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1),!!c&&o.createElement("meta",{name:"twitter:image:src",content:c}),!!m&&o.createElement("meta",{name:"twitter:image:alt",content:m}))},l=({title:e,description:t,useSocialMediaTags:a,previewImg:n,previewImgSize:l,previewImgAlt:h,twitterTitle:d,twitterDescription:c,twitterCardContent:g,noindex:m,indexContent:u,structuredData:p,canonicalURL:w,prevPage:y,nextPage:f,children:b})=>{(0,o.useEffect)(()=>{let e=document.getElementById("content_summary");e&&e.remove()},[]);let v=w||i.NE+window.location.pathname;return o.createElement(o.Fragment,null,o.createElement(r,{robotsContent:m?"noindex":u||"index,follow",canonical:v,title:e,description:t,structuredData:p,prevPage:y,nextPage:f},b),!!a&&o.createElement(s,{title:e,description:t,canonical:v,previewImg:n,previewImgSize:l,previewImgAlt:h,twitterTitle:d,twitterDescription:c,twitterCardContent:g}))}},55993:function(e,t,a){a.d(t,{rX:function(){return z},a5:function(){return D},Hv:function(){return C}}),a(76801);var o=a(99327),i=a(67294),n=a(3010);let r=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/adaeze-okaro/woman_red_dress.jpg",caption:"Photo by Adaeze Okaro",alt:"Black woman in red dress and green headdress in yellow room"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/adaezeokaro/?hl=en"},"Adaeze Okaro")," ","(she/her) is a self-taught photographer based in Abuja, Nigeria, whose work explores love, introspection, and identity. Beginning with an iPhone 5s in 2017, she transitioned to professional photography in 2018, securing her first commission with Dove and Getty Images. Her images blend portraiture, fine art, documentary, and fashion, capturing the emotional depth of her subjects. Selected for the Adobe Stock Artist Development Fund in 2021, Adaeze has collaborated with WeTransfer, Google, Adobe, Penguin Books, HarperCollins, VSCO, and more. Through her lens, she honors black beauty, melancholy, and human connection, crafting stories that linger beyond the image.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Adaeze! Tell us a little about yourselfâââwhen did you first become interested in photography and how did you get to where you are today?",answer:"The first time I picked up a camera, I was six years old. But professionally, my journey began in 2018, after graduating from university. Before that, I was always experimenting, I borrowed cameras from friends, tested my phoneâs capabilities, and did small shoots for people in school. My first camera came in 2018, and with it, my first professional project and clientele. That was when everything came together, and I realized I could truly build a career out of something I love. Itâs been a journey of exploration, self-belief, and countless moments of growth since then."},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/adaeze-okaro/adaeze_okaro_portrait.jpg",alt:"Portrait of photographer Adaeze Okaro",quote:"Through my work, I aim to embrace and celebrate those emotions that connect us all while creating space for reflection and dialogue about what it means to be alive."},{type:"interview",question:"Are there particular themes you like to explore through your work? Why are these themes important to you?",answer:"I love exploring themes of love, identity, melancholy, and the quiet spaces within ourselves that are often left unspoken. These themes are important to me because they feel universal yet deeply personal. They reflect the rawness and beauty of being human. Through my work, I aim to embrace and celebrate those emotions that connect us all while creating space for reflection and dialogue about what it means to be alive."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/adaeze-okaro/woman_shoulderless_dress.jpg",alt:"Black woman in shoulderless dress looking down in blue lit room",caption:"Photo by Adaeze Okaro"},{type:"interview",question:"Your photos are absolutely stunning. From the colors choices in wardrobe to the lighting in the photos, your images are striking. How did you find your photography style?",answer:"Thank y
1ou so much! My style has evolved over time through experimentation and trust in my intuition. Iâve always believed in letting the emotion of the moment guide me, whether itâs through vivid colors or soft contrasts. Studying other artists I admire and allowing myself the freedom to try and fail has also been key. I think my style found me when I stopped chasing perfection and focused on telling honest, emotional stories."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/adaeze-okaro/woman_red_sweater.jpg",alt:`Close up of Black womanâs neck wearing a blue beaded necklace and red sweater`,caption:"Photo by Adaeze Okaro"},{type:"interview",question:"What has been one of your favorite projects to work on so far? What would be your dream creative project or subject to shoot?",answer:["One of my favorite projects was photographing for Dazed Magazine. It felt like a celebration of storytelling, collaboration, and authenticity.","As for a dream project, Iâd love to create a photo book that explores the things people often shy away from discussing, emotions, vulnerabilities, and the truths we carry in silence. I also dream of traveling to different parts of the African continent to document the intersections of culture, identity, and memory through my lens."]},{type:"interview",question:"Whatâs your creative process like and how do you approach creative collaboration with clients?",answer:"My creative process is rooted in listening and intuition. I spend time understanding the story or feeling I want to convey, often drawing inspiration from films, books, and fleeting moments in life. With clients, itâs all about mutual trust. I listen to their vision while staying true to my artistic voice. Collaboration for me is a balance between structure and spontaneity. Itâs about finding magic in the in-between moments."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/adaeze-okaro/woman_turquoise_background.jpg",caption:"Photo by Adaeze Okaro",alt:"Close up portrait of Black woman with curled braids looking at camera with turquoise background"},{type:"interview",question:"Your portraits have a strong sense of intimacy. How do you make your subjects comfortable in front of the camera? What's your approach to building a connection during a photoshoot?",answer:"Connection is everything. I make time to talk to my subjects, learn about their personalities, and create an environment where they can feel relaxed and open. During shoots, I focus on making them feel seen, not as a subject, but as a person with a story worth capturing. I encourage them to be themselves and let the moments unfold naturally. This sense of ease and trust often translates into the intimacy you see in my portraits."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/adaeze-okaro/man_with_baby.jpg",caption:"Photo by Adaeze Okaro",alt:"Shirtless Black man holding new born baby to his chest"},{type:"interview",question:"Which project or shoot has left the biggest impression on you, and why was it so meaningful?",answer:"Photographing for Google Pixelâs research project in Nigeria had a profound impact on me. The project aimed to improve phone camera technology for darker skin tones, addressing issues like white cast and uneven patches. Being part of something so culturally significant reminded me why I do what I do: to honor and celebrate diverse beauty while contributing to important conversations about representation."},{type:"interview",question:"Are there any specific pieces of equipment, such as particular lenses or lighting setups, that you consider essential for your shoots?",answer:["I love working with my 35mm and 50mm lenses because they allow me to capture both intimacy and context in my shots.","As for lighting, I prefer continuous lighting over softboxes or reflectors it feels more natural and allows me to work with shadows and highlights in a way that brings the image to life."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/adaeze-okaro/woman_on_desk.jpg",caption:"Photo by Adaeze Okaro",alt:"Black woman with hair in an updo sitting on a square desk in front of a bright window looking off to the side"},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to new photographers who are just starting out?",answer:"Start with what you have and donât be afraid to experiment. Borrow equipment, use your phone, make mistakes, and learn as you go. Photography is about storytelling, not perfection. Let your curiosity guide you, stay open to growth, and always remember why you started. Your unique voice is what will set you apart."},{type:"interview",question:"What are you currently working on now and whatâs up next for you?",answer:"Right now, Iâm exploring the documentary side of my work. Thatâs where my journey as a photographer began, and I want to return to it with fresh eyes. Iâm also experimenting with mixed media, melding photography with coding and other art forms to create something truly unique. Iâm dreaming of turning these explorations into a photobook centered on the unspoken the things we think and feel but rarely say aloud. Itâs an exciting, reflective phase, and Iâm eager to see where it leads."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/adaeze-okaro/woman_spotlight_on_eye.jpg",caption:"Photo by Adaeze Okaro",alt:"Black woman leaning head sideways on green stool with only one eye illuminated"},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Thank you for sharing with us, Adaeze! To view more of Adaezeâs work, follow her on"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.threads.net/@adaezeokaro"},"Threads"),","," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/adaezeokaro/?hl=en"},"Instagram"),","," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://x.com/adaezeokaro"},"X"),", and"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://vsco.co/adaezeokaro/gallery"},"VSCO"),", where you can"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"//vsco.co/vsco/journal/introducing-the-we-the-creators-series?share=MTczMjE0NDczNw%3D%3D"},"download")," ","her preset (WE5 and WE5 PRO)."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Adaeze was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.vsco.co/"},"VSCO"),".")]}],s=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/arjun-yadav/taj_mahal.jpg",caption:"Photo by Arjun Yadav",alt:"Flocks of birds flying in front of the Taj Mahal in India with peach and blue hues are seen from boat in the Yamuna river"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/arjsun"},"Arjun Yadav")," ","(he/him) is a Toronto-based photographer passionate about telling stories through photography. His work aims to capture the magic in lifeâs everyday moments and places. Whether through landscapes or aerial perspectives, he invites viewers to see the familiar world around them in a new light.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Arjun! Tell us a little about yourselfâââwhen did you first become interested in photography and how did you get to where you are today?",answer:["My journey into photography started during my undergrad at the University of Toronto. At the time, I was really into building drones as a hobby. I loved tinkering with technology and seeing how I could make something work in a new way. Eventually, I decided to attach a camera to one of the drones I had built, long before photography drones became commercially available. That was a game-changer for me!","Getting that unique aerial perspective really opened my eyes to how different the world looks from above, and it sparked something in me. I started thinking more about photography as a way to capture the beauty of places from angles and perspectives that werenât easily accessible. This led to an interest in aerial photography and travelâwanting to visit new places and document them from the sky."]},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/arjun-yadav/arjun_yadav_portrait.jpg",alt:"Portrait of photographer Arjun Yadav",subHeading:"Photo by Andrea Te",quote:"My work is driven by a love for storytelling through light, the passage of time, and the changing seasons."},{type:"interview",question:"What are your favorite subjects or themes to explore, and why?",answer:"I love shooting landscapes and aerial photography because they allow me to explore the world and serve as an excuse to travel to new and exciting places. My work is driven by a love for storytelling through light, the passage of time, and the changing seasons."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/arjun-yadav/autumn_trees.jpg",caption:"Photo by Arjun Yadav",alt:"Sun rays
