sean aickin is Chief of Splendid Photo, and a Photographer. Follow Splendid or seanaickin.photography on Instagram.
Who or what did you want to be when you grew up?
I guess I wanted to be the classic firefighter or superhero. Turns out both are somewhat difficult.
What is your professional background?
Photography. My dad is a photographer and so it was natural that I would gravitate towards it. Because I don’t like doing jobs with my photography I ended up helping photographers by working in camera stores.
When do you feel the most creative or inspired?
Probably with a camera in hand standing in a new town. Or when a new album comes out by an artist I like.
When are you happiest?
See answer 3.
What’s the best stress relief advice you’ve ever been given?
Just go for a run (this was from myself just recently) but i also really like the phrase ‘If you don’t take their money they can’t tell you what to do, kid’ by Bill Cunningham
What is your most treasured possession?
That’s hard, probably a pair of shoes or a camera. They both can take you places. Oh and my motorbike!
What is the most important thing life has taught you thus far?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Seriously it’s easy to say but bloody hard to remember when the small stuff is knocking at the door.
What is your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in your industry?
Be yourself as it’s hard to keep up an act 40-50 hours a week. If people appreciate what you’re doing and who you are they’ll naturally gravitate towards you. If they don’t find another role. There is a role for everyone in this world you just have to find yours.
What is your big project or goal for 2018?
Creating a store/brand specialising in analogue photography. (and being employee of the month at least once.)
Who or what is inspiring you at the moment?
The two partners in my life, my business partner (at Splendid) Darren Cliff and my partner partner Ruth Hollinsworth (also a photographer) both amaze with their tireless work ethic and their ability to put up through countless hours with an idiot.
What do you continually ask yourself?
Where did the time go?
Who do you collaborate with best?
Fellow artists. I did a bit of work with Jade Townsend and although we were both at different points in our journey I look back on some of the stuff we created together as being very cool.
Who has challenged you to be better than you once were?
Everyone. Especially my mum. Not because she gives me shit but because she always asks what I’m up to so I have to think, "What am I doing?!"
How does courage manifest in your work?
I think anybody who opens a business, starts a company, launches their career or has a family shows incredible amounts of courage every day. Hell, for some courage is leaving their bed so for me it manifests in my work by actually getting up and doing it.
When has mentorship played a role in your life?
Active mentorship hasn’t directly affected my life as yet, however I have a few friends that I always call upon to bounce stupid ideas off. Some friends say it’s stupid, others say to go for it. I think I choose who I call subconsciously haha!