My name is Reid Phaturos, and this is the corpus of my creative works. As you explore the various forms of media, I'll introduce myself.
My academic journey began as a psychology major, but it wasn’t long before I discovered the field of social work. This discipline aligned closely with my desire to understand people not just individually, but collectively. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from The University of Alabama in 2022 and immediately enrolled in the accelerated Master of Social Work program, known as The Bear Program, which I completed in 2024. Obtaining multiple degrees in social work remains one of the most valuable ventures of my life. I’ve always had a keen fascination with human motivation; the why behind individuals' actions. With an MSW and a minor in psychology, I was able to pursue this fascination deeply, studying everything from Cognitive Neuroscience to Psychopathology. These foundational courses laid the groundwork for my creative career, one that is aimed at exploring the human condition through visual media.
Throughout my childhood, creative expression was a natural process. But what exactly does it mean to be creative? It poses a question rather than an informative statement. Creativity is not an easy thing to pin down. Where does it come from? From what depths of the human substructure does it arise? Friedrich Nietzsche wrote in The Birth of Tragedy,
"Despite fear and pity, we are the happy living beings, not as individuals, but as one living being, with whose creative joy we are united."
There is considerable debate about Nietzsche's writings, but one fact is indispensable: he viewed life through an existentialist lens. He is often credited with birthing the existential philosophical movement. He was concerned with the issues that plague human existence. To Nietzsche, art wasn't simply aesthetic; it was a way of reconciling with the inherent suffering of existence. Nietzsche further proposes:
“Only we are to seek this joy not in phenomena, but behind them... We are to recognize that all that comes into being must be ready for a sorrowful end... yet we are not to become rigid with fear: a metaphysical comfort tears us momentarily from the bustle of transforming figures.”
Let’s flesh this idea out.
"Only we are to seek this joy not in phenomena, but behind them."
Nietzsche warns against placing our joy in the superficial substrate, the phenomena of life. These are fleeting. Instead, we must see through them to the underlying reality - what he calls the Dionysian truth, the more profound metaphysical unity of all life. It's the idea that beneath the chaotic and ever-changing surface of existence, there's a deeper, eternal reality.
"We are to recognize that all that comes into being must be ready for a sorrowful end."
Here Nietzsche emphasizes impermanence. Everything that is born or created, whether a person, a relationship, or even a beautiful moment, is destined to decay or die. There's an inherent tragedy in existence. This is an idea as old as time. The Ancient Greeks said that all beauty contains the seed of sorrow.
"We are forced to look into the terrors of the individual existence…"
Nietzsche posits we cannot escape the harsh realities of mortality, suffering, and isolation as individuals. He believed life to be painful when viewed from the narrow lens of personal experience.
"…yet we are not to become rigid with fear: a metaphysical comfort tears us momentarily from the bustle of transforming figures."
And yet, Nietzsche suggests that art provides a metaphysical comfort. It doesn't deny suffering but transforms it into something meaningful. Through music, myth, or poetry, we momentarily transcend the personal and fall into the eternal.
"The bustle of transforming figures" is often attributed to the inevitable chaos of the physical world. However, moments of metaphysical insight lift us out of that chaos, if only briefly.
So, what does this mean? Well, for one, there's a distinction between creativity and art. Creativity is merely the action of creation. To be creative means - to bring forth something into existence. The latter has a transcendent presence. As Nietzsche stated, a metaphysical comfort. Art transcends that of which it is born. It offers metaphysical insight into the sufferings and tragedies of life.
The clients I’ve worked with come from all different places. Some have no foundation and need help building from the ground up. Others have all the pieces in place but just need to push creative boundaries. And some simply need affirmation. Regardless of the stage a client presents, I approach every project the same way: to help them bring forth that which transcends.
​
​
​
​
​​​
​
Why My Approach Is Different
​​Art is not simply transactional. It's a process of bringing forth that which transcends. When we work together, my aim is not just to complete a project, but to capture the emotion you are trying to portray organically and accurately. I understand that each client and project is unique, and I will tailor my approach to meet your specific needs.
Intention
Before any work begins, we will discover the why. As Nietzsche said, "He who has a why for which to live can bear with almost any how." We're not just making appeals; we're creating something that matters.
Dialogue
Through exploratory dialogue, we will pinpoint the emotions you are wrestling with and accurately capture and portray them in a piece that not only resonates but deeply connects with you and your audience.
Execution
My philosophical approach brings superior evaluation to the table; however, without execution, that holds no value. With a background in social work, psychology, and asset operations, I navigate both complex problems in a logistically sound manner. That means deep conceptual thinking paired with practical, deadline-driven execution, ensuring your project is in safe and capable hands.
Flexible
Timelines matter. So does momentum. I have real-world experience with high-pressure operations, and I apply that same grounded focus to my creative work. Each project is designed to deliver on-time production while maintaining the flexibility to pivot.
Transcendant
My goal is not simply to create the end product, but to focus on expressing the emotion you are encapsulating within your work. It's to make a connection. The work we produce should offer more than aesthetics; it should provide insight. That metaphysical comfort Nietzsche spoke of, even if only for a moment.
Trust
Each field I have experience in requires one central pillar: truth. I will consistently deliver the truth with you, from concept to delivery. Whether you're searching for clarity, confidence, or completion, I'm here to help you cross that threshold.
Artificial Intelligence Statement
In today's creative industry, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) generates strong opinions, and I'm not ignorant of these perspectives. The general sentiment is that AI will be used as a shortcut or even a threat to genuine artistry. My belief is simple:
AI is a tool, not a replacement.
The equipment used within your project will utilize AI. For instance, the operating system within the cameras utilizes AI for an advanced autofocus system that employs deep learning to recognize and track various subjects, including people, animals, and vehicles. This system intelligently switches between different autofocus modes based on subject movement. However, whether I'm editing images, processing footage, or conceptualizing visuals, I ensure that every project remains grounded in human creativity and emotion. AI is a tool that enhances my creative process, not a replacement for it.
* If you're curious about how AI will be utilized within your specific project, I encourage you to ask. I'm always open to discussing the role of technology in my work and how it can be used to enhance the creative process.
Featured On
Not Affiliated