1shining through yellow and orange autumn trees with brick house in background"},{type:"interview",question:"Your photos are beautiful: both calming and colorful at the same time. How did you find your own photography style?",answer:["Thank you! That is a great question. Finding my photography style has deï¬nitely been a journey, and itâs evolved over time. At ï¬rst, I just took photos of whatever caught my eye, but as I learned more about composition, lighting, and color theory, I started to gravitate toward certain themes.","A big inï¬uence in shaping my style has been the paintings of Edward Hopper. His ability to capture a certain loneliness and stillness in everyday moments really resonates with me. There is a certain calmness in the the way he uses light and shadow to create mood that I try to emulate in my own work and I think my style continues to shift as I experiment with new techniques and perspectives."]},{type:"interview",question:"What has been one of your favorite projects to work on so far? What would be your dream creative project or subject to shoot?",answer:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Working with"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://vsco.co/arjsun/gallery"},"VSCO as one of their photography ambassadors")," ","and also later on working on creating a"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://vsco.co/vsco/journal/introducing-the-we-the-creators-series?share=MTczMjE0NDczNw%3D%3D"},"VSCO preset")," ","(WE6 and WE6 PRO) based on my photographic style has been one of my favourite projects I have worked on.")},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/arjun-yadav/taj_mahal_aerial.jpg",caption:"Photo by Arjun Yadav",alt:"Taj Mahal in India pictured from above showing it surrounded by trees, a river and the neighboring roofs of shops and houses"},{type:"interview",question:"What's the most impactful feedback you've received on your photography, and how did it influence your development as a photographer?",answer:"One of the most impactful pieces of feedback I received early on was to capture as much of what I want to convey in-camera as possible, rather than relying heavily on post-processing. This advice pushed me to be more intentional with my compositions, lighting, and camera settings. It also taught me to be more patientâwaiting for the right conditions, experimenting with different angles, and reï¬ning things at the shoot rather than ï¬xing them afterward
1in post."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/arjun-yadav/birds_power_lines.jpg",caption:"Photo by Arjun Yadav",alt:"Birds perched on criss crossing power lines again a blue sky with red sun"},{type:"interview",question:"Whatâs your creative process like? Walk us through your process of creating and putting together a shoot.",answer:"My creative process is usually sparked by something that intrigues meâwhether itâs a new spot Iâve come across while location scouting (which often involves a lot of driving around) or a place Iâve already visited but want to capture in a different season or time of day. I also use Google Earth to ï¬nd potential locations that look appealing from above. Once Iâve chosen a location, I consider the best lighting and conditions, often planning around weather, time of day, and season. From there, itâs about being present, observing how the light interacts with the landscape, and letting that guide the ï¬nal composition."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/arjun-yadav/house_in_snow.jpg",caption:"Photo by Arjun Yadav",alt:"Heavy snow and icicles encroaching the patio of a house"},{type:"interview",question:"If you could only choose one camera body and one lens in your kit, which would you choose? ",answer:"I think right now I would choose my trusty old Fujiï¬lm X-H1 with the 33mm f/1.4 lens."},{type:"interview",question:"What tools and techniques do you use when it comes to post-processing your images?",answer:"I primarily process my RAW photos in Adobe Lightroom, where I ï¬ne-tune tones, exposure, and other stylistic choices to achieve the look I envision. Once Iâm satisï¬ed with the base edit, I export the image to VSCO for color grading, as I ï¬nd that their presets add a unique character and that extra special sauce that makes the photo stand out."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/arjun-yadav/snowy_homes.jpg",caption:"Photo by Arjun Yadav",alt:"Snowy trees and roofs of neighborhood houses at night with several lit up in Christmas lights"},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to new photographers who are just starting out?",answer:"Always keep shooting. Experiment with new techniques and subjects until you ï¬nd your niche."},{type:"interview",question:"What are you currently working on now and whatâs up next for you?",answer:"Currently, along with other creators, Iâm working on a year-long collaboration with Destination Canadaâthe ofï¬cial government tourism organization of Canadaâand potentially some brand deals in the near future, while also building and growing my personal portfolio."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/arjun-yadav/cn_tower_icy.jpg",caption:"Photo by Arjun Yadav",alt:"CN Tower and Toronto shoreline in Canada seen from the icy harbor on an overcast winter day"},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Thank you for sharing with us, Arjun! To view more of Arjunâs work, follow him on"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/arjsun"},"Instagram")," ","and"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://vsco.co/arjsun/gallery"},"VSCO"),", where you can"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://vsco.co/vsco/journal/introducing-the-we-the-creators-series?share=MTczMjE0NDczNw%3D%3D"},"download")," ","his preset (WE6 and WE6 PRO)."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Arjun was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.vsco.co/"},"VSCO"),".")]}],l=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/edwina-hay/doechii_performing.jpg",caption:"Photo by Edwina Hay; Doechii at Webster Hall on Tuesday, October 15, 2024",alt:"Rapper Doechii performing on stage lit in red light and decorated with plants"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.thisisnotaphotograph.com/"},"Edwina Hay")," ","is a freelance photographer located in New York City. She specializes in live music, event photography, and portraits. As an avid music fan born and raised in Brooklyn, she has captured images of musicians performing on stage for two decades. She's lived in New York City her entire life. Her website got its name from a Mission of Burma song.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Edwina! Tell us a little about yourselfâââwhen did you first become interested in photography and how did you get to where you are today?",answer:["Hello! My name is Edwina and Iâm a freelance photographer based in New York City.",i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"I first got my interest in creating photos growing up here in Brooklyn. My parents gave me a toy camera when I was young, and I received a 35mm Minolta SLR camera as a high school graduation gift from them. I enrolled in photography courses as a Visual Arts minor in college and basically started bringing my camera to some concerts I attended around NYC as a young adult. I started out shooting on 35mm film and migrated to my first DSLR camera around 2005,"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"http://thisisnotaphotograph.com/"},"launched my website in 2006"),", and contributed to various outlets over the years.")]},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/edwina-hay/edwina_hay_portrait.jpg",subHeading:"Photo by Ester Segretto",alt:"Portrait of photographer Edwina Hay",quote:"Sometimes you see a photo and know that if it was taken a second earlier or later, it wouldnât be the same image. I always love photos that make me wish I was there."},{type:"interview",question:"In your experience, what do you think makes a truly exceptional music photograph stand out from a good one?",answer:"The images that I tend to love elicit some kind of reaction from the viewer. Itâs a photo that makes you gasp or immediately grabs your attention. You want to examine it closer to concentrate on details, or try to figure out how the photographer created it. Sometimes you see a photo and know that if it was taken a second earlier or later, it wouldnât be the same image. I always love photos that make me wish I was there."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/edwina-hay/moses_sumney_performing.jpg",caption:"Photo by Edwina Hay; Moses Sumney during COLORS: Tones of NYC at Knockdown Center on Friday, October 11, 2024",alt:"Musician Moses Sumney singing into a microphone kneeling on red lit stage while dressed in black jeans and vest"},{type:"interview",question:"Your portfolio includes both intimate portraits and high-energy concert shots - how do you build rapport and capture special moments with your subjects in such different c
1ontexts?",answer:["For many of the artists I cover, Iâm a fan of their music and I think that helps me a lot. I tend to go in knowing if it will be high energy or a quieter performance and what I want to use while shooting. As an example, if Iâm shooting a punk band where I know there will be lots of movement in a club where I can use my flash, then Iâll make sure to have that ready. If Iâm at a small venue, then I may not bring my 70-200mm lens since Iâll plan to be right at the stage and will decide to use a wider lens instead. For larger venues with photo pits, youâre only allowed to be there during the first three songs so I tend to move around, get different angles, while at the same time, I try my best to not be in another photographerâs way or blocking the audience in the front row too much.","Regarding portraits, I prefer to be ready to shoot in advance and work quickly, so I donât take up a lot of an artistâs time. A few weeks ago, I was hired to cover Bilal performing a free show at BAM. I was informed that we were going to do a portrait of him before he went on stage at 8PM, so while backstage before 8, I set up to use off camera flash while waiting. I tested my flash in advance so that when Bilal and his band arrived, I was immediately ready to capture them before they left to go on stage. If I have more time with someone, then I try to chat with them before I begin shooting, while still also trying not to waste their time."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/edwina-hay/bilal_and_band.jpg",caption:"Photo by Edwina Hay; Bilal and band backstage at BAM on Thursday, January 9, 2025",alt:"Singer Bilal backstage with his band"},{type:"interview",question:"As someone who has been photographing the New York music and culture scene since the late 90s, youâve probably photographed thousands of performances and events. Are there any that have particularly stood out for you? Do you have any thrilling ârock and rollâ stories you can share?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Itâs always fun and memorable when artists bring out special guests to their shows. When I covered"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.brooklynvegan.com/glorilla-played-nyc-with-cardi-b-gloss-up-slimeroni-k-carbon-aleza-more-pics-review/"},"GloRillaâs headlining show at Irving Plaza for BrooklynVegan"),", she brought out Cardi B to help perform âTomorrow 2â and everyone in the audience went wild. I had a feeling before the show that this might happen, so I stuck around close to the stage rather than moving to the back of the room just in case my hunch about Cardi showing up for that song was correct. This past summer, I covered a"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.redbull.com/us-en/red-bull-culture-clash-recap-winner"},"Red Bull event where Wyclef and YG Marley")," ","were surprise guests and back in December,"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://thebowerypresents.tumblr.com/post/769385162878386176/ghostface-killah-raekwon-gza-terminal-5"},"Nas joined Ghostface Killah and Raekwon during their set at Terminal 5"),"."),{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/edwina-hay/glorilla_cardi_b.jpg",caption:"Photo by Edwina Hay; GloRilla and Cardi B at Irving Plaza on Wednesday, February 22, 2023",alt:"Rappers GoRilla and Cardi B smiling while performing on purple hued stage"},i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"I love discovering new artists especially when theyâre an opening act for a headliner. I first saw Janelle Mon\xe1e open for"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.flickr.com/photos/eatsdirt/albums/72157617067103682/"},"of Montreal in 2009"),", didnât know anything about her beforehand, immediately saw she was such a dynamic performer, and it would be only a matter of time before she would become a well-known name. I remember going to her merch table immediately after her set to buy anything she had, but she was sold out of everything and I ended up picking up her EP, Metropolis: The Chase Suite, at a record store afterward. Iâve been lucky to see acts like Mon\xe1e, Mitski, Megan Thee Stallion, Ty Segall, Future Islands, Lizzo, Bartees Strange, and others perform on very small stages before they moved on to bigger venues."),{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/edwina-hay/janelle_monae.jpg",caption:`Photo by Edwina Hay; Janelle Mon\xe1e at Music Hall of Williamsburg on Friday, April 17, 2009`,alt:`Side view of artist Janelle Mon\xe1e crowd surf
