Shantanu Starick: How I Went Two Years Without Spending Any Money

Ellen Fondiler | Grab Bag

Ellen Fondiler | Read Of The Week: Shantanu Starick

In GRAB BAG, I share extra stories, discoveries and gems that don’t quite “fit” anywhere else on my blog — but are too good not to share. Kind of like a piñata or a mystery box: you never know what’s going to be inside! Enjoy!


This video features an amazing photographer — Shantanu Starick — who shares how removing money out of the creative process led him to a wider array of jobs and a much more fulfilling freelance career.

From 99U:

In 2012 he started The Pixel Trade project, a photographic journey to all seven continents of the globe. In exchange for life’s basic necessities Starick trades his skills as a professional photographer, reintroducing the bartering system into day-to-day life. No currency, no contracts, only his camera and an eager smile.

Halfway through the second year of the project Starick has set foot on four continents capturing leading designers and chefs in New York City, chewed on mangrove worms with Indigenous communities in rural Australia, traversed Irish farmlands with an injured ankle and came face to face with Atlas Mountain goats, who strongly suggested they share his fruit salad.

I loved his story. I loved his determination and grit and the fact that he hasn’t swayed from his mission. And I also loved how his journey has brought out the best in people- willing to share food clothing and shelter. It is really fascinating how we think we need to live a certain way — when in fact — if we just change the story, anything is possible.

Find great work. Do great work. Unlock every door in your way.

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Image: The Pixel Project.