About Atarix
Me (on the right) at a presentation about retouche for 3rd and 4th year students. @Graphic Lyceum Rotterdam 2016
About Me:
Hello, I'm Tarek, a seasoned Senior Image Editor and Photographer with a passion for visual storytelling. My moniker, "Atarix", is a nod to my early nerdy Atari and gaming days. Fix an X on the end of Atari and you’ll say my real name in between. That has since evolved into the brand under which I launched my retouching career.
Career:
Early days:
My journey and my love for Photoshop and Computers began at age 13, where I transitioned from digitizing my own sketches to making posters for the nightclub i worked in as a bartender when i was 18. That eventually grew in to love for image editing and intricate image manipulations and photography by the time i was 20.
Freelancing Beginnings:
From ages 20 to 22, I served as a computer technician for IBM at Schiphol. While the IT role was routine, it allowed me the flexibility to explore freelance retouching, particularly in hair fashion and beauty. I was fortunate to catch the eye of Mark Melief, owner of Kinki Kappers, who consistently challenged me and expanded my skill set. This experience rapidly improved my abilities and made me realize that a career in retouching was indeed possible.
Major Leagues - G-Star RAW:
So at 22, I became a part of the G-Star RAW team. Over the course of nearly six years, I transitioned from a Junior to a Senior Retoucher. My responsibilities expanded from simple webshop retouching to leading retouch teams, editing main campaigns, counless lookbooks and marketing images for print and online. I provided advice, instruction, and consultation for numerous photoshoots, both at G-Star and for freelance clients, ensuring efficient and high-quality post-production outcomes. This experience not only deepened my understanding of the intricate relationship between photography and retouching but also gave me insights into the inner workings of a professional studio. It was during this time that my true passion for photography blossomed. This journey, combined with my continuous freelance work, has molded me into the seasoned retoucher and photographer I am today.
The Grand Challenge - Suitsupply:
After nearly 6 years at G-Star RAW, Suitsupply presented me with an opportunity to overhaul and optimize their studio. It was an offer I couldn't turn down. Leaving my comfortable position at G-Star RAW, I embraced the role of Senior Photographer and Retoucher at Suitsupply. I delivered on my promises: revamping server structures, updating hardware to industry standards, hiring and training the team, integrating a DAM system, and bringing advanced outsourced retouching and photography in-house. I also outsourced routine retouching tasks and trained external retouch houses to align with Suitsupply’s high-quality standards for masking and retouching.
The Big Leap - Fulltime Freelance:
Parallel to these roles, I've consistently engaged in freelance work, collaborating with notable brands like Grolsch, Tommy Hilfiger, Wilson, and various photographers. Often, my full-time role at Suitsupply meant passing up on freelance projects I was genuinely passionate about. By the end of 2021, having successfully streamlined the studio at Suitsupply and integrated it into a DAM, I felt I had fulfilled my commitment. With the studio running efficiently, I made the decision to transition into full-time freelancing, allowing me to pursue projects that truly resonate with me.
TL;DR:
Passionate about Photoshop, photography, computers and optimizing workflows with a journey from Freelance to G-Star RAW, then Suitsupply, and back to Freelance.
My Equipment:
Photography Equipment:
Camera’s:
Sony A7RV & Sony A7RIV (both 61MP)
Zoom lenses:
Sony GM 70-200mm f2.8
Sony GM 24-70mm f2.8
Prime lenses:
Sony GM 135mm f1.8
Sony GM 50mm f1.2
Sony GM 35mm f1.4
Sony GM 24mm f1.4
Sony GM 14mm f1.8
Retouch Equipment:
Screen:
Eizo CG319X
Tablets:
Wacom Cintiq 24 pro & Wacom intuos M
Workstations:
MacOS: 16-inch MacBook Pro Apple M1 max
Windows/Hackintosh render computer: i9 13900K 4090RTX 128GB-RAM
What I Can Offer:
Photographic & Retouching Fusion:
I'm not just a photographer with rudimentary retouching skills; I'm a seasoned retoucher who also excels in the art of photography.Color Management and Control: Leveraging industry-standard tools, I ensure accurate and consistent color representation across devices and mediums, adapting techniques to project needs and providing guidance on best practices.
Technical Proficiency:
My deep-rooted expertise in advanced image editing, including 3D integration, compositing, color grading and automation, ensures that your photos are both visually and technically impeccable.Editing with Intent:
I approach photography with the end-edit in mind, ensuring a seamless transition from the camera lens to the final retouched image.Collaborative Synergy:
My experience working alongside Design, DTP, Art-direction, and other creative teams/agencies ensures a holistic approach to projects, resulting in cohesive and top-tier results.Custom Solutions:
I offer tailored image editing and photography solutions that align with your brand's unique needs, from realistic photo manipulations to intricate color corrections.Streamlined Workflows:
Utilizing custom actions and scripts, I can significantly speed up the editing process, making it easier to maintain consistency across large teams or multiple projects.Mentorship & Skill Transfer:
Having managed and trained teams, I can also offer mentorship or training sessions to elevate the skills of your in-house staff.Quality Assurance:
My meticulous approach to quality management ensures that every image or project meets and exceeds industry standards.