1ing atop audience`},i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"I am also very grateful that I got to see Fugazi twice in NYC and Boston (in 1999 and 2002) before they disbanded. They were a band that allowed fans to document them so I have film images from both shows that I contributed to their"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://dischord.com/fugazi_live_series"},"live series website"),". I was an audience member when"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/bjork-unveils-six-new-songs-in-new-york-79652/"},"Bj\xf6rk performed at Riverside Church")," ","just before the release of Vespertine. Bj\xf6rk singing while slowly walking down a church aisle into the audience gave me goosebumps and is a moment Iâll truly never forget.")]},{type:"interview",question:"What would be your dream creative project, show, or subject to shoot?",answer:"I have been wanting to self publish a photo zine for a while and would love to work on that as a creative project. I always enjoy reading photo books produced by other photographers but I havenât done anything physical besides photo prints. One of the things I havenât done yet but would be open to doing is touring with an artist and helping document their time on the road. If that happens, perhaps that could be a zine too."},{type:"interview",question:"How has being part of the Black Women Photographers and The Photo Ladies communities impacted your career? What are the benefits for photographers to be part of a photography community?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Both groups were pretty invaluable to me, especially during the COVID pandemic when venues were shut down and there weren't any events happening. For"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://blackwomenphotographers.com/"},"Black Women Photographers"),", they held a print sale where I contributed"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.thisisnotaphotograph.com/blog/2022/2/1/black-women-photographers-annual-print-sale"},"two photos shot on 35mm film during Black History Month in 2022"),". I began shooting on film again in 2020 and would bring a film camera with me on walks to get me out of my apartment. I was also given a camera grant from BWP and Nikon the following year, which was life changing."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"For"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.thephotoladies.com/"},"The Photo Ladies"),", I got to interview a couple of artists during the pandemic and made portraits of them for each piece. It enabled me to use dormant parts of my brain againâcoming up with questions in advance for two artists I knew well from attending their shows around NYC for many years,"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.thephotoladies.com/words/2020/interview-theweekendladies"},"The Weekend Ladies")," ","and"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.thephotoladies.com/words/2021/8/6/interview-premrock"},"PremRock"),"."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Both collectives highlight the need for diversity in photography work and create spaces for people to collaborate and help each other."," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/thephotoladies"},"The Photo Ladies' Instagram")," ",'bio states "community over competition," and I think that\'s a great way to approach photography, and life in general. I hope to be in community with other photographers who are doing the same work as I am and will share resources or information whenever I can.')]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/edwina-hay/open_mike_eagle.jpg",caption:"Photo by Edwina Hay; Open Mike Eagle portrait taken at Elsewhere on Sunday, December 10, 2023",alt:"Rapper Open Mike Eagle in Pan African American flag shirt with multiple exposure effect"},{type:"interview",question:"What gear, lenses, and settings do you consider essential for photographing a concert or live show?",answer:["I believe people can create great photos with whatever gear they have available to them. I only shot with prime, or fixed focal length lenses (such as 1.8 50mm and 85mm) for many years at small clubs with limited lighting. I've been a Nikon user since my first DSLR cameraâit was what I could afford at the time, and I've been using that brand ever since.","I learned to let in as much light as possible by sho
1oting with a wide open aperture, and then adjust my shutter speed and other settings from there. If you're covering concerts in bigger venues and may be positioned far from the stage, such as at the sound board, I'd recommend having zoom lenses too.","Other items essential for concert photography are earplugs (please always protect your hearing at shows!) and lens filters. I've broken quite a few filters while shooting over the years, and I'm grateful every single time that I didn't actually damage my camera lens instead. Don't forget extra memory cards and batteries. And if you're doing a soundboard shoot, you may need a folding step stool to stand on."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/edwina-hay/kelly_moran_performing.jpg",caption:"Photo by Edwina Hay; Kelly Moran performing during Tin Drum: Medusa at Pioneer Works on Saturday, April 1, 2023",alt:"Side view of pianist Kelly Moran playing piano with people standing in background wearing viewing glasses"},{type:"interview",question:"What's your philosophy on balancing technical excellence with capturing authentic moments?",answer:["I think I used to focus more on technical aspects of my images when I was younger, and I would be disappointed or slightly annoyed if I had photos that I felt didn't achieve that. Now I find myself being much more forgiving in that regard.","I'm content with capturing a moment that is interesting or doing something more creativeâlike experimenting with a slower shutter speed, or using prisms if I have more time outside of the first three songs. I enjoy getting shots of audience members being excited or becoming emotional when seeing one of their favorite artists up close, as it gives others an idea of what the performance may have felt like to those who were there."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/edwina-hay/the_hives.jpg",caption:"Photo by Edwina Hay; The Hives at Racket on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.",alt:"Lead singer of The Hives crowd surfing"},{type:"interview",question:"You've managed to build a successful freelance career in one of the world's most competitive photography markets - what advice would you give to emerging photographers trying to establish themselves in the music and events industry?",answer:["I began attending concerts of artists I enjoyed and figuring out which venues would allow me to shoot without credentials. The key is to start small and build your experience gradually. Find the DIY or independent spaces in your city booking smaller artists and use those rooms to learn how to document live performances. It doesn't have to be a ticketed concert venueâit could be a bar that has a local band playing for free on a weeknight, a house show, or musicians playing in a public park (be sure to tip them if they're soliciting donations!).","In addition to capturing the performers, you can also get shots of audience members enjoying the acts. This adds variety to your portfolio and helps tell the complete story of a live music experience. Once you have great images from multiple events, you can start working towards building your own portfolio site. Having an Instagram account is useful, but I highly recommend having your own website that you control, as other platforms may shut down one day.","You can use your portfolio to pitch contributing to outlets to acquire photo passes. To receive these passes, you'll either need to be on assignment, hired by an artist, or working for a venue as a house photographer. The ability to critique your own work and self-edit is always helpfulâif you get images that you're unhappy with or aren't as strong as others, you don't need to share them online."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/edwina-hay/maxwell_and_michael_brun.jpg",caption:`Photo by Edwina Hay; Maxwell & Micha\xebl Brun during Micha\xebl Brun presents BAYO at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! on Saturday, June 15, 2024`,alt:`Artists Maxwell and Micha\xebl Brun smiling while performing on green lit stage`},{type:"interview",question:"What are you currently working on now and whatâs up next for you?",answer:"Itâs currently winter so Iâm covering a few concerts and events in February and then I get a bit of a break. Iâve been meaning to finish having old negatives scanned and publishing them on my website from when I first started documenting live music, so maybe Iâll get that done. But for now, Iâm currently enjoying resting before the warmer weather returns and more musicians head out on tour."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/edwina-hay/afropunk_attendee.jpg",caption:"Photo by Edwina Hay; Portrait of Afropunk BLKTOPIA attendee at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! on Frid
1ay, August 23, 2024",alt:"Portrait of smiling Black female Afropunk audience member dressed in blue yarn shirt"},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Thank you for sharing with us, Edwina! To view more of Edwinaâs work, visit her"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.thisisnotaphotograph.com/"},"website"),", and follow her on"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/arenotphotos"},"Instagram"),","," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.facebook.com/EdwinaHayPhotography/"},"Facebook"),", and"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://bsky.app/profile/thisisnotaphotograph.com"},"Bluesky"),"."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Edwina was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://blackwomenphotographers.com/"},"Black Women Photographers"),".")]}],h=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/grace-ekpu/woman_boxing.jpg",caption:"Photo by Grace Ekpu",alt:"Black female boxing outside in red head guard"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.graceekpu.com/"},"Grace Ekpu")," ","(she/her) is a self-taught documentary photographer and filmmaker born in Nigeria who works on projects across the globe. She works on socially driven stories with a unique and intimate approach rarely seen in contemporary photography. She regularly produces stories that address pressing social issues in areas often misrepresented by traditional media. Currently, she is focusing on an observational documentary that explores themes around healthcare disparities and access issues. She believes in using visual storytelling for social change. Grace is a member of"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.africanwomeninphotography.org/west-africa"},"African Women Photographers")," ","and a member and recipient of the"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://blackwomenphotographers.com/"},"Black Women Photographers")," ","2024 grant.")