Name: Sean Wehrli (I use Oskar White for my photography work to keep it separate from my design work)
Age: 30
From: Flint, MI
website: http://3dnewyorker.com/
I’m currently freelancing as a director/designer. For the past 8 years I’ve worked on film/tv title design, interface design for film, commercials, band stage graphics, music videos etc. Along the way I’ve done a good amount of photography, but one of the purposes of 3DNewYorker was to help me take my photography to the next level. I’ve become particularly interested in fashion and portrait photography.
My biggest struggle career-wise is making art and money. In my experience, you can almost never make both and so I always feel like I’m fighting to truly align my passions with my career. I still have a ways to go, but eventually I’d like to make films. I love film, because I believe it is the best medium for dissecting human nature and can reveal to us the truths of the human spirit. Since you asked, that leads to one message I’d like to send which is pretty cheesy but: Make Art and Love People. Something thats posted on the 3DNewYorker site.
3D New Yorker was a project that was born out of a lot of things I’m passionate about: People, Psychology, Photography, Art, Design, Fashion, Film, etc. I’m a big fan of Humans of New York (featured him on the blog even) and wanted to create something in that vain, but simplified with more emphasis on Art & Design. I decided to put a spotlight on people’s careers and link to them and/or their work. Most New Yorkers are here to pursue their passions and are often largely defined by what they do. The blog gives you a glimpse into strangers lives and encourages you to explore their online presence.
The 3D aspect of it just comes from a personal obsession with 3D gifs. I believe they have gone beyond being just a visual gimmick and have become a medium of their own. Its incredible how much more life it brings to a captured moment. I also like that it makes someone feel more special to be featured, which is part of my goal, spotlighting people.
Lastly, a note about what I look for in people to feature on 3DNY. I mostly look for people with good personal style, which works out well because those also tend to be artists, designers, and people with successful careers. This doesn’t always mean good fashion though, its more about the people that have learned to confidently define themselves externally. Ultimately there is no formula though, I look for what could make a good photo and for artist that I know to have good work. My wife (a costume designer and stylist) helps me edit and keeps me in check.
—Sean