Author Topic: iStock's Mevans Passed In the Night (Read 15336 times)

Sean Locke Photography · « **on:** November 27, 2013, 09:35 »

It's going around facebook, but in case you weren't friends with him, Mark Evans wife posted several hours ago that Mark had died unexpectedly in the night.

I didn't know him in person, just online since the early days, but he was a swell guy, and a super talented 3d artist, always willing to help people with their 3d work. He was also an iStock Admin and Inspector. He really had a passion for cars in his 3d work, and had such an attention to detail:

I'm really saddened to hear of his passing.

http://www.istockphoto.com/mevans

ShadySue · « **Reply #1 on:** November 27, 2013, 09:40 »

I'm very sorry to hear that. Although I didn't know him, I liked his work and what I saw of him on the iS forums.

gostwyck · « **Reply #2 on:** November 27, 2013, 09:45 »

That's absolutely terrible news. He was so dedicated and his work was absolutely extraordinary, the finest photo-realistic illustrations I've ever seen. Such a shame for a young man who lived for his family. RIP.

cobalt · « **Reply #3 on:** November 27, 2013, 09:55 »

Mark was such a warm and caring man. This is incredibly sad news. I wish his wife and family strength in these difficult times ahead of them. My sincere condolences.

jjneff · « **Reply #4 on:** November 27, 2013, 09:56 »

Sad news and terrible time of year for them. Heart felt prayers for the family. May this be a reminder how important it is to love while you live.

dhanford · « **Reply #5 on:** November 27, 2013, 10:15 »

So sad to hear this. I didn't know him, but his posts in the forums were always caring and informative. His work was stellar, mind bendingly good. My sympathies to his family and friends.

Shelma1 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 27, 2013, 10:21 »

This is very sad news, especially at this time of year. What an amazingly talented man. My heart goes out to his loved ones.

oxman · « **Reply #7 on:** November 27, 2013, 10:28 »

Wow that is shocking. He had helped me a few times and was such a great guy and SOOOOO talented! My condolences to this family.

lisafx · « **Reply #8 on:** November 27, 2013, 10:57 »

Thanks for posting this Sean, and to Karen who sitemailed me about this. I wasn't personal friends with Mark, but certainly admired his talent and work ethic. Every contact I had with him over the years he was friendly, helpful and positive.

How terribly sad for someone so young to pass unexpectedly. My condolences to his wife and family.

Jo Ann Snover · « **Reply #9 on:** November 27, 2013, 11:01 »

I only knew him via the iStock forums, and he was such a nice and helpful person there. And as Sean noted, his work was spectacular. It wasn't that long ago he was married and it's very hard to fathom life cut that short, that suddenly. I can only imagine what his family is going through

leaf · « **Reply #10 on:** November 27, 2013, 14:53 »

thanks for posting this Sean.
My heart goes out to his family.

johnmessingham · « **Reply #11 on:** November 27, 2013, 15:26 »

Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

Mantis · « **Reply #12 on:** November 27, 2013, 15:29 »

He was one of the admins I liked at IS. Over the years very helpful and, of course, his work is amazing. My thoughts are with his wife and family. I've been taking care of my mother for 13 years and she passed away in July. Tomorrow will be my first holiday parentless. Enjoy your family while you can. My deepest for Mark's family. God bless.

BaldricksTrousers · « **Reply #13 on:** November 27, 2013, 16:10 »

I don't know if his family will ever see this, but I'd like to join in the tributes. He was one of the first people I came across back in the Spring/Summer of '04. He was already well-established there, I believe. I'm pretty sure he was an art college lecturer at that time, so he had the sort of vision and skill that really stood out in the early days. I'd always hoped that one day I might have that pint of beer with him that we settled on after a curious discussion. He was one of the original "good guys".

lisafx · « **Reply #14 on:** November 27, 2013, 17:17 »

Quote from: Mantis on November 27, 2013, 15:29

He was one of the admins I liked at IS. Over the years very helpful and, of course, his work is amazing. My thoughts are with his wife and family. I've been taking care of my mother for 13 years and she passed away in July. Tomorrow will be my first holiday parentless. Enjoy your family while you can. My deepest for Mark's family. God bless.