},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/grace-ekpu/man_steering_boat.jpg",caption:"Photo by Grace Ekpu",alt:"Black man standing and steering boat in shallow water surrounded by reeds"},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Grace! Tell us a little about yourselfâââwhen did you first become interested in photography and how did you get to where you are today?",answer:["Hello! I first started with street photography. I was fascinated by the beauty around meâhuman interaction, sights, and sounds. I used to document the hustle and drive of people living in my city, Lagos State. That was when Instagram started, so I had Flickr and Instagram to post my work. I realized I had an audience, and people would spot street hawkers in Lagos traffic on my Instagram and could resonate with what I posted. I just enjoyed it, and I found a way to document everything around me.","I later got commissions and events from clients and people who loved my work. I tried everything: newborn photography, products, weddings, portraits, and documentary work. I think I fell more in love with documentary photography because of how much impact and recognition my work gets. I constantly improved in my storytelling capabilities and gave every assignment or project my best. And today, it's paid off.",'As storytellers, we have so much power, and that knowledge is what I carry into any work. I always ask myself, "How can I document something that will not only be life-changing for the subject but also be authentic?"']},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/grace-ekpu/grace_ekpu_portrait.jpg",quote:"Your voice matters, and do not forget the first thing that made you pick up a camera.",alt:"Portrait of photographer Grace Ekpu"},{type:"interview",question:"Your work has covered significant social movements and human experiences, from exploring stories about climate change, illegal fishing's impact on local economies, and mining activities affecting bodies of water. What draws you to these particular themes, and how do you see your role as a documentary photographer in bringing these stories to light?",answer:["I am drawn to the themes around the impact of illegal fishing on local economies because it is underreported, and my current work focuses on these sets of stories. Just by visually documenting these issues, I can shed more light on them.","For instance, my work explored the impact of overfishing on employment for fishermen in St. Louis, Senegal, and how this affects women as well. I explored the same in Dakar, where a national dishâwhich holds traditional significance as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage of humanityâis disappearing because of the direct impact of overfishing. The fish, thiof, has become rare and inaccessible to the common Senegalese, so they remix the dish with what is available to them. That's a different perspective that one would not easily attribute to what's happening in the oceans. It shows how these events can affect us directly as consumers in ways that we cannot imagine.",{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/grace-ekpu/man_throwing_fishing_net.jpg",caption:"Photo by Grace Ekpu",alt:"Black man in life vest throwing fishing net from blue pier"},"I also find myself attracted to the impact of climate change on vulnerable people, particularly women and children. Yearly, coastal communities in Lagos experience flooding, especially during the rainy season. I remember documenting women and children going to school in knee-deep water, with some women having to carry their babies and toddlers while taking their school-age children to school. This can expose them to health risks and impact livelihoods. My role in bringing these stories to light is to make these issues relatable and not mere concepts."]},{type:"interview",question:"As a documentary photographer, you're known for capturing these socially-driven stories with what's been described as \"a unique and intimate approach.\" Could you walk us through your process of building trust with your subjects and finding these intimate moments?",answer:["I usually approach stories from a place of authenticity. I'm not just interested in documenting something because I think it can change my life and story; I'm genuinely interested, and this comes across to the people I'm documenting. They feel comfortable sharing their stories because of this genuine connection.","People want to talk, but they need to trust that you're the right person to share their personal information with. Once they see you're genuine, they open up and welcome you into their space. It takes a lot of time to get there, so I don't rush my subjects but spend time getting to know them.","First, I try to do my research and ask the right questions. The
1n I follow up with permissions and build trust. It's amazing - being authentic, relaxed, and with the right intentions."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/grace-ekpu/man_laying_in_bed.jpg",caption:"Photo by Grace Ekpu",alt:"Tattooed Black man lying in white sheets with one eye looking at camera through fingers"},{type:"interview",question:"Which project has impacted you most deeply on a personal level, and how did that experience shape your approach to subsequent work?",answer:["This is a little hard because I remember all of my projects, even to the music I used on my video projects. There's always a unique story associated with my projects.","My work documenting the young horse riders of Lagos went on to connect me with Quadri, who is still in my life today. He was 19 then and is now a father. I love how he has grown, and I am proud of that.","Also, my work around the lifeguards of Lagos was at the time when there were a lot of stories on drowning. For a city like Lagos with over 30 beaches, the photos highlighted the important work of the lifeguards who were not paid for their work. They got better equipment for their work, and one of them said he was appreciated and given some money because someone saw the BBC photo gallery.","I also connected deeply with the video piece I made on the Leap of Dance Ballet Academy in Lagos and one of its students, Anthony, and some other successful students like Olamide who have gone on to do great things out of Afromedia, Lagos. I think whatever impact my work brings, it gives me personal satisfaction and fulfillment, and that's enough for me."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/grace-ekpu/woman_in_sailboat.jpg",caption:"Photo by Grace Ekpu",alt:"Group of African people in small boats rowing in shallow water"},{type:"interview",question:"As both a photographer and filmmaker, how do you decide which medium best serves a particular story, and how does your approach differ when working with stills versus motion?",answer:["As both a photographer and filmmaker, I find that both mediums require the same level of planning, especially with access to characters for the story. In deciding the best approach for a story, I consider the subject's environment, time, and resources at my disposal.","Sometimes, it's easy to choose because some characters don't express themselves well on video, but they've given you access and you need to explore that. I find it difficult doing observational documentaries in the way I want to because there are so many factors hindering that process. I also ask myself this question: Will the audiences see enough material to fully grasp the context of the story?","Overall, my approach tends to remain the same irrespective of the medium because I still need to get access and permissions before taking photos or films. I spend the same time researching and planning. I just think that for motion, you need more collaborators and, most importantly, more resources to fully execute it."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/grace-ekpu/men_in_kufi_hats.jpg",caption:"Photo by Grace Ekpu",alt:"Shirtless Black men sitting together wearing scarves, beads and Kufi hats"},{type:"interview",question:"What's the most impactful feedback you've received on your photography, and how did it influence your development as a photographer?",answer:["The most impactful feedback I have received is from the photographer Chimodu. In March 2019, he told me I was one of the Nigerian photographersâif not the only oneâwith an approach to photography that he liked. He emphasized the importance of the work we do as creatives and how that is all we have and will be remembered by. He died in 2022, and I still think about his advice because his work is all that remains now: the great portraits he made of most hip-hop rappers.","With that said, if we know we'll be remembered by our works, why do we not dedicate our time to the long game rather than rush things? Will we be proud of our legacy when we're no longer here? That has encouraged me throughout the years to keep doing what I do because that is my legacy -- and I will keep bringing a fresh perspective to all issues and seeing them with fresh eyes."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/grace-ekpu/police_brutality_protest.jpg",caption:"Photo by Grace Ekpu",alt:`Protest with central Black man holding megaphone and âSay No To Police Brutalityâ sign`},{type:"interview",question:"You recently received the BWP (Black Women Photographers) 2024 Grant and have been a VII Photo Mentee. How have these opportunities shaped your development as a photographer, and what advice would you give to emerging p
1hotographers seeking similar mentorship?",answer:["I am grateful to have received the BWP grant because it's helped me a lot to begin production of my first feature, and I'm encouraged to keep at it and that my ideas are worth investing in. I cannot wait to share my film when it's done and released.","The mentorship with VII helped me to connect with other amazing documentary photographers who are my friends still today. We had industry professionals like Ashley Gilbertson, Gary Knight, Maggie Steber, etc., to mentor us and give us advice during the mentorship. We got representation and received a mini grant to work on a project in 2022 in our communities. I documented the family of Benin Bronzers, and we got to spend time at the VII campus in Arles, France. It was an amazing experience, and I would advise photographers to take advantage of opportunities for learning. I also find networking and feedback valuable in self-development as a creative.","It was an amazing experience, and I would advise photographers to take advantage of opportunities for learning. I also find networking and feedback valuable in self-development as a creative."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/grace-ekpu/female_boxer_portrait.jpg",caption:"Photo by Grace Ekpu",alt:"Portrait of Black female boxer wearing red boxing gloves and looking at camera"},{type:"interview",question:"Are there any specific pieces of equipment, such as particular lenses or lighting setups, that you consider essential for your shoots?",answer:["For my photography, itâs a simple setup, always making sure I have a wide lens. In terms of kit, you can never go wrong with a 35mm and 24-70mm lens.","For my filmmaking, I recently invested in an entry-level cinema camera for my documentaries, along with sound gearâbecause sound is important in filmmaking. I've only just purchased
1some lighting equipment so I can film in low-light conditionsâotherwise, it's been natural light for me."]},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to new photographers who are just starting out?",answer:"My advice to a new photographer is to keep exploring and not feel the need to find a niche immediately. Network and be confident in your abilities, and don't try to change yourself because the world will adjust. Your voice matters, and do not forget the first thing that made you pick up a camera."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/grace-ekpu/man_with_george_floyd_mural.jpg",caption:"Photo by Grace Ekpu",alt:`Portrait of Black man showing âfamily firstâ forearm tattoos in front of George Floyd mural on red brick wall`},{type:"interview",question:"What are you currently working on now and whatâs up next for you?",answer:"I am currently working on my documentary film, \"Bridging Pain,\" which is grant-funded by BWP. I'm almost done with production, and I'll go right into post-production soon. I also have a couple of photo projects I want to explore this year and some short ocean documentaries."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/grace-ekpu/woman_child_silhouette.jpg",caption:"Photo by Grace Ekpu",alt:"Side view silhouette of Black woman in headscarf holding child to her face"},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Thank you for sharing with us, Grace! To view more of Graceâs work,"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.graceekpu.com/"},"check out her website")," ","and follow her on"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.threads.net/@graceekpu"},"Threads")," ","and"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/graceekpu"},"Instagram"),"."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Grace was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://blackwomenphotographers.com/"},"Black Women Photographers"),".")]