No ordinary artist #MakingIt
KwaThema – While other learners in Grade Six were focused on their studies, normal sports and friends, Moses "Scotch 60" Short (26) had already shifted his thoughts to another level.
After realising that he had love for art, he bought his first camera and has never looked back.
“While in Grade Six I started taking pictures and at that time, I was also a stage performer at school.
“Due to some learning difficulties, my art really helped me to cope better with the situation.
“When I got to high school I was still taking pictures, but turned it into a career for myself, as I was charging people for my work,” he says.
Short adds that starting his own business while still in high school was the best decision he ever made.
When he reached Grade 10, he opted to drop out of school and attend college, to study information technology, but continued freelancing for other photographers, to learn more.
“During my third year of college I dropped out again, realising this was not meant for me,” he discloses.
He explains that being an artist has had its challenges, and that one challenge young people face is that parents prefer their children to have stable careers rather than following the arts.
But this young man has let nothing dampen his spirits and admits that although he has had his fair share of trials, these have helped him grow.
“In 2009 I opened my photo studio in KwaThema, where it was a bedroom by night and a studio by day, but that had its own share of problems.
“I encountered challenges with equipment, as what I was using was small, so to compensate for that I would use whatever I could get my hands on, to grow and better my studio.
“Two years later I proceeded to take art classes in Duduza, where I was able to formally learn more about photography, after being referred by the people from the Springs Art Gallery, as someone who used to go there regularly,” he shares.
One of the biggest tests which the lad faced was learning to balance his passion and business.
“As long as people wanted me to take pictures of them, I would sometimes get excited and forget about the money, as it felt as though those people believed in me, which boosted my confidence but to date, I still have difficulty with that.
“An advantage now is that I have grown my business and have three partners and team of 16 people, and we have established other departments which help to generate money, including printing, graphics and events,” he says.
Short believes all the things that have come his way over the years were opportunities that found him, as he was already working on his craft, even when the money did not matter.
“Young people should know that not everything in business is as easy as it seems and that one needs to be patient.
“Family support for an artist is also very important because, even though my mother is always saying I should get a ‘proper’ job, she allows me to be me and to attempt a lot of things.
“My business would not be where it is today without her love, guidance and support.
“To all young business people: before choosing money, make sure you equip yourself with skills and the money will follow,” he advises.
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