Mantis, my condolences on your mother. I lost my dad about 3 weeks ago. Holidays are a tough time when you are grieving someone.

heywoody · « **Reply #15 on:** November 27, 2013, 17:17 »

Sorry to hear this. I can't say I knew the guy but he did provide some useful tips when I joined IS first and seemed like a genuine nice bloke.

Mantis · « **Reply #16 on:** November 27, 2013, 17:50 »

Quote from: lisafx on November 27, 2013, 17:17

Quote from: Mantis on November 27, 2013, 15:29
He was one of the admins I liked at IS. Over the years very helpful and, of course, his work is amazing. My thoughts are with his wife and family. I've been taking care of my mother for 13 years and she passed away in July. Tomorrow will be my first holiday parentless. Enjoy your family while you can. My deepest for Mark's family. God bless.

Mantis, my condolences on your mother. I lost my dad about 3 weeks ago. Holidays are a tough time when you are grieving someone.

Very sorry to hear that, Lisa. For me it's truly a big empty hole in my heart and it's tough to adjust. I guess that's normal, but hope it eventually subsides. I wish you and your family warm peaceful holidays filled with good memories.

Out of curiosity, does anyone know how old Mark was?

lisafx · « **Reply #17 on:** November 27, 2013, 18:11 »

Quote from: Mantis on November 27, 2013, 17:50

Very sorry to hear that, Lisa. For me it's truly a big empty hole in my heart and it's tough to adjust. I guess that's normal, but hope it eventually subsides. I wish you and your family warm peaceful holidays filled with good memories.

Out of curiosity, does anyone know how old Mark was?

Thanks very much. Wishing you and your family the same

I hope someone can answer about how old Mark was.

sdeva · « **Reply #18 on:** November 28, 2013, 00:15 »

Condolences and heartfelt sympathies for Mark and all the other loved ones lost during the recent holiday season. May they rest in peace and in a better world than the one they leave behind.

suemack · « **Reply #19 on:** November 28, 2013, 00:18 »

Quote from: lisafx on November 27, 2013, 17:17

Quote from: Mantis on November 27, 2013, 15:29
He was one of the admins I liked at IS. Over the years very helpful and, of course, his work is amazing. My thoughts are with his wife and family. I've been taking care of my mother for 13 years and she passed away in July. Tomorrow will be my first holiday parentless. Enjoy your family while you can. My deepest for Mark's family. God bless.

Mantis, my condolences on your mother. I lost my dad about 3 weeks ago. Holidays are a tough time when you are grieving someone.

Lisa, I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad (((hugs))) and Mantis, (((hugs))) for you too. I've not met Mark in person, but 'known' him since I started in iStock. He was such a kind man, generous with his knowledge and help. He will be missed ♥

3DPhotos · « **Reply #20 on:** November 28, 2013, 12:46 »

Stunned and gutted to hear this sad news. My heart goes out to his young family. As a fellow 3D artist, Mark was one of those whose work I'd check now and then, and I always enjoyed noting how he'd progressed with his skills, and how far ahead he was of me. Like most of the others, only "met him online", but he seemed like a nice Aussie bloke. Rest in peace, Mark.

ShadySue · « **Reply #21 on:** November 28, 2013, 18:28 »

Is there any mention of his passing on the iStock forums? I looked in the illustration forum and some others but didn't find it.

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #22 on:** November 28, 2013, 18:44 »

Quote from: ShadySue on November 28, 2013, 18:28

Is there any mention of his passing on the iStock forums? I looked in the illustration forum and some others but didn't find it.

Not that I've noticed.

mlwinphoto · « **Reply #23 on:** November 28, 2013, 20:43 »

Quote from: Sean Locke Photography on November 28, 2013, 18:44

Quote from: ShadySue on November 28, 2013, 18:28
Is there any mention of his passing on the iStock forums? I looked in the illustration forum and some others but didn't find it.

Not that I've noticed.

I haven't seen any either. I've been tempted to post something but I would think admin should/would lead the way...
Condolences to his family and friends.