}],d=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/joel-sartore/red-eyed_tree_frog_joel_sartore_national_geographic_photo_ark.jpg",alt:"Red eyed tree frog on black background",caption:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Photo by Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark"),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Red eyed tree frog, Agalychnis callidryas, photographed in Seattle, Washington, 2011, for the"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/our-programs/photo-ark/"},"National Geographic Photo Ark"))]},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"In 2006, world-renowned photographer"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.joelsartore.com/"},"Joel Sartore")," ","(he/him) started the"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/our-programs/photo-ark/"},"National Geographic Photo Ark")," ","in an effort to document every species living in human care, inspire action through education, and help save wildlife by supporting on-the-ground conservation efforts. For more than 15 years, he's traveled to zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries around the world in his quest to create a photo archive of global biodiversity. Sartore is a National Geographic Explorer, public speaker, author, educator, conservationist and regular contributor to National Geographic magazine. In 2018, he was named the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year. Joel is based in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Joel! Tell us a little about yourselfâââwhen did you first become interested in photography and how did you get to where you are today?",answer:["My journey really started with my parents. They loved nature and taught me to appreciate it from as early as I can remember. My father took me hunting and fishing, and my mother loved the flowers in her yard and the suburban wildlife in the trees behind our home. My interest in photography started by taking a few pictures in high school, then I discovered a darkroom in a dormitory in college. I shot a bit for my local newspaper, the Ralston Recorder, then the Daily Nebraskan in college. From there I got an internship at the Wichita Eagle in Kansas, then a staff job there, then I eventually landed work for National Geographic.","My first couple of assignments for National Geographic were the first real nature photography I did. âEagles on the Riseâ was a small story about an effort to hand-rear and release southern bald eagles into the American Southeast. The second story, about Americaâs Gulf Coast, was much broader, literally spanning from the tip of Florida to Brownsville, Texas. All of these things really opened my eyes. The environment was in such terrible shape, yet people just ignored it, pretending it was 'normal' to see medical waste like hypodermic needles and used blood bags mixing with spilled oil and tar. That story made me realize the amount of work needing to be done would last my lifetime, and beyond.","In 2006, I got the idea for the Photo Ark while my wife was battling breast cancer. She's healthy and fine today, but I stayed home for a year to take care of her and our three kids. Once Kathy recovered, I decided to focus on one big project, something to reach a public with a decreasing attention span, and really try to move the needle of conservation.",{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/joel-sartore/coquerels_safika_joel_sartore_national_geographic_photo_ark.jpg",alt:"Coquerelâs Safika. A brown and white lemur with yellow eyes on plain white background.",caption:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"An endangered Coquerelâs sifaka, Propithecus coquereli, at the Houston Zoo, Texas, 2012, for the"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/our-programs/photo-ark/"},"National Geographic Photo Ark"))},"And so I started going to the Lincoln Children's Zoo, a mile from my house in Lincoln, Nebraska, to take photos. I asked the zoo staff if they had a small animal that would hold fairly still, and so they brought out a naked mole rat and put it on a white cutting board from their kitchen. He didn't hold still very well, but I was intrigued by the fact that these animals live underground and completely out of sight in the wild, yet how well I could see his face against the clean white background. It helped me appreciate the species in a whole new way. That's how the Photo Ark got started.","I'm now shooting 100% for the Photo Ark trying to give a voice to the voiceless. It's a huge honor, and a responsibility I take very seriously.","Since beginning, Iâve visited more than 60 countries and have worked in more than 750 zoos, aquariums and wildlife sanctuaries around the world. Most have heard of the Ark and are very gracious to let me come and photograph their animals. They know by now that this is a free service, and we can show each facility and their animals to a new and global audience. At a time when so many people live in urban areas without access to wild animals, zoos keep the public engaged in the natural world while also funding habitat restoration and critical breeding programs."]},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/joel-sartore/joel_sartore_with_serval_national_geographic_photo_ark.jpg",alt:"Photographer Joel Sartore, a white male with a camera is photographing a Serval cat that is standing on a black table, in front of a black backdrop.",subHeading:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Joel Sartore photographs Johnny the serval, Leptailurus serval, at the Lincoln Childrenâs Zoo, Nebraska 2018. Photo by Cole Sartore/",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/our-programs/photo-ark/"},"National Geographic Photo Ark")),quote:"We are all in this together and every one of us needs to be invested in the future of all species to ensure a liveable planet for us all."},{type:"interview",question:"The Photo Ark began in 2006 during a deeply personal time when your wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. How has this personal connection influenced your approach to documenting endangered species and their stories?",answer:"That time was really a wake-up call for me personally and became one professionally as well. It was a very clear reminder of how fragile life is and the need to cherish the moments and amazing world
1we are surrounded by. It spurred me to envision this idea for the Photo Ark as a way to create not only a lasting record of the amazing diversity of life all around us, but also to inspire the public to care about nature. That way, the Photo Ark doesnât just become an archive of the species we drove to extinction."},{type:"interview",question:"Your Photo Ark project has now documented over 16,000 species with a goal of photographing all 25,000+ species in captivity. What has been the most memorable shoot or species that youâve photographed, and what made it memorable?",answer:"Most animals I photograph have a real impact on me. I think of their stories and hope to tell each as well as I can. One memorable moment was when I had the honor of photographing Nabire, one of the last northern white rhinos left on the planet. She lived at the Dvur Kralove Zoo in the Czech Republic. She was really sweet and passed away just weeks after our visit of complications brought on by old age. Now the world has just two left."},{type:"interview",question:"Your Photo Ark images create unique and personal portraits of each animal. How do you establish a connection with your subjects to capture their personality, especially when working with naturally shy or aggressive species? What safety protocols have you developed over the years?",answer:"When working with wildlife and nature in general, it is absolutely crucial to respect your subject and surroundings. Before I even start the shoot, I research my subjects and talk to the keepers to learn about each species Iâll be photographing, what a respectful distance is, what behavior to avoid, the works. Working closely with the professionals that take care of these animals and then following their guidance is key. They know these animals best and their care for them is what allows me to get the photos quickly and safely, while keeping the animals as calm and happy as possible."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/joel-sartore/west_african_slender-snouted_crocodile_joel_sartore_national_geographic_photo_ark.jpg",alt:"West African slender-snouted crocodile isolated on black background",caption:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"An African slender snouted crocodile, Mecistops cataphractus, photographed in Tampa, Florida, 2012, for the"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/our-programs/photo-ark/"},"National Geographic Photo Ark"))},{type:"interview",question:"Your distinctive style of using black and white backgrounds gives equal prominence to all creatures, whether tiny or large. What inspired this artistic choice, and how does it serve your mission of conservation?",answer:["I really wanted a way to eliminate all distractions and focus the audienceâs attention solely on the animal in the photograph. Because we humans are primates, weâre really into eye contact, and these images allow the viewer to really look animals in the eye in order to make a real connection.","In addition, it was important to establish that each animal was as important as any other. The simplest way to do that was to create these portraits on plain black and white backgrounds, where no size comparison is possible. This means each animal is the same size; a tiny frog becomes as large (and important) as a tiger in these photos. All animals have an equal say, and an equal right to have their stories told to the world. Look closely enough and we can even see the beauty in a beetle, an animal people may often dismiss, even though beetles are critical in keeping the worldâs terrestrial ecosystems functioning. In my images for the Photo Ark, I hope viewers will look deeply into the eyes of these animals and see they are important and so worthy of protection."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/joel-sartore/african_leopard_joel_sartore_national_geographic_photo_ark.jpg",alt:"African leopard with its left paw raised on black background",caption:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"An African leopard, Panthera pardus pardus, at the Houston Zoo, Texas, 2011, for the"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/our-programs/photo-ark/"},"National Geographic Photo Ark"))},{type:"interview",question:"Looking back at your career of more than 30 years with National Geographic, 18 years with the Photo Ark, and the evolution of wildlife p
1hotography, how do you see the role of conservation photography changing in the age of social media and smartphone cameras? What excites or concerns you about these changes?",answer:["Itâs already changed. People can take good photos with simpler tools than they used to â now smartphone cameras are capable of taking better images and video, then instantly sharing those across the world. Itâs actually a very exciting time for people to get interested and learn about the world around us and the amazing forms of life we share our planet with. It also is a great time to act â there is so much technology at our disposal to make positive change for species.","On the other side of that, people want to be out there taking photos of animals and sharing their images on social media, but we have to remember that animals â especially wild animals â deserve our respect. We should always keep a safe and respectful distance, which is crucial for the safety of wildlife and people.","For wildlife photographers, I believe itâs critical to try and make the world a better place, and by that I mean making the public aware of both humanityâs good deeds and bad, in order to try and save species and their habitats. As these other species go away, so could we."]},{type:"interview",question:"Can you walk us through your essential equipment list, from lighting to cameras to backgrounds for the Photo Ark studio setup? How you achieve such consistent results across vastly different subjects, from tiny thumbnail-sized frogs to large mammals, often in challenging zoo environments?