PURVEYR x Seiko: Creatives — Andrei Suleik

Andrei Suleik has many accolades to his name both in photography and outside–from his long venture with Fren Supply, successfully building his network and connections in the industry, and outputs in photography.

PURVEYR spoke to him about his relationship with photography, the importance of connecting with people and building networks, authenticity, time management, and the discipline required to craft a balance between a vibrant social life and passion in photography.

How did you get started with photography? 

Originally not planning to be a photographer, I wanted to be a filmmaker which came from my interest in reading into what’s happening at the moment. Eventually, others began wanting me to take photographs of certain moments, and things just took off from there. The more I learned about it, the more I ended up loving it. At one point, I got asked to take photos for a project, and I just kept on doing it. It just so happened that photography and film are almost the same.

In all your years honing the craft and developing your inner world as an artist, what would you say is your most invaluable lesson?

What’s most valuable for me is learning how to communicate with the subject and those around you–the environment and other factors at play. It’s not just about taking it all in; it’s also about listening and observing. For me, it’s still important to have a pattern, what you call a guide. We can’t all be spontaneous all the time. If you can’t be spontaneous, you must always have a guide. 

What does time mean to your work and passion in photography?

Time means concern for others. All the time being given to you should be given importance, especially in this industry. It takes time to make something nice and beautiful, but you must also make sure that the time given is well-used. Whether in photo, video, film, print, or item production, there are many factors to consider within a timeframe. It’s not just you; it’s also the people around you. 

In photography, there’s the hair and makeup, the styling, the lighting, the artist. It’s important to understand the project as opposed to doing it all by yourself.

What about SEIKO’s brand philosophy do you resonate with?

As a creative, aside from being able to make really nice things, we really enjoy being able to communicate what we do. We might not be models or celebrities, but when we enter our studios or creative spaces, we wear something that helps us do what we do. This is where style comes in. Back then, when I was starting, I didn’t enjoy dressing up, but it slowly started to creep in me. It isn’t for everyone, but I noticed it helped my creativity especially in building confidence. 

Receiving my first watch from them, I’ve been enjoying how it makes me more serious with the work, but somehow also elevating what happens in the day. I appreciate its beauty.

You worked with PURVEYR in 2012, and since then you have built such a strong network and your career has reached new heights— what have you learned about building connections since then?

It’s all about relationships. I would suppose “authenticity” comes close but that term’s been a bit scratched up these days. It’s also not all about work because as a person you have to know how to show your social side. You have to be friendly, and you need to know how to get along with others. I was able to build these connections by being me. What you show them, they give back to you.

It happened all so naturally. If you’re a friendly person, it shows. Being approachable makes having a good business relationship easier. People wouldn’t work with me if people didn’t like me. Perhaps it’s this authenticity that’s helped me build these networks.

What does time management of balancing photography and a vibrant personal life look like?

It’s about balance. You can’t just copy people’s processes because we’re all different. It took a while to find this balance, making many mistakes because they happen and because you never learn anything without them. I started young as a photographer–while I was still studying–and have had to make sacrifices.

Building that balance requires discipline. I have to make sure that I’m staying in now if I know I have to be early tomorrow. I need to make sure I’m not tired to make it in time for the shoot so I stay at home to prepare myself mentally—everything has to click. At the end, I’m fried, but I know I’ve delivered.