Noedelhap · « **Reply #24 on:** November 29, 2013, 18:32 »

That's sad. My condoleances.

PaulieWalnuts · « **Reply #25 on:** November 29, 2013, 18:34 »

Very sad. Seemed like a nice guy. My condolences to his family.

gemmy12 · « **Reply #26 on:** November 29, 2013, 19:11 »

thats a sad to loose someone unexpectedly at young age. I have faced this and know how heart breaking such incidents are.
Mantis and Lisa ! Sorry for your losses .
I really pray for the peace of the souls who passed away and my condolences are with the families.

Silken Photography · « **Reply #27 on:** December 01, 2013, 00:15 »

Oh that's sad, so sorry to everyone affected by this loss. It's never good to lose someone you love, and unspeakably hard when it's sudden with someone young.

Thoughts too to Mantis and Lisa, this is a tough time of year.

cuethesun · « **Reply #28 on:** December 01, 2013, 13:54 »

I believe Mark was in his early 40s.

He was the first 'local' from Melbourne AU to make contact with me back in the early days of istock (he joined shortly after me), and the first other aussie I knew of on the site.

I met the guy on a number of occasions as well as his family, and got to shoot with him a few times as well. There are few I can think of that epitomise generosity of spirit more than he

gemmy12 · « **Reply #29 on:** December 01, 2013, 14:11 »

and here another sad news. Loss of actor Paul Walker, actor of movie 'Fast and Furious' i really like that guy and his acting in these car racing movie series. Really he lived and died in the fast lane.

BaldricksTrousers · « **Reply #30 on:** December 01, 2013, 18:54 »

Quote from: gemmy12 on December 01, 2013, 14:11

and here another sad news. Loss of actor Paul Walker, actor of movie 'Fast and Furious' i really like that guy and his acting in these car racing movie series. Really he lived and died in the fast lane.

Please leave Mark his space. It doesn't need to be filled up with celebrities.

gemmy12 · « **Reply #31 on:** December 01, 2013, 19:02 »

Quote from: BaldricksTrousers on December 01, 2013, 18:54

Quote from: gemmy12 on December 01, 2013, 14:11
and here another sad news. Loss of actor Paul Walker, actor of movie 'Fast and Furious' i really like that guy and his acting in these car racing movie series. Really he lived and died in the fast lane.

Please leave Mark his space. It doesn't need to be filled up with celebrities.

sure. I mentioned because both the artists had passion for cars in their professions. Anyways may the souls live in peace.

gostwyck · « **Reply #32 on:** December 01, 2013, 20:04 »

Quote from: ShadySue on November 28, 2013, 18:28

Is there any mention of his passing on the iStock forums? I looked in the illustration forum and some others but didn't find it.

I'm utterly staggered by this. Mark was a highly prominent and respected member of IS for 13 years, sold nearly 300K licenses, held the position of Inspector (effectively as an 'employee') and undoubtedly made well over $1M for Istockphoto. They will probably make several $M more from the legacy of his portfolio over the years to come too. Yet apparently they don't even publically acknowledge his passing? Really?

Even at my golf club they make an announcement and lower the flag to half-mast for a couple of days when a member passes, even though they may have left the club several years earlier (obviously sometimes necessitated through ill-health).

Disgraceful.

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #33 on:** December 01, 2013, 22:11 »

It is odd. It isn't like he was some bronze cannister with 20 uploads. Mark was a major dude. I'm sorry they didn't see it necessary to mention it.

fotoVoyager · « **Reply #34 on:** December 02, 2013, 04:59 »

I'm sure his co-workers are discussing it in the inspectors forum.

goober · « **Reply #35 on:** December 03, 2013, 05:37 »

I met him once and conversed with him a few times on sitemail. He was a great artist to be sure.

runeer · « **Reply #36 on:** December 04, 2013, 03:58 »

This is sad and such a big loss... My condolences to the family...

ShadySue · « **Reply #37 on:** December 07, 2013, 20:05 »

Quote from: ShadySue on November 28, 2013, 18:28

Is there any mention of his passing on the iStock forums? I looked in the illustration forum and some others but didn't find it.

