Ep 163 John Tsiavis - Creativity, art, and the importance of deep connection

Falling into advertising photography was a happy accident according to today’s guest - a career that has incredible high’s but hasn’t always been easy.

John Tsiavis has always had creativity in his world and found his flair at the intersection of advertising, photography, and directing.

His break came at the age of 20 after producer Jane Scott contacted RMIT looking for someone to shoot stills for the Australian feature film Head On.

He went on to work in the entertainment industry creating images for film such as Chopper (for anyone that can recall that image of Eric Bana that is John’s work), Ned Kelly and he also worked on television series including The Secret Life of Us and Summer Heights High.

His work is fine art meeting commerciality - and it’s by holding onto a philosophy of shooting for ‘him’ that his style was created. Along the way John has learnt the value of treating people well; connection is a key theme.

Within this conversation John talks about some of the images that have stretched him - including a striking portrait of actor Jackie Weaver. You’ll see these over on instagram @alihill or by following the links in the show notes to John’s work.

John also shares his latest endeavour directing a series called 'A QUIET ROAR' - showcasing the stories and campaigns of young activists advocating for social, political, and economic change. A project that’s impacting him deeply.

This is a personal, real and insight conversation about creativity, art, and the importance of deep connection with John Tsiavis.