A visual memoir · Rajarshi Mitra
9-5 AND ART
Photography | Philosophy | Pursuit
A photographer's ten-year search for a creative life, while holding down a 9-to-5.
Is this you?
You have a day job. And a creative itch you keep postponing.
You're good at your work. Somewhere between the morning local and the evening call, there's a part of you that wants to make something: photographs, music, words. You tell yourself you'll get to it when life slows down.
Life doesn't slow down. I've spent more than ten years in a corporate job and made photographs the whole time, on trains, in nine cities, and above the glacial line. This book is what I learned about making the art anyway.
And if you're looking for a hack, you'll be disappointed. It's for you to find.
Inside the book
Six chapters, played in order.
Part photo book, part field journal, part manifesto. Photographs from 2011 to today, with Field Notes on where and why each was made.
Six ideas from the book
9-5 is not an enemy of art.
Think of the two as friends. They can feed each other if you let them. It's hard. Worth doing though.
Use your job to fund your rebellion.
The salary is your insurance. You don't have to worry about food on the plate, so push your limits.
Keep a 5-minute creative quota.
Take time. Make time. Five minutes, starting today, every day.
Run on loose systems.
My calendar has a 30-minute block called "nothing urgent". It's where the editing happens.
Art comes with a non-compete clause.
Nobody can do your version. You only have to keep learning, experimenting and moving forward.
Skip the art-career.
Just do the art. It's a way of life. You don't have to be too serious about it.
Photographs published by
Get the book
Two ways to read it.
The printed book
$45
+ shipping · In India ₹2,999
- One of 220
- The PDF edition included, free
- Numbered and signed by hand
- Ships anywhere in the world
The PDF
$15
In India ₹999
- The full book, every photo
- In your inbox within the hour
- Readable anywhere in the world
Worldwide: secure checkout by Payhip, with PayPal or card. In India: UPI or card through Razorpay. Buying opens on 20 October.
Questions
Is the printed book signed?
Yes. Every copy is numbered and signed by hand, by me.
Do you ship outside India?
Yes, anywhere in the world.
Can I buy it as a gift?
Yes. Add the recipient's address at checkout and a note you'd like included, and I'll send it with the book.
Can I buy several copies for my team?
Yes. Message me on LinkedIn and we'll work it out.
Where's the gear list the book mentions?
On the Notes page, pinned at the top.
Rajarshi Mitra
Rishi lives between two worlds: a 9-to-5 and a creative life. He works in fintech, loves to travel and takes photos. Over the last decade his camera has become a way to make sense of time, memory and meaning. This is his first book.