At last:
http://www.istockphoto.com/forum_messages.php?threadid=358060&page=1

wordplanet · « **Reply #38 on:** December 07, 2013, 20:13 »

So sad - my heart goes out to his family.
Sad to lose such a talent - and so young.

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #39 on:** December 07, 2013, 21:47 »

Strange. It's not like posting a memorial is a banning offense.

mlwinphoto · « **Reply #40 on:** December 08, 2013, 00:40 »

Admin should have made the announcement; several days ago.

gostwyck · « **Reply #41 on:** December 08, 2013, 02:09 »

Quote from: mlwinphoto on December 08, 2013, 00:40

Admin should have made the announcement; several days ago.

Of course they should have done. It just goes to show how much IS really cares about their supposed 'community'.

BaldricksTrousers · « **Reply #42 on:** December 08, 2013, 13:59 »

With 18 hours gone since the first mention on IS and 14 replies so far there does not appear to be ONE admin or inspector saying anything. It is as if an instruction has gone out that his death is to be ignored by employees. It's extrarordinary.

tickstock · « **Reply #43 on:** December 08, 2013, 14:18 »

BaldricksTrousers · « **Reply #44 on:** December 08, 2013, 14:50 »

Well, I'm sorry for saying what I thought, And I'm sorry you couldn't be bothered to send your condolences until you wanted to jump in to defend iStock. And I probably shouldn't have said that either, but it happens to be what I think.

PS: The value of the forum is that it let us know about this, as it lets us know about other things.

Jo Ann Snover · « **Reply #45 on:** December 08, 2013, 16:50 »

Not sure why you'd be sorry for making a simple observation. Mark was staff, not just a contributor with masses of talent. The organization has said nothing publicly about his death. That's more than a little odd

cobalt · « **Reply #46 on:** December 08, 2013, 17:42 »

There was a huge and immediate outpoor of shock and emotions on facebook. So the radio silence of the company itself is odd and has many people wondering why.

Maybe they are still looking for a proper form of official condolences from the company? It is a big organisation, perhaps things need to move along different levels of management before a public statement?

Marks passing was totally unexpected and is a terrible loss. He really cared about the people he interacted with. A real community builder.

I wish the world had more people like him. He knew how to bring people together and focus on what we have in common, not what divides us.

BaldricksTrousers · « **Reply #47 on:** December 08, 2013, 17:46 »

I wonder if he seriously upset someone. Was there a head on row? Was he still an admin/inspector at the end? It doesn't make sense otherwise. The iStock forum is almost defunct, 20 threads per month, yet a few of the older members of the community have still picked up the remembrance thread, but Lobo hasn't bothered to offer sympathy, it's crazy. What does that make Lobo look like? What does it make iStock look like?

lewis larkin · « **Reply #48 on:** December 08, 2013, 19:09 »

I only knew him by his forum postings, which were always helpful, positive, useful and constructive, which I am sure reflects the kind of guy he was - I am sorry that I won't have the possibility to meet him in person....
my thoughts are with his family and friends ...

stock-will-eat-itself · « **Reply #49 on:** December 09, 2013, 06:48 »

Quote from: tickstock on December 08, 2013, 14:18

I have to say it makes me sick to see people on here using Mark's death to criticize iStock. I'm really feeling like this forum has lost any value it once had. I wish the best to his family and offer my condolences.

Quite agree, using this to bash iStock is disrespectful to his family. They should be left to grieve in peace.

cobalt · « **Reply #50 on:** December 10, 2013, 08:32 »

I´ve added a link to mevans portfolio on my homepage and added him to my list of artists I recommend. I hope it brings some traffic to his portfolio and a few sales. I also bought some files for my workshops and will keep looking back there for more.

Mantis · « **Reply #51 on:** December 10, 2013, 08:36 »

Quote from: cobalt on December 10, 2013, 08:32

I´ve added a link to mevans portfolio on my homepage and added him to my list of artists I recommend. I hope it brings some traffic to his portfolio and a few sales. I also bought some files for my workshops and will keep looking back there for more.

