Thomas Hodges, award winning and internationally acclaimed photographic artist, founded the art movement “Imaginism” in 2006.

His goal is to become an international household name in the world of photographic art and to establish a foundation, so that his legacy can continue to serve others. We believe that artists are the purest form of entrepreneur.

So we interviewed him and chatted about his latest venture, photoconception.

Innovatrs: What made you do it? Why did you take the plunge, become an entrepreneur and give up that cosy corporate job opp?

Thomas: I guess I’ve always been an entrepreneur and my past corporate positions have been with companies that I either founded or had an ownership involvement with. As such, I’m not really jumping into unknown waters.

Innovatrs: What does your venture do? What was the original @ha Idea ? And when/where did it hit you?

Thomas: My venture focuses on blending photographic art and design. It goes beyond taking photographs and selling them to collectors. I have a passion for design and I’m constantly exploring new ways to present my work in conjunction with creative design concepts.

Innovatrs: Is this your first business? What past experiences helped you take this fast route to masochism?

Thomas: No, this is not my first business. I’ve founded businesses involved in engineering, transport, arts and crafts, and financial services. My previous entrepreneurial activities prepared me well for my current existence.

Innovatrs: What was running through your head when you started up? What crises hit you early on?

Thomas: I had reached a point in my career as a financial engineer, where I felt I could no longer be effective to the extent that I needed to be (I was working in development finance). It had long been my dream to pursue my life-long love of photography as a career, although it had to be more than just being a photographer. After a couple of years moving closer to photographic art, I decided to take the plunge as a full-time artist.

No crises as such, although capital requirements to finance artwork production and design projects, tend to be a heavy burden on cashflow. Of late, I’ve had some personal set-backs due to theft and robbery, but my reputation and status as an artist continues to grow.

My goal is to become an international household name in the world of photographic art. To leave a legacy of my work and to establish a foundation so that my legacy can continue to serve others long after I’m gone.

Innovatrs: What are the key lessons you’ve learnt over the past few years?

Thomas: I’ve learnt that “nothing can substitute hard work” ! That’s it – and don’t under-estimate it.

Innovatrs: Have you felt pangs of fear or anxiety when building your business? If so, over what and how did you deal with them?

Thomas: Constantly ! However, I guess it’s a question of never losing self-confidence, whilst at the same time taking a realistic overview of what the situation truly is. I’ve struggled frequently in my quest, but been fortunate to have won a number of accolades for my work, which has helped me to keep ‘the faith’.

Innovatrs: What big ol’ failures have you had in the past and how have they helped you get to where you are?

Thomas: I’ve had my set backs, some corporate failures, money illegally misappropriated, etc., but I guess you just have to get up, dust yourself off and get on with the job. On the whole I’ve backed more winners than losers !

Innovatrs: Have you looked for investors? If so, how?

Thomas: Not until very recently, and primarily through friends and personal contacts.

I’m not content to merely produce “art for art’s sake”, just for the personal pleasure of having created it. No, I need more, I need acclaim, I need controversy, but most of all I need to get my art and designs in front of the world’s public, and I will !