I was dropped a line not too long ago by one Jesse Miller, who recently started the photography agency Tinker Street and acts as agent and producer.  We exchanged a number of interesting emails before I realised I hadn’t conducted a Dialogue in long while..so here was the perfect chance.

Jesse Miller, Founder/Agent/Producer, Tinker Street

1. Why the name Tinker Street?

Tinker is… hmm.   Well, I guess it’s just a little detour I like to take when ever opportunity shines my way.  It’s my road to happy accidents.

2. What is your background and experience?

Started as an artist/filmmaker/musician and ended up working in the commercial world to pay the rent.  It was the closest thing that I could find to do - given my priorities, skill set and attention span - short of being a full-time artist.  Aiming to meld the two now.

3. Can you describe the impetus that lead to the founding of Tinker Street?  What would the mission statement of Tinker Street be?

The impetus was to spend more time out of the city, work with people I liked and create a group that was closer to my heart artistically.

Be kind first. Work hard. See where it goes.

4. It’s always a massive leap of faith to start your own business I think, and especially so in this current economic environment.  What are your thoughts on this?  Would you do anything differently?

I think it’s crazy to start a business in this current climate.

Not really.

5. What editorial and commercial markets are you looking to reach with your artists?

I would like to work with good people first and foremost. People who are respectful of others, care about their families, environment and are creative.

6. Your roster of artists has a very international flavour.  From what I can see there are artists in Gothenburg (Thobias Faldt), Dusseldorf (Bernd Wichmann) and Paris (Estelle Hanania), before we come back to the States with Ye Rin Mok (Los Angeles), Peter Sutherland and Nicholas Haggard (New York).  One common question I get a lot as an agent is how agencies find their photographers.  How did you meet all of yours?

Nicholas, I’ve known for several years and is a good friend.  We used to run around San Francisco and wheatpaste my art all over the city. He was my trusty lookout wingman. Nicholas introduced me to Peter, who is his friend. The rest have pretty much all been in shows with Nicholas and Peter at one point or another. Everybody likes and respects each other and their work - it’s sort of like a collective.

7. Your photographers have a very strongly art-driven aesthetic…in what ways do you work with them artistically?

I love editing and work with most of them on their edits. I send them a lot of music.

8. Can you tell me about some of the assignments that you have already worked on with your artists?  What type of clients do you seek out?

Some ad work includes Nike, Adidas, G-shock, Urban Outfitters, etc. Magazines: Double, Purple, 032C, Vice, Nylon, The New Yorker, Dazed & Confused etc. We seek a balance of ad and art work to include book projects, gallery shows, blog exchanges, etc. Thobias has two books coming out with Steidl, Peter had just had 2 shows recently at Family in LA for his latest book “Muddy Treads” and had a solo show at ATM in Chelsea. We have also done extensive documentary and ad film/video work.

9. Can you describe a typical day as a photography agent and producer?

Music. Coffee coffee coffee. A lot of emails. Head clearing hike. More emails. Down to the city for meetings. Read on the train. Go home. Often on an airplane for shoots. Rinse and repeat.

10. What’s next?

Just got awarded a 5 week shoot for Nicholas and Ye Rin which finishes in LA, will probably have a tinker party out there - everyone’s invited!

Thank you!