Very nice of you to do this.

cobalt · « **Reply #52 on:** December 10, 2013, 11:31 »

Well I saw Michaeljay mentioning Marks passing and a link to his portfolio on his blog and others did it on Facebook as well. I guess buying files and driving traffic to his portfolio is one of the few things we can actually do that will benefit his family.

I remember how he blogged his custody struggle to see his daughter and he was anyway very open and forthcoming with his feelings online. His family and his friends meant everything to him.

So linking to his portfolio is an easy way to pay tribute.

We will miss you Mark, R.I.P.

BaldricksTrousers · « **Reply #53 on:** December 10, 2013, 12:38 »

I've had a private message from an insider at iStock, whom I knew well in the old days. I'm told that Mark's colleagues as inspectors and admins did extend their condolences, individually and as a group, to his family, and that they feel that their feelings and actions are not something to be made public in anonymous forum posts.
My interlocutor clearly felt that stuff written here (probably some of it by me) was inappropriate and hurtful to the inspectors and admins.
I've been told it's ok for me to pass on a precis of what I was told and I hope and believe that was a fair summary.
For myself, while I don't doubt (and have never doubted) the sincere sorrow of Mark's friends in iStock, I still don't really understand why it wasn't announced. If you have a "community" then it is normal to exchange infomation about what is happening with members of that community. That is what "a community" is: a group of people who share.

cobalt · « **Reply #54 on:** December 10, 2013, 14:42 »

istock started as a group of strangers from across the globe that over many years became friends by sharing and interacting. The internet made it possible to interact daily with amazing people on other parts of the globe. So I really don´t think anyone doubts the sincerity or grief of friends or admins.

There is a standard procedure for how many companies react that most people are familiar with from normal business life in a situation like this. I guess this is what people writing on different Facebook groups and forums were expecting, which is normal.

I think it is good Sean started this thread, I also don´t see anything wrong with the one on istock. In Germany many people make announcements in the newspaper when people pass. I did it for my father. In the year 2013 I would consider memorial threads to be something equivalent. A place to talk and share and remember.

SNP · « **Reply #55 on:** December 10, 2013, 21:51 »

gostwyck · « **Reply #56 on:** December 10, 2013, 22:22 »

Quote from: SNP on December 10, 2013, 21:51

I think it's shameful that there was no official post made on iStock's forums.

I never met Mark in person, but felt I knew him anyways. He was helpful, kind, funny and connected as an inspector....especially nice to those of us who tried our hands at 3D and made all the classic newb mistakes.

I was very sad to see his wife's post and I still find myself thinking about him. just not something anyone expected to hear and it does remind me how much of a community we all still are in our industry. I know Mark loved his 3D cars, but my favourite image of Mark's was always this one...

http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-11215246-teamwork.php?st=d43ef28

Very nicely worded post SNP. It is indeed shameful that IS have yet to acknowledge the passing of one of their earliest, most popular, most talented and influential contributors. Please can you provide a link to 'his wife's post' as I'm not aware of it?

SNP · « **Reply #57 on:** December 11, 2013, 01:09 »

Jo Ann Snover · « **Reply #58 on:** December 11, 2013, 01:45 »

I think this should be visible to anyone - Mark's Facebook page which his wife says she will be maintaining as a memorial for him

https://www.facebook.com/MarkEvans4

cobalt · « **Reply #59 on:** December 11, 2013, 11:11 »

It is a beautiful memorial page and lovely to see everyone sharing and connecting in the same way they always did on istock. Facebook is offering a great platform that brings strangers together and makes them comfortable and at home. And although Facebook is not a private environment people are not holding back. Just like the old days, you can just dive in and remember.

istock was my first online community experience and I am grateful for all the wonderful people I met through the site including Mark. And now with msg, Facebook and Google+ the community will always be connected and growing irrespective of whoever company we are working with.

The community is here to stay.

Bonnie Schupp · « **Reply #60 on:** December 11, 2013, 11:58 »

I was sorry to learn about this. In 2006 my husband and I met Mark at a minilypse in Adelaide and he invited us to stay with him when we passed through Melbourne. He was a talented and kind human being. We are glad we had a chance to connect with him in this way and our hearts go out to his family.

