S23 E227 Michael James O'Brien - SCAD Photography Chairman
03/13/25 • 62 min
Today, Lauren and Traci are talking to Michael James O'Brien, a photographer, teacher, curator, activist, and writer.
Michael is an acclaimed photographer and poet known for his wide-ranging work, from still lifes and portraits to commercial and fine art photography. He earned his MFA from Yale University in the 1970s, studying under Walker Evans, and later taught at Kenyon College and the New School. Currently, he serves as Chairman of the Photography Department at the Savannah College of Art and Design.
In 1993, O'Brien began a collaboration with artist Matthew Barney, creating a photographic counterpart to Drawing Restraint 7 and the Cremaster cycle, exhibited at the Musée Moderne in Paris and the Guggenheim in New York. His work has been featured in The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, L’Uomo Vogue, and Elle Décor, as well as in campaigns for Bergdorf Goodman, Ralph Lauren, and Thierry Mugler.
You can see Michael's years of incredible work on his website. Make sure to follow him on Instagram to keep up with his life and journey!
THE HIGH-EARNING WOMEN PODCASTThis podcast empowers high-earning women to make informed financial decisions and thrive.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.
Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!
---
Tech/Project Management Tools (*these are affiliate links)
Buzzsprout*
Airtable*
17hats*
Zoom
Podcast Mic*
Today, Lauren and Traci are talking to Michael James O'Brien, a photographer, teacher, curator, activist, and writer.
Michael is an acclaimed photographer and poet known for his wide-ranging work, from still lifes and portraits to commercial and fine art photography. He earned his MFA from Yale University in the 1970s, studying under Walker Evans, and later taught at Kenyon College and the New School. Currently, he serves as Chairman of the Photography Department at the Savannah College of Art and Design.
In 1993, O'Brien began a collaboration with artist Matthew Barney, creating a photographic counterpart to Drawing Restraint 7 and the Cremaster cycle, exhibited at the Musée Moderne in Paris and the Guggenheim in New York. His work has been featured in The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, L’Uomo Vogue, and Elle Décor, as well as in campaigns for Bergdorf Goodman, Ralph Lauren, and Thierry Mugler.
You can see Michael's years of incredible work on his website. Make sure to follow him on Instagram to keep up with his life and journey!
THE HIGH-EARNING WOMEN PODCASTThis podcast empowers high-earning women to make informed financial decisions and thrive.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.
Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!
---
Tech/Project Management Tools (*these are affiliate links)
Buzzsprout*
Airtable*
17hats*
Zoom
Podcast Mic*
Previous Episode
S23 E226 Keith Gentile and Lynn Kyle - Agency Access
Today Lauren and Traci are talking to Keith Gentile and Lynn Kyle of Agency Access!
Keith found his passion for business and marketing early in life. He started at Agency Access as a researcher, where his natural talent quickly became evident. Seeing his potential, the company's owner gave him the opportunity to develop its Sales and Marketing department. In 2000, Keith took a leap and bought the company, transforming his industry knowledge into a lasting venture!
Lynn, the Creative Consultant at Agency Access, has collaborated with photographers and clients nationwide, offering expertise in estimating, negotiating, production, photo editing, marketing consulting, and project management. Today, she leverages her deep industry knowledge to provide strategic guidance and real-world solutions to her clients.
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Since 1996, Agency Access has helped photographers grow their businesses by connecting them with key industry decision-makers. Their platform provides up-to-date listings of Art Producers, Creative Directors, and Photo Editors, complete with verified contact details and direct links to LinkedIn and social media. With powerful tools like cross-lookup for targeting dream clients and a private CRM for organizing connections, Agency Access streamlines outreach to save you time and stress.
With a fully functional 14-day free trial, you can explore their directory and start building your list of dream clients today. As a special offer for Focus on Women listeners, get 30% off any membership—just use code WOMEN at sign-up.
Start your free trial today at agencyaccess.com
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THE HIGH-EARNING WOMEN PODCASTThis podcast empowers high-earning women to make informed financial decisions and thrive.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.
Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!
---
Tech/Project Management Tools (*these are affiliate links)
Buzzsprout*
Airtable*
17hats*
Zoom
Podcast Mic*
Next Episode
S23 E228 Melissa Dunne - Art Director at Nic+Zoe
Today we're checking in with Melissa Dunne! In her last appearance on the show in 2023, we talked about how she got her start, the lessons she learned, and the creative path that led her forward. Today, she returns to share how her career has evolved into art direction, what it means to shape a brand’s visual identity, and the creative decisions that go into every photoshoot.
As the Art Director and Creative Content Manager at Nic+Zoe, Melissa leads brand strategy and provides on-set direction for photoshoots in New York and Boston. Join us as we dive into her journey, her approach to storytelling through visuals, and what she’s learned along the way.
Keep up with Melissa by following her on Instagram. Make sure to check out Nic+Zoe to see Melissa's beautiful new work from Joshua Tree!
THE HIGH-EARNING WOMEN PODCASTThis podcast empowers high-earning women to make informed financial decisions and thrive.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
If you would like to get involved with Focus On Women, you can review sponsorship and contribution options here, as well as become a member here.
Remember to stay safe and keep your creative juices flowing!
---
Tech/Project Management Tools (*these are affiliate links)
Buzzsprout*
Airtable*
17hats*
Zoom
Podcast Mic*
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