, award-winning director and cinematographer Phedon Papamichael forecasts the death of 35mm at the hands of digital systems and HDSLR cameras.
ECR Interviews: Edward Linsmier
02 Apr 2012
Edward Linsmier is a multidisciplinary photographer whose work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Stern Magazine amongst others. With a background in photojournalism and documentary photography, Linsmier expounds on everything from his special relationship with Haiti to the observer / participant nature of capturing images.
Sunshine: A Glimpse At A Modern Day "Mad Man"
30 Mar 2012
Directed, photographed and edited by Doug Nichol, this short documentary follows an American advertising producer in Shanghai on his quest to sell McDonald's to China.
ECR Interviews: Sara Collaton
27 Mar 2012
In our latest interview, we connect with Toronto photographer Sara Collaton. Sara talks about her experience with concert photography, her favourite gear, and her opinions on camera apps for mobile devices.
Smithsonian Announces 9th Annual Photo Contest Finalists
15 Mar 2012
The Smithsonian has announced the finalists of its ninth annual photography contest. With over 13,000 applicants, the finalists span categories ranging from photo-manipulation to Americana.
Framing the Aisle: Tips for Wedding Photographers
08 Mar 2012
Matt Terry lends his wisdom to newcomers to the field of wedding photography, including points on drafting a contract, equipment redundancy... and what to do if you fall in a fountain.
The Guggenheim Reveals 2012-2013 Schedule
06 Mar 2012
The Guggenheim has revealed its exhibition schedule through Spring 2013, including offerings from Picasso, Dijkstra and Kandinsky.
2012 World Press Photo Awards
04 Mar 2012
Amsterdam-based World Press Photo has announced their 2012 World Press Photo Awards.
ECR Interviews: Caitlin Cronenberg
23 Feb 2012
Caitlin Cronenberg talks with ECR about her latest project The Endings, a book of short stories told through still photos documenting the end of romantic relationships. She tells us about what brought her to photography, and the importance of context in the presentation of one's work.
Tablets For Presentations: A Tabula Rasa
16 Feb 2012
The ubiquitous "big black bag" is the conventional presentation tool for the visual artist; it serves to transport whatever different media you require in the original format and dimensions your work was created in. While this is a tried and true method, the introduction of tablets like the iPad have added a new class of tool to your repertoire.
ECR Interviews: JD Howell
25 Jan 2012
JD Howell tells ECR about his experiences finding beauty in the mundane, his novel use of an iPad and HD projector, and keeping cool when shoots dissolve.
Deconstructing Constructive Criticism
19 Jan 2012
Matt Terry investigates the nature of constructive criticism in this piece for ECR. Within, he provides insight on both giving and taking criticism as well as detailing the importance of critique in the creative process.
Multidisciplinary You
29 Dec 2011
It has been said that there will never be another Da Vinci; we've pushed the limits of human knowledge to such an extent that most new discoveries are made in highly specific areas of highly specific fields. True as this may be, we have also learned to limit ourselves by thinking it is better to be a master of one profession than a tinkerer in many.
ECR Interviews: Terry Ratzlaff
20 Dec 2011
Terry Ratzlaff is a photographer whose ethos dictates he be a part of the moment to best capture it. In his words: "a good image is a good image no matter the camera. Don't get caught up in the technological hype, instead get caught up in the moment."
ECR Interviews: Pierre dal Corso
14 Dec 2011
We speak with Pierre Dal Corso, Parisian fashion photographer in this ECR Interview. Pierre speaks about his thoughts on post-production, his love of real skin tones and his desire to portray his models as powerful figures.
ECR Interviews: Cristina Viscu
08 Dec 2011
Born in the U.S.S.R. and having moved to the U.S. in 2006 at the age of 15, Cristina Viscu is a fashion photographer with a distinctive style. She gives ECR her insights on the nature of working in the fashion industry, the challenges of imparting a portrait with emotion, and quotes Richard Bach for inspiration.
Correct Use of Social Media for Freelancers
01 Dec 2011
The rise of social media has changed the way freelancers work in ways unimaginable only a few years ago. No longer limited to cold calls, word-of-mouth and expensive paid advertising, freelancers now have an extensive suite of tools at their disposal.
