Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria (Tori) Stipcak.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Art versus science, science versus art. For a long time, I thought it was one or the other…. enough so, that I based my education on which I thought would be the more lucrative career path. I had always been the artsy child; curious about how the natural world worked, and intuitive in creating using that knowledge. It wasn’t foreign for my parents to find me making a home for a bug, or for them to find a petrified run-over toad on my dresser. The following years provided opportunities that fostered a love for everything and anything creative, and I soon found myself with a camera in-hand, capturing images of said bugs.
I graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Environmental Resource Management, and minors in Biology and Water Resource Management. Though, immediately before graduation, I decided I wanted to pursue photography. After a few years of practicing my craft and doing freelance work, Victoria Irene Photography (“VIP” for short) was officially established in the fall of 2016. Since, I’ve recognized photography as the perfect mix of science + art, and can’t imagine doing anything else with my life.
Please tell us about your art.
The marriage of my passion for photography and my interest in the environment has resulted in images that artfully highlight authenticity and oftentimes emphasize natural elements. The nature-photography combo brings me to life; set me loose outside with a camera and I’m in heaven. The only thing that could possibly make that combination any better is adding an enthusiastic subject to the mix. I am equally inspired by my clients as I am by whatever setting we’re working in. Though I believe what I do is a true extension of myself, the product created is always a reflection of the client. What I create is for them – it just so happens that I absolutely love creating. And, it’s a plus I get to work outside A LOT.
A regard for fine details has translated into all facets of my style. The images I produce can be described as colorful and crisp, with a bit of edge and packed with emotion. And of course lots of nature-vibes! Whether I am photographing a wedding or a portrait session, the end goal is always to create a product that showcases the event/subject both beautifully and truthfully.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Keep going, keep going, and then keep going. Don’t be too proud to pick up those gigs that may not be “your thing.” Not only could you find a new niche you vibe with, new situations gift us with new skills and ideas! It takes a lot of work, perseverance, and time to get to a place of financial comfort through art, which is why it’s important to be confident in what you’re creating. Take the time to know yourself through and through; and then take the time to care for yourself. There’s no art if there is no you to create it, so set goals at an appropriate pace to avoid the burnout. You got this.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
The best was to support a business you believe in, is to invest in that business! And lucky for you all, I’m in the business of preserving moments for you to remember forever! Though, whether it’s my photography, a friend’s painting, a family member’s handmade jewelry… investing in a small business’s product is the truest statement of support.
I invite you all to check out my website: www.v-i-photography.com, my Instagram: @toristip, or my Facebook page: @victoriairenephotography to see my recent work.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.v-i-photography.com
- Phone: 7243889656
- Email: toristipcak@hotmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/toristip
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/victoriairenephotography/
- Other: www.pinterest.com/toristip
Image Credit:
Tori Stipcak of Victoria Irene Photography
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