We’re thrilled to introduce Milica Tičerić, a self-motivated visual artist and photographer who focuses on analogue photography and cyanotype printing. Milica’s journey into the world of art didn’t fully bloom until her late twenties, but the seeds were planted much earlier, growing up in a creative family - with her grandparents as photographers and her mother as a filmmaker.
In this interview, she shares her path to pursuing art professionally, her passion for analogue techniques, and how she balances the challenges of staying creative and true to herself in a highly competitive field. Sit tight and enjoy this insightful look into the mind of an artist who is constantly exploring and embracing her curiosity and authenticity.
How has your upbringing and cultural background influenced your artistic journey and creative expression?
I grew up in a family where creativity was valued and considered as a possible career choice. My grandparents were photographers and my mother is a filmmaker. However, I didn’t see how I could make art a part of my life until my late twenties. Nostalgic for the past times in nature, suddenly I discovered the curiosity for analogue photography. While photographers I knew were obsessed with technological advantages and modern digital cameras, I wanted to experience photography with camera like my grandad used to have. I got one online and I was instantly addicted to film photography.
At what point in your life did you firmly decide to pursue art, and what were the pivotal factors in making that decision?
I started shooting self-portraits with my analogue camera in 2015. I didn’t have any other goals except to please myself, it was an enjoyable play and almost therapeutic for of self-expression. After years of such experimentation, I had a good portfolio of works that deserve to be shared with the world. When the pandemic came along, I realised that we never develop specific interests without reason and I decided to study Creative enterprise with focus on Art at the University of Reading. This course expanded my views on what is possible in terms of creative careers. I allowed myself to be an artist.
Discuss your strategies for staying motivated and continually finding inspiration in your artistic practice.
The biggest challenge for me is not to be overly self-critical when it comes to my progress. There are so many misconceptions about art careers: that is a privilege of wealthy, only for exceptionally gifted and young. I try to be kind to myself when I miss deadlines for open calls I wanted to apply for or when I get rejected. I am also trying to challenge my own beliefs when it comes to productivity – my art practice is a lifelong project and it is ok if I don’t create for a while. This is how I allow myself to be free and open to new ideas, without pressure. Inspiration comes very soon after.
Describe your quest for uniqueness in your art. How do you distinguish your work from others?
Artists create from their own imagination, however, we are all influenced by our experiences and external environment. Although I don’t know many other artists who do work similar to mine, I don’t believe my thought process is unique. I am committed to staying true to my own aesthetics and to please my own taste, without thinking how it will be perceived. I am still trying to find a community of artists who do similar work in terms of artistic process and output.
Describe your artistic process from conception to completion. Could you walk us through the steps of your artistic process, starting from the initial idea to the finished piece? How do you develop your concepts, and what are the key stages in creating your final work?
I am excited by discovering analogue photography techniques and films I haven’t tried before, so what I usually do is load my camera with any new film I can get. After that, I decide on a scene and walk with my tripod. I observe and try to imagine myself as a part of the scene. Then it comes the tricky part, setting up my camera settings, adjusting to the self-shoot mode and running in front of the camera. The concept is usually instinctive, although I can get inspired by a book I read or a song that can’t get out of my head. After the film is developed, I decide if there is a few successful shots I can manipulate further as cyanotypes or lumen prints. Analogue photography is nerve-wracking because you have to be precise in every step and prepared for disappointments. It is much more difficult if you are a photographer and model at the same time.
Can you recall a specific instance where someone's unique interpretation of your artwork provided you with a new perspective or insight?
I feel like my work is quite often misunderstood because the most common feedback I get is that “I look pretty” in my images. I became aware that I should be more specific in explaining my process and intent to document my existence in this shape and form. I think it is really important for artists to exhibit in physical exhibitions as much as possible, to communicate with their audience. A very dear friend told me that my work is very close to existentialism in literature. That is maybe the nicest comment about my artwork I ever received.
In what ways do you find art to be therapeutic, either for you as the creator or for your audience?
I have fun creating my images and I never intend to stop, and I hope the audience can feel that from my photographs. I hope my art can show what is possible to spark the audience’s creativity and make them ask me or themselves all kinds of questions. Documenting my life as an artist living on Earth in this moment gives me a sense of purpose and I find that feeling to be a therapeutic experience.
It’s been a pleasure hearing Milica Tičerić’s thoughts on the joys and challenges of analogue photography, and her deeply personal journey as a visual artist. Her reflections on the therapeutic aspects of art, combined with her raw determination to push creative boundaries, offer a truly inspiring perspective. We look forward to seeing how her work continues to evolve, and we’re sure her art will keep sparking curiosity and inspiration in those who experience it. Keep an eye on Milica’s Artit portfolio for all her upcoming projects — her creativity shows no signs of slowing down!