It is surprising that iStock did not announce this. One thing that used to set iStock apart from other stock businesses was its strong sense of community and personal connections. Apparently, this is no longer so.

cobalt · « **Reply #61 on:** December 11, 2013, 18:14 »

There still is a very strong community but it has moved "underground" to various facebook groups and g+ circles. The people are all still there, just no longer visible on istock.

But I agree that looking from outside it is odd that in a situation like this the admins appear to be avoiding the company forums and are not interacting with their own community on istock itself.

I am grateful artpuppy opened a memorial thread there. Not everyone reads here and istock is where many exclusive contributors expect to find community information. At least now the regular contributors get a chance to express themselves.

And like others have said, I don't understand why it would have been wrong for an admin to lead the way with a few words of kindness and empathy.

EmberMike · « **Reply #62 on:** December 12, 2013, 09:35 »

Sad to hear of Mark's passing. He was way too young, for sure.

As for istock, I think it's a bit of a situation of people still sometimes expecting them to be the istock of old, even though we know they aren't that company anymore. Several years ago, you know this would have been a company-wide discussion kicked off from within the company itself. But istock stopped being a community-driven business years ago.

So I don't fault them at all for not making a public statement. It's just not in the company culture to do so anymore, and I think we all need to stop expecting them to ever be that type of company again.

tickstock · « **Reply #63 on:** December 12, 2013, 16:42 »

Just saw this:
https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/df06d

Jo Ann Snover · « **Reply #64 on:** December 12, 2013, 17:52 »

Thanks for posting the link - it's nice to be able to do something concrete

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #65 on:** December 12, 2013, 19:43 »

Quote from: tickstock on December 12, 2013, 16:42

Just saw this:
https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/df06d

Has there been some expression from his family that they need money? I'd feel a little weird sending cash if they didn't need it.

Noedelhap · « **Reply #66 on:** December 13, 2013, 06:38 »

Quote from: BaldricksTrousers on December 08, 2013, 17:46

I wonder if he seriously upset someone. Was there a head on row? Was he still an admin/inspector at the end? It doesn't make sense otherwise. The iStock forum is almost defunct, 20 threads per month, yet a few of the older members of the community have still picked up the remembrance thread, but Lobo hasn't bothered to offer sympathy, it's crazy. What does that make Lobo look like? What does it make iStock look like?

I think it's ridiculous to bash Istock or Lobo for this. How iStock handles this or how Lobo responds to this (or how anyone responds to the death of a relative) is an entirely personal matter. You can't blame them for dealing with it their own way, nor can you force them to publicly express their grief. Besides, I'm sure they care about his death just as well as you do.

But I can see you've already spoken to someone from Istock, so that's that.

cidepix · « **Reply #67 on:** December 13, 2013, 07:52 »

Quote from: tickstock on December 08, 2013, 14:18

I have to say it makes me sick to see people on here using Mark's death to criticize iStock. I'm really feeling like this forum has lost any value it once had. I wish the best to his family and offer my condolences.

as long as it's based on a valid argument, what's wrong with criticizing istock?

please make a list to let people know "on what grounds they can criticize istock".. so next time, they will do it without touching the subjects that you don't like..

ARTPUPPY · « **Reply #68 on:** December 13, 2013, 08:07 »

Quote from: Sean Locke Photography on December 12, 2013, 19:43

Quote from: tickstock on December 12, 2013, 16:42
Just saw this:
https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/df06d

Has there been some expression from his family that they need money? I'd feel a little weird sending cash if they didn't need it.

It's good to see a donation page set up. I was wondering if we should each purchase one of Mark's images from istock, but this is a better idea. And if the family doesn't need the money, then I'm sure they can do something positive with it. Perhaps they can donate it in Mark's name to a charity or set up a little scholarship in tribute to him.

jjneff · « **Reply #69 on:** December 13, 2013, 08:55 »

While I can not compare myself to his talent this warms my soul to think the community would reach out to my family if something happened to me!

Sean Locke Photography · « **Reply #70 on:** February 05, 2014, 09:05 »

This was a little weird, but of all the FB lookback links people have posted, this is the only one I took a few seconds to look at:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10202393351609514