Designer's Depot

please tell us a brief info about yourself.

My real name is Joshua Hoffine. I am a Horror Photographer. I was born and raised in Kansas. I started making photographs shortly after graduating from college with a degree in English Literature. I currently work from my photography studio in downtown Kansas City, where I live with my four daughters.

Tell us about your humble beginnings, When did you you first realized that you wanted to be an artist?

I did not become serious about being an artist until I picked up a camera in my early twenties.

What are your tools of the trade and why?

I use a Hasselblad camera with a PhaseOne back, several hot lights, and a very nice fog machine. Although my images are not photoshop collages, I do prefer to shoot everything digitally. I process and print my images using a Mac computer.

I enjoy the process of creating my environments, including the sets and props, and then directing my models through a performance. I like the literalness of photography. Photographs seem more real than paintings.

Who or what gives you inspiration on your morbid art?

I am inspired by fairy tales, Horror movies, Jungian psychology, and the works of Joseph Campbell.

Is your artistic background self-taught or did you go to college to study?

I did not study art or photography in school. I learned through self directed study, and later, by working as a freelance photography assistant for other, more experienced professional photographers.

How do you keep “fresh” within your industry?

I never think about that. I just do my own thing.

What are some of your current projects?

I am currently working on a project called AFTER DARK, MY SWEET, which deals with childhood fears. When finished, I hope to publish this series of photographs as a book.

Which of your works are you the most proud of? And why?

I think BASEMENT might be the best articulation of the concept behind this project.

Are there any areas, techniques, mediums, projects in your field that you have yet to try?

I am slowly editing my first short film, called BLACK LULLABY. It is an extension of AFTER DARK, MY SWEET, and explores many of the concepts and elements featured in the photographs. Now that I’ve gotten my hands dirty, I can definitely see doing more film projects in the future.

What do you do to keep yourself motivated and avoid burn-out?

I have no struggles with burn-out. I take great delight in what I do.

When you’re not shooting photos, how do you spend most of your free time?

My free time is usually spent with my daughters. I like to read books about the Horror genre, physics, or Joseph Campbell. I also spend an inordinate amount of time trying to woo one of the beautiful Strychnine Sisters I recently met at a horror convention. She will be mine. Oh yes, she will be mine.

(c) Joshua Hoffine – reproduced with permission

For other information, please contact him at:

website: joshuahoffine.com
Email: joshua@joshuahoffine.com

Wanna be a featured artist and get your art some exposure?

email me at: mcedesigns@gmail.com
with the subject: interview request