The Designed Life
24 Nov 2011
The most significant choices in our lives involve where we live, who we live with, and how we spend our time. Though external constraints influence our decisions (income, illness, family, love), we may easily say that life is designed, that it is in fact quite deliberate; decisions we make today reflect our values and interests, incrementally shaping a larger picture of how others perceive us.
SEO for Creative Professionals
15 Nov 2011
You know that you're the best at whatever you do - writing, photography, design, etc. - and everyone should want to hire you. But can they find you? While the realities of the 21st century mean you may not have a physical location for your business, you should certainly have an online property.
ECR Interviews: Benjamin Kwan
08 Nov 2011
Benjamin Kwan is a Vancouver-based photographer specializing in fashion, editorial and commercial photography. His work has appeared in Hacid Mag, Cellardoor, E-Merge Mag and others. We ask Benjamin about what brought him to photography; his methodology and equipment; as well as getting his take on the value of 35mm.
ECR Interviews: Greta Rybus
01 Nov 2011
In this interview, photographer Greta Rybus reveals her opinions on photography as a mode of dialogue, the intersection of anthropology and photography, the reasons she engaged the craft and quotes George Rodgers to provide inspiration for others in her field.
Designers That Write
26 Oct 2011
Design and writing are communication mediums, and both usually have restraints; a client asks a designer to solve a specific problem, and writers use a voice and length appropriate to a publication. Successful design and writing move people to action or to understanding. In process, both design and writing are crafts of refinement, the results of a thousand decisions made one after another.
Microproductivity: Not a Second Wasted
26 Sep 2011
When the clock strikes 5:00, or 6:00, or 11:30 - whenever it happens to be that you deem your work day over, relief is often had through disconnecting - from your workplace, your clients or from whatever project is occupying your thoughts.
School's Out. Learn it yourself.
07 Sep 2011
You're never done learning. It may sound like a disheartening fact, but it can be a powerful mantra. Here are a few simple ways to integrate lifelong learning into your routine.
Stop Doing the Thing that Makes You Powerless
18 Aug 2011
There is one thing, one very important concept, that drives many of our professional decisions. It is not usually embraced by those at the top of the corporate ladder or those at the forefront of innovation but rather by the huge workforce somewhere in the middle.
The Art of Personal Networking
10 Aug 2011
Face-to-face communication is the most natural and powerful form of interaction. Knowing how to meet, influence, and connect with people is a crucial skill in any time or place. By following these simple networking tips, you'll be able to unlock the opportunities and experiences that only other people can offer you.
Maintenance: the Creative Process Needs to be Taken Care Of
02 Aug 2011
As creative people, our ability to create is our asset, it makes us who we are and affects how we see the world. To be able to create on-demand however, can be a grueling process day in and day out, that over time it begins to wear on us, and affects our ability to do so.
Tackling Creative Roadblocks
20 Jul 2011
Your deadline is looming. You need to deliver a tangible solution — something worthy of your considerable talents. But you find yourself devoid of ideas. Your mind is a total blank, and you’re losing motivation. It’s every creative professional’s nightmare. Relax. Take a deep breath. You can get through these creative roadblocks by using some tried and true methods.
Finding And Keeping a Mentor
12 Jul 2011
Along with food and lodging, an apprentice historically received the skills they needed to prosper in their careers through a close working relationship with a Master, an experienced tradesman or tradeswoman. In return Masters received inexpensive and reliable labor from their apprentice.
Time Management for Creative Minds
28 Jun 2011
If you’ve ever missed a deadline or had to pull a red-eyed all-nighter, you’ve probably wished there were more hours in a day. While you can’t pull a Superman and slow the Earth’s rotation, you can learn to use your time more effectively.
An Inspired Design Practice (Without Design)
02 May 2011
Go pick up a paintbrush – or a pencil or a camera. Do anything with your hands that isn't typing or clicking. Here's how, and why, to step out of a routine and into something new.
Want a creative workspace? Take Plato's Advice
24 Apr 2011
“Then beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity...” —Plato
Making it as a Creative Freelancer: Online Portfolio Tools You Need to Use
18 Mar 2011
You’re creative. You’re talented. You want the world to see who you are and what you can do. But the world’s a big place, and it’s hard to stand out. If people can’t see your work, they won’t come knocking at your door.