RJ
Who are you, and what do you do?
I’m a passion-driven creative who seeks to push boundaries and limits when it comes to expressing my vision. Drawing from high cultural influences, my art direction is created with intentions to capture or create memories. I prefer to focus more on the process and less on the result. From visuals, art exhibitions, photography, and writing, I love to give it my all. I’m not a photographer, but I love photography and its ability to capture a moment in life. I’m not a director, but I love piecing together a visual film idea and seeing it tell a story. I’m simply a student of the arts, trying to make my contribution to culture. Continuously working and learning about my crafts brings me not only joy, but helps me overcome my mistakes and filter out the things that I don’t want to create. An idea usually starts off with the most “impossible” or “unattainable” goal and then I work my way into bringing it to life somehow. Ultimately, altering life by holding it still.
What forms of media have influenced you the most?
As I mentioned previously, I draw from high cultural influences. I was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. I saw a lot of different stuff growing up, heard a lot of different things, and just gained overall consciousness of culture. Recently I’ve been reading a lot more though.
What hardware / software do you use?
I shoot off of a Canon as far as my DSLR, and of course my iPhone 6. I do have my moments though where I will only stick to using one or the other just because I feel like its more about the moment than the product. As far as software, I stick to Adobe Creative Suites and VSCO Cam all day.
What would be your dream creative setup?
To be honest I’m pretty happy with my current set up. An open space with all white walls, a minimal white desk, a lot of natural light coming in. I usually have some music playing, not too loud and not too low. I have three notebooks on my desk at all times. One is for everyday to-do lists, the second serves as a writing journal(thoughts, reflections, goals, etc.), and the third is for sketches and drawings. My tripod with my camera has been around too(usually it’s in my room), but it’s a reminder for my 365 Project of self-portraits that i’ve been doing.
