You’re Not Even the Funniest at This Table

The Art of Persistence

I went to see Liverpudlian comedian John Bishop on Sunday night, and what a show he put on. While he's technically a comedian, he’s really just an exceptional storyteller. Don’t get me wrong—we laughed, but aside from two jokes he told, it was how and what he was saying that made it funny.

One of the most memorable stories he shared was about how he never expected fame. Achieving it later in life meant he had a solid group of childhood friends who weren’t fazed by his success—in fact, they mocked it. “How do you get paid to do what you do? You’re not even the funniest person at this table,” they told him. That line is something only a true friend could say and get away with.

As I often do after a show, I spent the next day reflecting on standout moments. That line from his friends stuck with me. It reminded me of something Billy Connolly once said about working in the Glaswegian docklands, where he was surrounded by hundreds of comedians—none of whom ever pursued more than the work they were doing.

It got me thinking about what separates those who "make it" from those who might be even funnier or more talented. The key difference, I believe, is persistence.

For most naturally funny people, the idea of doing something with their humor never crosses their minds. They’re funny for their friends, coworkers, or family, and that’s enough. But John Bishop chose to pursue comedy—and succeeded. So, the question isn’t just why he made it, but how.

How does someone who, by all accounts, shouldn’t make it, actually succeed?

The answer: Persistence.

It’s about how badly you want it. How badly do you want to "make it"? And, just as importantly, how do you define success?

Jimmy Carr once said he considered himself successful when he was performing every night for £60 and could pay his bills. For him, it wasn’t about large arenas or massive audiences; it was about getting to write and tell jokes for a living.

If we can clearly define what success looks like for us and relentlessly pursue it, we might be surprised at how far we can go—even on paths that seem unlikely.

Persistence in Practice

One of the greatest compliments I ever received came from a gallery owner during a Christmas show two years ago. I had participated in a summer program there and sold a few pieces. She kindly offered to display another piece in the Christmas show, which while it didn’t sell. During her speech, she mentioned the new artists she was working with and those who were in it for the first time. When she introduced me, she said, “One thing I can say about Adam is he is persistent.”

That was all I needed to hear. I know that one day I will "make it" as a photographic artist, earning my living solely through my art. But even now, as someone working “full-time” in photography—albeit not always in the area I’m most passionate about—I’ve already "made it."

How many people dream of being full-time photographers? I know hobbyists who can’t imagine being paid for their work. Is it hard? Absolutely. I work tirelessly and hold myself to a high standard—not just in how I shoot but also in how I work with people.

Not every shoot I take on is what I want to be photographing, but those jobs allow me to fund my life, create a flexible schedule with my partner, and dedicate time to long-term artistic projects. In due time, those projects will become my primary focus.

The key is to stay persistent.

Refocusing the Aim

Six months ago, if you’d asked me about my goal, I would’ve said getting representation by a gallery. Time has taught me that’s not the best aim. The real goal is to create uniquely individual work that resonates emotionally with people. If I can achieve that, galleries might come more naturally.

That said, having work in galleries doesn’t guarantee sales or success; it just means more people see your work. My current aim is to focus on a few project ideas that prioritise emotional connection. I want people to not only see my work but to feel it.

That’s the goal.

Keep Taking Steps

Persistence isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistently showing up and striving to do better. I believe that if I keep taking steps in the right direction, there’s no limit to where I can go.

So don’t aim for perfect. Just aim to keep going.

Big love,
Adam

Some highlights from a few days in one our favourite places - Camogli