Meet Matt Blum | Photographer & Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matt Blum and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matt, can you tell us about an impactful book you’ve read and why you liked it or what impact it had on you?
One of my favorite books of all time is “Exit Here.” by Jason Myers. It was the first book I read that really contextualized the underground music scene in a way that I felt was authentic, without attempting to condemn or glamorize anything; the story is told is from a matter-of-fact point of view. Something that’s also incredibly interesting to me about Myers’ writing is that all of his books seem to exist within the same universe, without necessarily being related to one another. For example, in one of his subsequent novels, he mentions a “super famous” band that was just getting their feet off the ground in a different one of his books– it’s almost an Easter Egg for the real fans, since you don’t need that context to understand the story, but it just helps to build a fuller world.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
If I had to choose one thing that I think sets me apart from others, I would love for that to be authenticity. In this current climate of constantly posting, etc., it’s near impossible to not compare yourself to other creators. We have to do our best to create art in a vacuum, in attempt to create something that is truly inspired and original (not to say that I’m not constantly inspired by other artists, because I certainly am!).

Along those same lines, over the years, I’ve learned that authenticity really is the key piece of making compelling art– if you’re trying to replicate something someone else has done, you will always fall flat. I think we, as artists, are all subject to trends, especially with social media, but it’s so important that we focus on the quality of the art, rather than the amount of likes it may receive. I want to make art that makes people feel something– I’d much rather get 10 likes from people who really intentionally clicked the like button, rather than 100 likes from a passive audience. Art is supposed to make you feel, make you think and make you inspired, all qualities I hope my art provokes in others.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh, wow. This is tough one, because I’m constantly inspired by people all around me! However, when it comes to my passion of photography, I’d have to first shout out my Grandfather on my mom’s side (Ed) and my Grandmother on my dad’s side (Sandy); he worked in television his entire career (earned an Emmy for “Elizabeth the Queen” in 1968) and she was always following us all around with a camera, constantly snapping some of my favorite memories.

As far as the person who I want to dedicate this specific shoutout to, it would definitely have to be my best friend, Kat Saul. She and I first connected via mutual friends on Instagram several years ago, and immediately, she not only supported me, but lifted me up when I really needed it. I can confidently say that I would not have continued down this path without her. She has given me confidence and freedom in my art, which I am eternally grateful for.

Website: www.mattblum.photography

Instagram: @_mattblum