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"For the questions about my equipment, I actually have a great post on my website"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.joelsartore.com/about-joel/common-questions/camera-equipment/"},"here")," ","that goes into detail and provides helpful links."),"Consistency for me is really all about preparation. The equipment and setup is fairly standard â itâs really the execution that can be tricky. Thatâs why I work so closely with zoo, aquarium and wildlife sanctuary staff well in advance to learn about the species, the facility, and the rules of conduct there are for any given species we hope to photograph. All animals photographed for the Photo Ark are put on black and white backgrounds. For small animals we use a cloth shooting tent. For larger animals, paint, cloth or paper may be used in an off exhibit space. In an ideal situation, the large animal is habituated to the black and white backgrounds well before the shoot day. When working with wildlife and nature in general, it is absolutely crucial to respect your subject and surroundings. So good advance preparation is key to successful shooting."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/joel-sartore/veiled_chameleon_joel_sartore_national_geographic_photo_ark.jpg",alt:"Veiled chameleon. Aqua-green chameleon with yellow stripes and right leg raised looking at a camera lens",caption:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"A veiled chameleon, Chamaeleo calyptratus, confronts a camera lens at Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure, Salina, Kansas, 2007 for the"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/our-programs/photo-ark/"},"National Geographic Photo Ark"))},{type:"interview",question:"What do you wish someone had told you when you were beginning your journey, particularly about balancing artistic passion with the practical realities of making a living in wildlife photography? ",answer:"A career in photography offers the chance to travel the world, meet new people, and see amazing places, but it also demands long hours, financial uncertainty and unrelenting pressure. If you do find yourself wanting to try and make a career of it, then be sure to specialize and really hone your focus. Become an expert on a subject that fascinates you most, and work at it for many years, so that you become the âgo-toâ person when it comes to that subject or part of the world. Itâs likely thereâs a non-profit out there thatâs already working on the species you care most about. Get to know them, and volunteer your time and talents to help them in any way you can. Thatâs a great way to make a real difference, plus it may lead to gainful employment if you eventually can become valuable to the organization."},{type:"interview",question:"For people who are moved by your images but aren't photographers themselves, what are the most effective ways they can contribute to wildlife conservation?",answer:["Everyone can play a part in wildlife conservation and wildlife desperately needs all of us! I truly hope that by building this ark of biodiversity I will have inspired people to take real action â big or small â to help create a more liveable world. Whether itâs planting a pollinator garden in your yard or spreading the word among your friends and family about the need to protect species, we can all do our part to stop and reverse biodiversity loss. I hope the legacy of the Photo Ark is not a collection of photographs of species weâve lost, but a snapshot in time of species weâve worked hard to protect and restore and keep from extinction.","The stakes could not be higher. We are all in this together and every one of us needs to be invested in the future of all species to ensure a liveable planet for us all."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/joel-sartore/female_snowy_owl_joel_sartore_national_geographic_photo_ark.jpg",alt:"Female snowy owl. Brown and white owl with yellow eyes isolated on white background",caption:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"A female snowy owl, Bubo scandiacus, at Raptor Recovery, Nebraska, 2008, for the"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/our-programs/photo-ark/"},"National Geographic Photo Ark"))},{type:"interview",question:"What projects or species are you currently working on and whatâs up next for you?",answer:["I just returned from an amazing trip to China (and I hope to go back soon!) and plan to travel to Papua New Guinea next.",i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"We also recently announced the second recipient of the"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://news.nationalgeographic.org/the-quest-to-restore-the-voice-of-the-forest-endangered-hawaiian-snails-get-new-megaphone/"},"National Geographic Photo Ark Species Impact Initiative called The Snail Ark"),"! The project is led by fellow National Geographic Explorer David Sisch
1o and is furthering his work with the Snail Extinction Prevention Program to help protect and restore some of the worldâs rarest snails throughout the remote mountains of Oahu, Hawaii. The Species Impact Initiative is a multiyear effort to raise awareness of and find solutions to some of the most pressing issues affecting wildlife and their habitats. Led by the Photo Ark, it supports science-based, on-the-ground conservation projects chosen through a peer-reviewed grant process. This is such an important piece of the Photo Arkâs work and I am thrilled to support and elevate the work of conservationists and their focal species by leveraging the voice and reach of the Photo Ark with the goal to have direct impact for threatened species."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Learn more about ways you can get involved with and support the National Geographic Photo Ark at"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"http://natgeophotoark.org/"},"NatGeoPhotoArk.org"),".")]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/joel-sartore/octopus_joel_sartore_national_geographic_photo_ark.jpg",alt:"Red Giant Pacific octopus with white suckers on plain black background",caption:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"A giant Pacific octopus, Enteroctopus dofleini, at the Dallas World Aquarium, Texas, 2012, for the"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/our-programs/photo-ark/"},"National Geographic Photo Ark"))},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Thank you for sharing with us, Joel! To view more of Joelâs work, visit his"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.joelsartore.com/"},"website")," ","and the National Geographic Photo Ark at"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"http://natgeophotoark.org/"},"NatGeoPhotoArk.org")," ","and follow him on"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.youtube.com/c/VideoArk"},"YouTube"),","," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.facebook.com/sartorephoto/"},"Facebook"),", and"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/joelsartore/"},"Instagram"),"."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Joel was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"/"},"Noun Project"),".")]}],c=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/kc-nwakalor/man_boys_motorcycle.jpg",caption:"Photo by KC Nwakalor",alt:"Black African man in Kufi hat and three boys dressed in matching green shirts on the back of a motorcycle"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.kcnwakalor.com/"},"KC Nwakalor")," ","(he/him) is a Manchester, UK-based Nigerian Documentary Photographer, Producer, and Educator who uses his work to humanise social, economic, health, and environmental issues affecting Africans and the African diaspora. His photography has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, and Bloomberg Businessweek, capturing stories of resilience and hope with empathy and a distinctive eye. A recipient of the Adobe Creative Residence Community Fund and a World Press Photo 6X6 Global Talent nominee, KC holds a degree in Biology and a postgraduate qualification in Photojournalism. He is a member of Diversify Photo and APJD, with his work exhibited globally and shared through talks and workshops at places like the V&A Museum and World Press Photo.")},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/kc-nwakalor/kc_nwakalor_portrait.jpg",alt:"Portrait of photographer KC Nwakalor",quote:"When you focus deeply on the storyâwhat you want to say and how you want to say itâdrawing from your innermost self, thatâs when a documentary photographer begins to hone their distinctive vision."},{type:"interview",question:"Hi KC! Tell us a little about yourselfâââwhen did you first become interested in photography and how did you get to where you are today? ",answer:`Hi, my name is KC Nwakalor. KC is short for Kenechukwu, which means "Thank God" in Igbo, a language spoken in southeastern Nigeria. I was born and raised in Enugu, Nigeria, before moving to Abuja, the countryâs capital, to pursue my university education. It was in Abuja that I first picked up a cameraânot as a passion, but as a means of self
1-employment. With millions of young graduates entering a job market with very few opportunities, I figured photography, which came naturally to me, could be a way forward. It was 2016, and Instagram was booming, so there was a growing demand for quality wedding photography. I started out doing a bit of everythingâweddings, maternity shoots, fashion, and corporate events. But by 2017, I wanted more. I wanted more than just a paycheck; I wanted to make an impact. I wanted to be part of the solution to the many challenges my country faces. Thatâs when I began my journey as a photojournalist and documentary photographer. Beyond the complaints about failing healthcare systems, lack of access to clean water, or inadequate education for vulnerable communities, I picked up my camera to humanise these issues. My hope was that by visually documenting these struggles, I could make them more visibleâif not to solve them outright, then at least to spark conversations that might lead to change.`},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/kc-nwakalor/woman_and_medic.jpg",caption:"Photo by KC Nwakalor",alt:"Top view of Black woman lying down looking out of window while medic works on her arm"},{type:"interview",question:"What subjects or stories captivate you most through your lens as a documentary photographer, and what draws you to them? ",answer:"Iâm largely drawn to stories that spotlight an issueâI take photography seriously. When I started, my focus was on highlighting problems affecting the most vulnerable in society. These issues, though important, often felt distant, with only indirect or minimal connection to my own experiences. In the past two years, my practice has evolved. Iâve become more introspective and drawn to stories that relate directly to me or those close to me. Turning the camera on myself or the people in my inner circle has been a challenging but rewarding process. Itâs a new level of learning, and while itâs not always easy, Iâm enjoying the journey. My goal remains the same: to bring important issues to the forefront of conversations. The difference now is that these issues are deeply personal, tied to my own life or the lives of those I care about."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/kc-nwakalor/woman_silhouette.jpg",caption:"Photo by KC Nwakalor",alt:"Silhouette side view of Black woman looking down with her hair wrapped in scarf, in green lit room"},{type:"interview",question:"What sets apart the artistry of professional documentary photographers in today's world of ubiquitous smartphone cameras, and what techniques can you employ to capture subjects through a distinctive lens? ",answer:"There are over 7 billion people on the planet today, each carrying a unique mix of DNA. At our core, weâre made of the same thingsâitâs the combination that makes us different. Similarly, what sets documentary photographers apart isnât just technical skill but honesty and intentionality in their practice. Broadly speaking, most photographs have already been taken. What makes the next one stand out is the subject, their story, their environment, and the perspective of the photographer. These unique elements shape a photographerâs work and distinguish it from others. When you focus deeply on the storyâwhat you want to say and how you want to say itâdrawing from your innermost self, thatâs when a documentary photographer begins to hone their distinctive vision. Itâs this clarity of purpose that sets their work apart."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/kc-nwakalor/woman_megaphone_crowd.jpg",caption:"Photo by KC Nwakalor",alt:"Black woman in headscarf holding megaphone addressing line of police in front of protesting crowd"},{type:"interview",question:"As your career has progressed, how has your aesthetic or subject matter shifted over time? ",answer:"My aesthetic approach has largely remained consistent. When it comes to subject matter, Iâm still drawn to documenting health, social, and economic issues. However, my focus has shiftedâI'm now more interested in exploring stories that directly involve myself or people close to me. In essence, my practice has evolved from being outward-facing to becoming more inward-facing."},{type:"interview",question:"Which project has impacted you most deeply on a personal level, and how did that experience shape your approach to
