Slashies Make It Work

From actors-slash-musicians to socialites-slash-designers, cross-over careers are widely documented when they happen to the rich and famous (see our chronicle of some of them here). But for every day people with passions for more than one thing and bills to pay, it’s not always a reality. Director Rob Stanton-Cook and his creative production company Infinity² have made a series of shorts documenting a group of the lucky individuals who forged their creative passions into a career as ‘Slashies’.

In this video, we meet fashion designer-cum-illustrator and street artist Shannon Crees.  After feeling dissatisfied as a self-employed designer, Shannon gave up everything she knew—and her source of income—to be able to fully invest her time in painting and creating artwork.  The decision has proved a winner, as she soon got her big break being involved in Banksy’s Mural Festival and has gone on to hold exhibitions in New York and London.  Now she buys paintbrushes worth $50, instead of 50 cents.

The stories are a small idea, but the vibrant transitions between the subject and artwork, as well as the soft camera work, pair with the monologue to uplift and inspire.  Australian Infinity² create a cinematic feel that flows exceptionally with the smooth soundtrack, and a passion parallel to that which exudes from the Slashies themselves.  So all you accountants out there that dream of becoming a renowned sculptor, or the copywriters who want to write screenplays—draw inspiration from these guys.

Within the series is the story of Eugene, a corporate graphic designer who gave it all up to photography the beach.  You can see it here.  Infinity² will be sharing more Slashie stories over the coming months, motivating us to slash ourselves and do what we love.

Details

• Directed by

  Rob Stanton-Cook

• Production Company

  Infinity²

• Art by

  Shannon Crees