Meet Dino Kuznik

meet

Nov 15

{ on the wonders of the West }

Our early personal experiences as kids inevitably shape our adult experiences and journeys. And inevitably, they result as an attractiveness towards an unsuspected creative field, a new country, and sometimes even both.

The Brooklyn-based photographer Dino Kuznik has witnessed his native country, Slovenia, becoming independent from Yugoslavia in 1991. He got exposed to the Western culture memorabilia from a very young age and has ever since visually fallen in love with the Californian aesthetics and its desolated landscapes.

He’s translated that sensibility throughout his studies and numerous travels where he would just rent a car and drive the deserted areas roads for days, with the need to explore and find his own personal answers. Which gave birth to a sensitive and moving pastel Americana oeuvre, that looks like far memories of a midsummer night’s trip.

Dino opened us the door to in his lovely Greenpoint/Williamsburg apartment to discuss his inspirations, his current works, and his need, from now on, to evolve towards something new.

Tell us about yourself, Dino!

Hey, I'm Dino Kuznik, a photographer and graphic designer based in New York. I am originally from Slovenia but have been living in the US for almost 7 years now. I first moved to San Francisco back in 2013 and to New York in 2016. I have been working as a graphic designer for the last 7 years, but recently went into photography full-time.

I studied graphic design in Slovenia and have been working as a student photographer and assistant while I was studying. I did journalistic photography, retouching and assisting in the studio for a few years, but as that wasn't really enough to support me, actually I was struggling at that time - I got a graphic design job in Slovenia, which eventually took me to the USA. Fast forward to 2019 when I got a VISA so I can finally do what I love professionally.

Credits: Dino Kuznik - *Bleeding Magenta*

What led you to become a photographer?

I was always a very visual person. I did graphic design, illustration and then in college, I got my first camera, which felt like an extension of myself. I have been hooked ever since. I also have to thank my grandfather who introduced me to photography through his collection of photo books and National Graphic Magazines, that he started to accumulate in the early 60s. We would spend countless hours looking at the photos in the magazines. He was also a hobby photographer and had quite a few cameras, which I eventually tried for myself. That's when I got into film too.

How would you describe your photography style? What do you love to capture most?

I think the most important things in my style are subject, composition, and color. My favorite subjects change throughout the years, but I always enjoy a road trip by myself where I find interesting subjects along the way. Nothing planned, just wandering the desert and finding and photographing things and people along the way.

Credits: Dino Kuznik - *Shaped By The West*

What makes you passionate about the work that you do?

I really like the process. Exploration and being in the environment I shoot or working with other creatives to produce something substantial and not predictable. I love to apply my style to multitudes of subjects, so I am very happy when a client approaches me and asks that.

How do you pull yourself out of really low moments?

I try to get busy. Also friends and family are important in low moments. So for me either I get super busy or focused on something and channel that bad energy into something productive, a drink and a talk with a friend is always a good thing to do, so you get a different perspective on things, and/or a road trip always cures me of bad mojo.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Be patient and consistent and work hard. Never expect, always do.

Do you have any advice for other artists or freelancers who'd like to show or sell their work?

Attend portfolio reviews. Connect with other likeminded creatives/photographers, help each other, share knowledge with each other. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Take photos every day - even if it's just for you. Work hard, be humble, treat others like you would want them to treat you. Instead of big words and ego, let your work speak for itself. Send your best work to photography competitions. Don't rush to show your work - sometimes it's good to sit on a series or body of work and add to it and it will only get better, let it mature and it will only get better, like old wine. Don't let social media consume you. Never sell your work for cheap. Be proactive.