1subsequent work? ",answer:"Itâs hard to pinpoint one project that has impacted me the most, as every project comes with its own peculiarities and purpose. If I didnât find them worthwhile, I likely wouldnât photograph them. However, one project Iâve spent the most time on is âTales of the Oil-Rich South,â which explores the human cost of oil exploration in Nigeriaâs Niger Delta. Crude oil is a cornerstone of Nigeriaâs economy, accounting for about 92% of the value of all exports. Yet, this comes at an unimaginable cost to the communities where the resources are extracted. From health crises to environmental pollution to economic hardship, the challenges are staggering. Through this project, my goal is to humanise these issues by sharing the personal stories of the individuals Iâve met during my visits to the region."},{type:"interview",question:"As a photography educator whose courses reach thousands through Skillshare and personal mentoring sessions, what first sparked your passion for teaching others? And if you could instill just one fundamental principle in every student you work with, what would it be? ",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"I love learningâteaching, for me, is just another way to learn. I started teaching photography two years after I began working professionally as a photographer. For several years, I held annual in-person workshops in Abuja, Nigeria, until the pandemic pushed me to shift online. Since then, Iâve been teaching on"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.skillshare.com/en/referrals/general?teacherRef=531628089&via=teacher-referral-channel&utm_campaign=teacher-referral-channel&utm_source=ShortUrl&utm_medium=teacher-referral-channel&name=KC-Nwakalor&username=531628089"},"Skillshare"),", which has allowed me to connect with thousands of students worldwide, sharing the joy and fulfillment that photography brings."),"One core principle I emphasize with my students is the importance of intentionality and storytelling. Technical skills are essential and can be learned with practice, but becoming a storyteller is a lifelong journey. Thatâs where I encourage students to focusâon honing their creative voice and telling meaningful stories through their work."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/kc-nwakalor/smiling_man.jpg",caption:"Photo by KC Nwakalor",alt:"Portrait of happy older Black man with grey beard"},{type:"interview",question:"In the field, what are your favourite or go-to settings for easy shooting?",answer:"If you shoot long enough, your camera becomes an extension of your hands. I take photography seriously, so Iâm never about taking the easy route. I want to engage fully in the process because every step contributes to the storytelling within a photograph. I keep things simpleâI only use prime lenses. Without the option to zoom in or out, youâre forced to move your feet, and itâs in that movement that you find and create the perfect shot."},{type:"interview",question:"Ultimately, what message or feeling do you hope viewers take away from your work? ",answer:"I want my work to make people feel seen and inspire actionâwhether for themselves or for others. My goal is for my photography to spark positive change and serve as a catalyst for lasting impact."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/kc-nwakalor/woman_with_children.jpg",caption:"Photo by KC Nwakalor",alt:"Black woman in African headdress holding new born baby to her chest with little boy at her side"},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to new photographers who are just starting out? ",answer:"Try everything before settling into a specific genre. Draw from your background, lived experiences, education, ethnicity, religionâeverything that makes you uniqueâand pour that mix into your work. Stay honest, create with intention, and trust that your tribe will find you."},{type:"interview",question:"What are you currently working on now and whatâs up next for you? ",answer:"I'm currently working on a few projects. One involves using self
1-portraiture and performance to explore my phone addiction. I'm also preparing to publish my first photobook later this year, based on my project \"Tales of the Oil-Rich South.\" In addition, I'm collaborating with my friend Justin, a filmmaker, on a film project centered around the concept of home. We're taking turns filming and interviewing each other, with a photography component that focuses on how I'm navigating the ever-changing definitions of home. It's shaping up to be a busy year, and I'm hoping to squeeze in some exhibitions along the way, too."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/kc-nwakalor/boy_dancing.jpg",caption:"Photo by KC Nwakalor",alt:"Group of young Black boys dancing and clapping"},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Thank you for sharing with us, KC! To view more of KCâs work, visit his"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.kcnwakalor.com/"},"website"),", explore his"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.skillshare.com/en/referrals/general?teacherRef=531628089&via=teacher-referral-channel&utm_campaign=teacher-referral-channel&utm_source=ShortUrl&utm_medium=teacher-referral-channel&name=KC-Nwakalor&username=531628089"},"Skillshare classes"),", follow him on"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/kcnwakalor"},"Instagram"),", and sign up for his"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://subscribe.kcnwakalor.com/"},"newsletter"),"."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"KC was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.skillshare.com/en/"},"Skillshare"),".")]}],g=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ming-tang-evans/three_tiered_cakes.jpg",caption:"Photo by Ming Tang-Evans",alt:"Three, three tiered cakes with floral decorations and petal confetti"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.mingtangevans.com/"},"Ming Tang-Evans")," ","(he/him) is an international award-winning food and drink commercial and editorial photographer based in London. His practice centers around a core of food and drink yet spans the fields of travel, portraiture, and interiors.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Ming! Tell us a little about yourselfâââwhen did you first become interested in photography and how did you get to where you are today? ",answer:["I've been interested in photography as a hobby since childhood, primarily inspired by my mum, who was a keen photographer and always had a camera at family events, outings, and holidays. Working in photography currently has emerged from a variety of jobs in the creative industry. I first started out working on print magazines in production and copy editing. Through that, I got to meet many different photographers, and that inspired me to push into shooting editorials as a freelance side gig. Over time, that morphed from part-time freelance photographer to eventually making the leap to full-time photographer.",`At the outset, I suppose I didn't really have a grand plan or roadmapâI just enjoyed the process: working hard, using transferrable skills, learning, meeting people, and trying to figure things out along the way. I was happy to see where and how far things would take me, being adaptable and aware of opportunity along the way. At the time, it just felt like the right thing to do for meâit reminds me of the quote from the film "Parasite": "The only foolproof plan is to have no plan."`,`In part, I guess it was also a sort of lifestyle choice. A quote sticks in my mind from an art director friend of mine, Fiona Hayes (@theartdictator) about working in the creative industry - it's about "doing interesting work, with interesting people, in interesting places.â`,'Call me naive, foolhardy, or irresponsible, but I had recently come out from losing my mother and was already feeling pretty unmoored from "normal" life. Looking back now, I think of the line from Talking Heads\' song "Once in a Lifetime": "Well, how did I get here?" I think that was probably a combination of fearless naivety, meeting some very kind commissioners, hard work, and sheer good luck.']},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ming-tang-evans/ming_tang_evans_portrait.jpg",quote:"â¦ultimately, it's really about having your own voice and view of the world that you want to capture.",alt:"Portrait of photographer Ming Tang-Evans"},{type:"interview",question:"As a photographer who excels in multiple genresâfrom travel scenes to intimate portraitsâyou've shown a particular passion for food and beverage photography. What aspects of capturing food and drinks do you find most exciting?",answer:["When starting out in photography professionally, food and drink was always a spare-time interest (eating out, cooking), and so it just seemed to make sense to combine both pleasures. It felt like a natural fit. One of my very first editorial clients was Time Out magazine, shooting for their weekly restaurant review guide, which was a real buzz at the time.",'Food and drink works on so many levels, whether it\'s the glamour of a luxury restaurant or the sheer passion and grit of a small, independent neighbourhood start-up. What really fascinates me is how food and drink intersect and connect so many aspects of all our lives. To "break bread" with others is the fundamental act of family, friendship, and community.',`To quote my friend and collaborator Asma Khan, "Food has the ability to carry you away to another moment and place." That's how I view my work â it's about creating a narrative that runs through the connecting layers, crossing both time and space. That's the most exciting aspect of working in food and drink.`]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ming-tang-evans/woman_man_restaurant.jpg",caption:"Photo by Ming Tang-Evans",alt:"Woman and man talk over meal in Asian restaurant with green wall with Chinese characters"},{type:"interview",question:"Food styling is an art in itself. Do you style on your own or do you work with food stylists? What techniques or tools have you found most effective for keeping food looking appetizing throughout a shoot? ",answer:["Generally, for commercial shoots and involved editorials, I collaborate with food stylists who are the real magicians on food shoots.","Depen
1ding on the setup and budget, I will generally leave it to the experts, whether that's a food stylist or the client themselves, but I'm always happy to pitch in. Working with restaurants and bars, it's usually the head chef or bartender who ultimately dictates how everything should look and feel as part of the overall concept, so it's really about taking my cues from them.","In general, the most effective technique when shooting food is to prepare for the shot so that when it does arrive on set, you're able to work as quickly and efficiently as possible. This might even involve shooting some test shots with a stand-in until you're sure that everything is all set and ready to go."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ming-tang-evans/risotto.jpg",caption:"Photo by Ming Tang-Evans",alt:"Top view of pan of mushroom risotto on marble counter with knife and fresh mushrooms / Top view of white plate of saffron risotto on marble counter with grater and cheese and glass and carafe of red wine"},{type:"interview",question:"Are there any specific pieces of equipment, such as particular lenses or lighting setups, that you consider essential for your food and beverage shoots?",answer:["Everyone has their own signature style and approach, so what's considered essential really depends on an individual basis.","I like to keep things pretty simple, uncomplicated, yet adaptable, so for me it would be a hard light source, a soft light source, and a few modifiers to bring shape and form to those, as well as some basic reflectors and negative fill.","For food and drink, I'll generally only use 1 or 2 prime lenses (standard or short telephoto macro), and sometimes with a third medium telephoto as an alternative."