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Conversations & Quotables Q&A with Doug Sims.PNG

I recently had the opportunity to chat with photographer and publisher of Liquid Magazine, Doug Sims.  In this brief interview, he shares how he pursued his love for photography and how he selects artists for coverage in his arts & entertainment-focused publication.

Achickwitbeatz: Who is Doug Sims?

Doug Sims: Good question! Doug is an ever evolving and changing kind of guy. I am from Muskegon, MI but have traveled all over from Germany, London, Paris to California. I just love to see different places and things, it helps me incorporate my experiences into my art/photography.

Achickwitbeatz: When did you discover your passion for photography & publishing?

Doug Sims: I grew up always drawing and painting up until my last year of high school. I picked up a real camera and fell in love with it, I couldn't get enough of shooting film, it was my high. A few years later after attending an art college I started looking at it more as visual communication and what was I trying to say with my work. The publishing came after looking at my work and experience, I would shoot a lot of concerts and would always have great images but had no way to really get them noticed. I also would always get to have small quick conversations with music artists so I started thinking how could I get this artist to give me some info about themselves.....ha-ha, so the light bulb went off.

Achickwitbeatz: What's the most valuable thing you've learned since you started your journey?

Doug Sims: Be honest, be on time, keep it clean, keep it consistent and don't over sell yourself.

Achickwitbeatz: How do you determine the content for Liquid Magazine?

Doug Sims: My magazine is a little different because I incorporate local talent as well...but you must be at a high level with your art or craft. Local to me means within any city from Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo to somewhere from New York to Texas. I look for all type of art forms, Actors, Producers, visual artists, A-Listers to international players, lol. I just finished interviewing Johnny Gill, Elle Varner, Lin Rountree, Melvin Jackson Jr. from HBO's "THE WIRE", RnB singer CASE and the list is growing.... I look for artist that would give a great story for the reader, something that everyone can relate to. I also look for artist that are true to their art, if you are a painter then paint, if you're a producer then produce. I love to talk to people that live and breath what they do, lol...I remember spending my last few dollars (when I was a lot younger) to get that film processed so that I could see the results of what I had created. I still have that desire. I think that the artist that are genuine with their style and approach to their craft says a lot as well, everybody can't be Luther, or Anita Baker, Nikki Minaj or even Fetty Wap.

Achickwitbeatz: What advice do you have to offer those getting started in photography and/or publishing?

Doug Sims: Study those before you, look at their work and their approach and read as much as you can to stimulate your mind.

Achickwitbeatz: How can people connect with you and stay current with what you have in the works?

Doug Sims: I can be found in the photography world at (website) www.dougsims2.com, Twitter @dsimsphoto, Instagram @dougsimsphotography In the magazine world at (website) www.liquidae.com, Twitter @liquidaemag, Instagram @liquidmagazine

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