Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Listen to Richard’s podcast by Clicking on the button above, or use your mobile podcast Apple on Apple Podcast, Google Play, Spotify, or Stitcher.
Richard Thompson is a creative director & photographer in Los Angeles, California whose body of work includes automotive projects with marques such as BMW, Bentley, Chevrolet, Lexus, Mercedes Benz, Pagani Automobili, and a variety of personal projects focused on classic cars. He attended The Savannah College of Art and Design and it was at a race track down the road while he was shooting cars, where the drivers first asked if his images were for sale. Richard’s deep technical knowledge from his passion for cars extends to the camera and these skills became complementary, uniting production know-how with an innate appreciation for detail in order to get the most out of every shot. You’ll find his images in major automotive magazines, manufacturer advertisements, and in art publications around the world.
SHOW SPONSORS
Covercraft • MetronGarage • Bonanza • Christopher Kimball Financial Services
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE
Nothing in the World can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan “press on” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race. -Calvin Coolidge
CAREER & LIFE CHALLENGES
I’ve been in LA about 5 years really trying to focus on photography. It’s easy to find yourself in a position of personal disillusionment in the creative business. Outwardly, I had the appearance of doing very well, but internally, not feeling so well. Looking around on the Internet seeing so many things, but yet much of the same things. For anyone who cares about the quality of what they’re doing, they have to step out of the box and try to generate new things. I had to realize why I came to LA, which was to further my artistic ability because it’s one of the greatest creative commercial art markets in the world. For me, I’ve taken a serious personal audit of my artwork, my technical skill set, my client base, and finding new directions to take those things in. You have to go where other people can’t follow you and improvise a perspective that’s yours.
FIRST SPECIAL VEHICLE
I owned a Nissan 350Z in the year it came out, which was 2002 or 2003, and I modified it tremendously. It was the only sports car I ever owned.
BEST AUTOMOTIVE ADVICE
Be consistent in your behavior, and you will never have a problem.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCE
RECOMMENDED BOOK
WHERE TO FIND RICHARD
Your opinion matters and I will greatly appreciate your support.
If you enjoyed this show, please go to Apple Podcast and leave me a five-star review. That would help tremendously in getting the word out and help others to be inspired by Cars Yeah.