Michael Mroczek

Death of the Finished Product

I'm wrestling with how technology has both enabled and diluted the art of crafting a truly polished, intentional final product. Tools like Instagram make it easy to produce and share work quickly, they may diminish the depth of understanding and craftsmanship that come from dedicating oneself to a single skill or tool. With social media there’s no requirement for a "finished" product; the work can feel less meaningful or purposeful when it's instantly consumed and discarded online.

This has led me to question how I structure my own creative pursuits like photography. I want to work toward smaller, more intentional projects—perhaps monthly ones focused on specific subjects and culminating in an annual retrospective. This approach could give me more control over the quality and coherence of my work, without the endless scroll of social media.

Ultimately, I'm grappling with setting boundaries on my creative output so it feels meaningful and manageable. This approach could help bring clarity and allow me to build toward something more lasting, while avoiding the pressure of always sharing online.