BIO

Phil Evans is a photographer and visual storyteller on a long journey to California and parts unknown. An urban explorer, he captures moments by finding subjects in interesting and colorful places. He searches for scenes that appear cinematic, reminiscent of stills from a movie.

Formally educated as a designer (Art Institute of Pittsburgh/Visual Communication), Phil’s career moved from art direction to corporate communications to independent design. His love of California led to photography, which started as a hobby and became a focus.

First he learned the technique of altering Polaroids from renowned photographer Michael Going. This involves manipulating a Polaroid print so that it looks like an impressionist painting; it combines photography and drawing. When Polaroid stopped producing that film, he moved to traditional photography. But he still tries to achieve the saturated, contrasty aesthetic of Polaroids.

An artist since childhood, Phil was known then for constantly making something. His growth beyond design inspired the name Philmade, which brings his creative journey full circle. When he’s not refining images (or adding to his Instagram grid) he’s probably writing, drawing or planning a trip. He’s always up late, he will pet your dog, and sometimes for fun he writes about himself in the third person.