About Artisan Publications

It all started in 1972 when I, Gordon H. Ficke, decided to become a photographer. Like any novice wanting to become proficient in a new lifetime skill, I decided to enrol in a twenty-four-lesson correspondence course in professional photography. Two years later I received my diploma and began to explore various fields where my newfound skills could be best utilized.

Being a freelance photographer has its’ benefits as I could pick and choose the assignments that interested me. Unlike many photographers, I enjoy photographing weddings because everyone is in a festive mood, and my subjects are apt to be more cooperative, allowing me to get the shot I want.

Over the years I have had assignments that included photos for the annual report of a mining operation, taking aerial shots of subdivisions for a land developer, child photography, large group photos and portraiture. It was a lot of fun and I learned a great deal about photography during those years.

In 2001 I decided to incorporate my writing skills into the mix. Over the years I dabbled a little in writing, but a career change suddenly changed my working life perspective. It was time to put those writing skills to the test.

One of my lifelong interests is vintage and classic automobiles and I was able to get my first article with photos published in Canada’s largest newspaper for the old car and truck hobbyist, Old Autos, published in Bothwell, Ontario, Canada. My relationship with that publication continues to this day and I continue to write articles and take photographs of local car shows and write features on special vehicles. Primedia Publications based in the U.S. have published a number of my articles as well.

Travel is another lifelong interest of mine. I enjoy writing articles that help the reader get a sense for the experience before they encounter it themselves. I also add tips for unwary travelers to help them avoid the pitfalls I experienced along the way. Most of my articles in this genre are geared to the more adventuresome traveler, rather than the vacationer that takes a regimented tour.

Lastly, I decided to share some of my most poignant and humorous stories that readers might find interesting, informative or just plain funny. This rounds out my writing repertoire and I hope that you will find a piece that meets your writer’s guidelines. I look forward to hearing from you soon.