As a visual artist, the most important thing is to stay true to yourself and your creative vision, no matter what anyone else says or thinks.

This sentiment echoes the words of the late great Peter Lindbergh, a German fashion photographer whose work inspires me to this day.

We all have a bank of creativity waiting to be tapped. However, it can be daunting to access this inner source of inspiration, especially when we're surrounded by so many voices telling us what to do and how to be.

It's easy to fall into the trap of wanting to emulate our heroes or those we admire, but true artistic success comes from following our path and doing what feels right for us.

As someone who works in the creative industry, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to stay true to your vision in the face of criticism or scepticism from others. But it's these challenges that I believe help us to grow and evolve as artists, pushing us to explore new ideas and concepts and to stretch our creative boundaries.

Currently, I am working on a long-term project with a large charity, and I couldn't be more excited about it. The client assists those with gambling addictions and helps rehabilitate problem gamblers. They have given me the freedom to try out new ideas and push the boundaries of my creativity, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to do so.

Of course, there's always a bit of nervousness when presenting my work to others, some of whom will criticise and pull apart and decry my process. But the excitement of creating an emotional connection between myself, my subjects, and the viewer far outweighs any fear or doubt.

I'm fortunate to have a wonderful and supportive team and enthusiastic participants who share my vision for this project. Together, we're working to make a real difference in the world, and that's the ultimate goal of any creative endeavour.

As I reflect on the words of Peter Lindbergh and their impact on my creative journey, I remind myself of the importance of staying true to oneself and embracing the challenges that come with it. And I hope others will find inspiration in his words and strive to create something significant and impactful in their lives and communities.