In this #MemberSpotlight, we are thrilled to introduce Vahakn Vorperian, a talented Creative Director whose journey into the creative industry is nothing short of inspiring. From aspiring animator to esteemed retouch artist, Vahakn’s story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.
How did you get into the industry?
I actually wanted to be an animator but my school careers advisor told me that I had to do photography to get onto an animation course. Once I picked up my camera (a Pentax K1000 with a 50mm lens - good times) I realised that I had found a passion. I studied photography and when I graduated, I got a job as a studio assistant at a studio called The Worx in Kings Cross. Luckily, there was a photographer’s agent in the same building so I got to know them and soon became their go-to assistant.
All this time, I was avidly wet printing my photos. At one point, I was asked to be on a TV show about photography and I had a moment of clarity where I was happiest creating prints rather than taking pictures. From that point, I dedicated all my efforts to becoming a retouch artist. I learnt on the job. My first boss would ask if I knew how to retouch a particular way and I’d say yes and then I’d stay in the office overnight learning how to do what I agreed to! I developed from there.
Where are you based now and who do you work for?
My company has recently opened a studio in Cambridge Heath, London. Of course, we have clients in other countries.
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
During my assistant days, I was beginning to be part of an independent film crew and I was the cinematographer. Had it not been for that show, I would have turned my hand to this.
Can you explain your creative process? What makes it unique?
My creative process is not insular. By default, the retouching world has to be collaborative as we are the binding factor bringing together the art director’s concept with the photographer’s pictures. I try to insist that the creative team has a pre-shoot meeting so that we can work out how best to capture the assets we need and I advise the best as I can to make sure we get the best possible library of imagery to work with.
Once I have built the image, my favourite part is colour grading. I like to play around and find a few ways to tell the story of the concept through colour work. Once I’m happy, I’ll share with the wider team of creatives involved where I like to encourage creative dialogue so that we’re not just hitting basic visual notes. I think this is the ideology that sets me and my company apart from the rest.
How would you describe your style?
I don’t have any particular style. I think this would restrict me from working with so many different creatives. It’s less about me and more about finding the right style for the campaign.
Which individuals do you gain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the industry?
When I’m stuck, I always think “What would Stuart do?” Stuart Weston, who sadly passed away a few years ago, was the main photographer I assisted.
He was a powerhouse of creativity and artistry. Every time we were on set, over a 7 year period, I would learn something new about the business or about creativity.
What tips would you give to aspiring creatives looking for work?
My main piece of advice for aspiring creatives is to play with your ideas. Get the basic ones on paper or on screen so that they’re out of the way and then play with the concept. Not enough creatives who claim to take risks actually do take risks. Be a risk taker.
What tips would you give to other professionals to get more clients?
Know your business better than anyone else. Be the voice in the room that knows exactly what can be achieved by your hands. Be open and honest and above everything else - be ready to collaborate!
For example, as AI takes on a bigger role in the creative process, be sure to maintain collaborative workflows because creativity can only be a symbiotic process with other creatives.
What kind of tools/kit/software could you not do without?
A Retouch Artist is nothing without Photoshop of course. But, there are other ways to make stills impactful - After Effect, Davinci Resolve and other app like those are also in my workflow.
What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?
Consume artwork like there’s no tomorrow. Not just the kind of work I produce, but everything from sculpture to VR experiences. I also like to find out about other people’s inspiration and to try and find those notes in my life too.
What’s the work achievement you’re most proud of?
I am 100% proud of the company I am building. In a very short space of time, my company has started to get not just a reputation, but a very good reputation.
It’s taken a big loss in income, a pandemic, a big rise in clients and now we’re set for bigger and better! I can’t wait to see what happens.
What is the one thing that you would change about the industry?
Retouching still has negative connotations - some are justified - BUT, I’m working hard to spread the word that retouch artists are an integral part of the creative image making process.
Any websites, books or resources you would recommend?
Other than Creativepool ;)) I don’t really have any particular website that I can recommend. In terms of books, I love zombie and sci-fi novels and would recommend World War Z for zombies and The Expanse series for sci-fi!
