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Check out Tom J. McCoy’s Artwork

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom J. McCoy.

Tom J., we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona, which pretty much any Phoenician will tell you is the most boring suburb in the U.S. Growing up I always had a fascination with cameras, but never really got my hands on one until I was a senior in high school. From that point on, I haven’t been able to stop creating and capturing the life around me. I take every opportunity I can to get away and shoot. I have been making narrative films for about 7 years. I started off just filming what’s around me, but I have since started writing and directing my own content. There isn’t a lot of demand for directors in Arizona, so I have had to adapt and start creating work for myself. I have directed two festival qualifying / award winning shorts. I still really enjoy working anywhere in camera department, especially the role of director of photography. I love the technical and creative challenges of that whole realm.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I try and learn as much as I can, but I primarily work on films or do photography. I constantly feel the need to create and express my ideas in some sort of visual medium. To me, I have to create. It’s what gives me purpose. I believe the message or inspiration for my work changes from project to project. Sometimes I feel it doesn’t really have to have a big meaning other than just trying to make someone feel a certain way. If my work can cause someone to reflect on what I’m trying to say, then I’ve done my job. That’s all that matters to me. I feel like my style is constantly changing in the best ways. I’m always trying new things and experimenting, pushing my comfort zones to explore new possibilities.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
The biggest challenge facing artists today is the under recognition of talent. We live in a world where everything is on your phone and available right this second. A lot of artists find themselves being underpaid or not compensated at all because a lot of people don’t understand the amount of time and energy that goes into creating. It’s a constant struggle trying to break through that resistance and understanding your worth. It can be very discouraging and some artists may find themselves completely giving up. My best advice is really to just keep hustling. If you’re creating, most of the time you’re doing it because you love it. There’s going to be challenges along the way, but that’s all part of the process. It helps to just look back and remember where you started. I do my best to raise others up and encourage creatives to keep hustling and working hard. Helping others succeed will never take away from your own success.

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Most of my work is available on my website the best way to show support is really just to personally contact me. I do my best to get back to everyone. I also help with some community art stuff sometimes. Showing support to the artistic community helps everyone involved.

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Models: Charles Jackson, Brenna Stilwell, Liam Hawley, Mallie Pierson, and Sareen Dominguez.

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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