Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Linville.
Hi Mark, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my visual and artistic journey in 2017. What started as a post-college brainstorming concept quickly became a consistent collaboration with fellow artists in my community. Initially, I created a small business model geared toward freelance bookings for client-directed photo shoots. Before this, I would fill my time with odd jobs in graphic design.
After a few less-than-ideal transactions, I realized that photography was better suited as my passion, and I did not want to lose it in pursuing a “side hustle.” My decision to shift gears proved enjoyable as I began to network with several individuals who either worked in social media, were hobbyists, or were hoping to start a career in the performing arts. This newly established circle allowed me to explore the inner workings of Instagram and other social media platforms. Even though I have yet to become an expert, social media was presented as an opportunity to find an audience that would appreciate what I had created.
In 2018, I established my freelance company called Marco Adam Design. While it seems like a business, it is more akin to a passion project that allows me to adapt to the ever-changing trends of photography and the visual arts world. I am proud to say that it has taken me to places that I thought I would never have. A few examples are fashion panels, runways, and, most recently, an international modeling pageant. I explored various art mediums during my developmental years, even singing and woodwind instruments. However, I was mostly taken with the more tangible and visual. As a young illustrator, I was inspired to recreate character designs, as practice, from my favorite JPRGs and video games. In high school, I discovered SLR cameras and HD video; the rest is history.
Now, in the present day, I am working to emerge from a forced hiatus following the 2020 pandemic. Like many facets of the world, my efforts were ended by the unfortunate shock to reality. Evidently, I could no longer operate as a mobile local photographer. Many years later, I am proud that Marco Adam Design is back!
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I couldn’t find any smooth road to be rewarding. I faced many struggles along the way. Aside from the 2020 pandemic, I encountered the common obstacles that many artists face. Financially, as a restaurant prep cook and bar back, it was an extreme challenge to purchase quality equipment and software; regardless, I made it work. I consistently used the industry standards, such as Photoshop, Canon, and MacBook hardware, all ideal for photography. My audience, or lack thereof, was an obstacle. I struggled to find a sound footing in my hometown’s freelance market of Kansas City, Mo. I recall going to numerous businesses and throwing my business card anywhere it would stick. I would even sneak my card onto bulletin boards, and host stands whenever I saw them. I found that technological advancements, mainly smartphones, were obstacles. Every generation of phones presented more advanced cameras, eliminating the need for a small-time photographer. Finally, my biggest obstacle is myself. Call it self-doubt, artist’s block, or a lack of imagination; I will always be my most prominent critic. When I get behind my camera, I capture thousands of photos during my shoots. I am lucky if I find 10 that I find presentable.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a freelance photographer, or that’s how I spin it. I am an ever-developing artist who never wants to stop learning. I am known for my freelance passion project, Marco Adam Design. Through this project, I aim to create visual art through collaboration with artists in any medium. I plan to use these collaborations to explore the person and what makes them unique. I am most proud of the consistent support from my collaborators and everyone in my life. An artist hopes their creations are respected and appreciated, and I have earned that through my ventures. As a photographer, my “eye” is what makes me different. I am proud that my images are not comparable to today’s “selfies” or timeline posts. I strive to apply a practical and editorial vantage that sets me apart from what you see on Instagram.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those just starting.
Hmm, this one is challenging. Over the years, a few of my mantras have been, “Finish what you’ve started,” “Get in your head and get to know yourself, but don’t stay too long.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/marcoadamdesign
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-linville-9b43b92b
Image Credits
All images taken and created by Mark Linville (Marco Adam Design)