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ming-tang-evans/vegetable_herb_dish.jpg",caption:"Photo by Ming Tang-Evans",alt:"Delicate vegetable and herb dish served in modern white bowl and garnished with edible purple flowers"},{type:"interview",question:"Do you believe it's important to have more diverse voices and perspectives behind the lens, particularly in commercial work where images shape how brands connect with audiences?",answer:"Absolutely. It really is essential to have more diverse voices and perspectives behind the lens, as long as that isn't just tokenism or colour washing. It really needs to fit within the wider ecosystem of the whole creative industry, including agenciesâfrom strategy, planning, briefing, and executionâin how brands connect with diverse audiences. And it's not only about the creative industries but also the wider work environment: we can only aspire to what we see, and that's what's important about having diverse representation and role models."},{type:"interview",question:"Youâve worked with a range of clients and publications including Hilton, Laurent-Perrier, Conde Nast, Acqua Bianca, Asma Khan, and more. Whatâs your creative process like and how do you approach creative collaboration with your commercial clients? ",answer:["In general, my creative approach is broadly similar whether the job is editorial or commercial. It is really about trying to understand the brand, the brief and references, the audience and message, and thinking of how to bring my vision to achieve that in the best possible way. Each client will have their own particular process, so it's really about understanding and communication, being a team player, and being adaptable.","Commercial work tends to differ from editorial in that it is less open-ended with the brief, as there are more stakeholders and layers of sign-off involved. It's usually a balancing act between delivering what's been specified, with no surprises, yet bringing something to the table in terms of my own creativity to achieve the best results."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ming-tang-evans/aqua_bianca.jpg",caption:"Photo by Ming Tang-Evans",alt:`Bottle of liquor with light blue label that reads âAgua Biancaâ next to an orange colored cocktail in crystal glass on marble counter with shadow`},{type:"interview",question:"Do you work on personal projects in addition to client work? If so, why are personal projects so important to pursue?",answer:"Personal projects (as opposed to test shoots specifically to update a portfolio or pitch) are a really vital way to allow complete creative freedom, unrestr
1icted by someone else's brief. Some projects may have no obvious outlet, but it's the childish element of playâand doing it for its own sakeâthat makes it worth it on a purely personal level. Sometimes there's just a creative itch that needs to be scratched, without any clear link into paid work. But I think that anything that just gives you joy and keeps you in the game is worthwhile. Sometimes it's the unexpected accidents that bring the most personal reward, but it's probably not something that you would ever really risk on a client's paid job. Recently, I've gained great joy from just shooting unpublished abstract landscape and botanical work."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ming-tang-evans/white_pink_flower.jpg",caption:"Photo by Ming Tang-Evans",alt:"Soft focus image of pink and white flower on white background"},{type:"interview",question:"Given the speed at which AI is progressing in content creation, the landscape and future of photography are shifting rapidly. What opportunities and/or and challenges do you think AI will present for photographers? ",answer:["Hand on heart, I've not really given AI much attention or thought, as it hasn't impacted me directly at the moment.","There are the obvious issues surrounding copyright infringement in how the LLMs are being trained on all of our copyrighted material, and also how some aspects of stock photography may just be made obsolete. On the whole, though, the genie is out of the bottle now, and the landscape will probably just adapt to accommodate itâas it did when photography itself appeared, along with cinema and TV. But generative AI could definitely help in terms of pre-visualizing concepts and treatments without the time and expense of necessarily test shooting.","While generative AI is still in its early days, I think that, ultimately, photography is still about having ideas, a particular voice, and view on the worldâand it's human creatives who drive that, not algorithms. And who's going to want something so personal as their wedding or newborn photos generated by AI, or something as authentic as reportage news?"]},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to photographers interested in food photography who are just starting out? ",answer:["I would say, try to start defining your own style that is distinctively yours. While it's great to be inspired by all the great work around us and to try it out for fit, ultimately, it's really about having your own voice and view of the world that you want to capture.",`I think that the received wisdom of trying to assist established photographers to gain experience and learn, and doing your own test shoots, still holds trueâso those are both valid routes to pursue. The old adage that "you're only as good as the team around you" still really holds true. Try to network and make good connections with like-minded peopleâthe key to great work is to work with great people.`,"Think about how you want to work and what suits you best, whether that's in a controlled studio or the unpredictability of on-location. Just be adaptable and open-minded to opportunities, experiences, and advice. And if you can, some kind of mentoring scheme can be invaluable for growth and development."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ming-tang-evans/seafood_meat_table.jpg",caption:"Photo by Ming Tang-Evans",alt:"Top view of table with sushi, edamame, and lobster dishes / Top view of lobster dish halved open on blue plate"},{type:"interview",question:"What are you currently working on now and whatâs up next for you?",answer:["I've just finished up a commercial campaign for a whisky brand, shooting both stills and also directing motion for the first time, working alongside an experienced and talented DOP and editor. It was a real eye-opener to how much more there is to learn!","Next up is planning for the excitement of a restaurant launch, which will be an integrated project involving everything from food and drink to interiors, portraits, and branding for marketing and PR, online and social."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ming-tang-evans/asian_dishes.jpg",caption:"Photo by Ming Tang-Evans",alt:`Top view of table of Asian dishes with womanâs hands reaching for dumplings with red chopsticks`},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Thank you for sharing with us, Ming! To view more of Mingâs work, visit his"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.mingtangevans.com/"},"website")," ","and follow him on"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/mingtangevans"},"Instagram"),"."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Ming was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"/"},"Noun Project"),".")]}],m=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/osborne-macharia/woman_purple_cube_horse.jpg",caption:"Photo by Osborne Macharia",alt:"Black woman in bright colorful dress with red horse in front of purple cube in a field under a full moon night sky"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.macharia.studio/"},"Osborne Macharia")," ","(he/him) is a Kenyan-Canadian photographic artist, based in Vancouver, BC, whose creative expression combines photography, motion, and world-building. Heavily influenced by his experience growing up in Kenya, O
1sborne draws inspiration from his culture, surroundings, and faith to influence his artistic vision. As an artist, his body of work falls within the genre known as AFROFUTURISM, which he describes as an artistic expression that seeks to challenge the post-colonial African narrative by integrating historical elements, present culture, and future aspirations of people of African ancestry using narrative, fantasy, and fiction to imagine a New Africa.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Osborne! Tell us a little about yourselfâââwhen did you first become interested in photography and how did you get to where you are today? ",answer:"My journey into photography began during architecture school, when I failed a unit and had to take a year off. It was then that I discovered photography as a craft. Without realizing it, I began creating work that was soon described as Afrofuturismâa way to challenge perceptions and celebrate my culture. I found a voice that connects with my heritage while imagining bold, alternate futures. Over the years, Iâve developed a style that reimagines African narrativesâvibrant, unapologetic, and rich with meaning."},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/osborne-macharia/osborne_macharia_portrait.jpg",quote:"Iâm inspired by the untold stories of Africaâits rich cultures, traditions, and historiesâand imagining how they could evolve in alternate realities.",alt:"Portrait of photographer Osborne Macharia"},{type:"interview",question:"How would you define or describe Afrofuturism?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"I describe Afrofuturism as"," ",i.createElement("span",{style:{fontStyle:"italic"}},"'An artistic expression that seeks to challenge the post-colonial African narrative by integrating historical elements, present culture and future aspirations of people of African ancestry using Narrative, Fantasy and Fiction to imagine the New Africa.â")),"Governed by two key elements, Cultural Identity and Fiction, it creates a powerful platform to convey important messages on topics such as African Identity, Equality, Representation, Gender Abuse, FGM, Albinism, Dwarfism, Conservation and Care for the Elderly."]},{type:"interview",question:"Your photography style is incredibly distinctive, with vivid colors, compelling narratives, and striking models. How did you develop this unique visual aesthetic?",answer:"Developing my visual aesthetic has been a journey of embracing storytelling as the core of my art. I draw inspiration from African culture, mythology, and futuristic elements, blending them to create narratives that challenge stereotypes and celebrate identity. My use of vivid colours, striking compositions, and compelling characters stems from a desire to immerse viewers in alternate realitiesâworlds that are bold, unapologetic, and rich with meaning. Itâs about fusing tradition with imagination, crafting visuals that resonate with history while pushing the boundaries of what African narratives can look like in a global context."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/osborne-macharia/woman_in_orange_top.jpg",caption:"Photo by Osborne Macharia",alt:"Black woman with white contact lenses and row of decorative crystals under her eyes in orange beaded top with hair designed in multiple circles"},{type:"interview",question:'Your images, such as those in the "Daughters of the Rift" and "League of Extraordinary Grannies" series, transport viewers to entirely new worlds. What inspires the story concepts behind these photographs?',answer:`The concepts behind my images are born from constantly asking "What if?" I'm inspired by the untold stories of Africaâits rich cultures, traditions, and historiesâand imagining how they could evolve in alternate realities. For example, "Daughters of the Rift" explores the concept of the African Rift Valley without geopolitical borders and a tribe that emerges whose primary form of expression is beadwork. "League of Extraordinary Grannies" reimagines retired elderly women as stylish world travellers enjoying the fruits of their labour. These narratives come from a mix of historical research, cultural symbols, and a futuristic lens, creating worlds that are both familiar and fantastical. It's about rethinking what African identity could look like and using visual storytelling to challenge, celebrate, and expand that vision.`},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/osborne-macharia/older-woman_airplane.jpg",caption:"Photo by Osborne Macharia",alt:"Older Black woman with short white hair style in checkered red shirt walking away from retro airplane in field carrying a small vintage suitcase / Portrait of older Black woman with white hair in checkered red shirt, green velvet blazer and tie against a bright orange studio backdrop"},{type:"interview",question:"Could you walk us through your process for conceptualizing and executing a creative photo shoot?",answer:"Every project begins with a concept deck, outlining the story, mood, and visual references, which I share with my team. Their feedback is invaluable, helping refine the vision and push it further. Pre-production is incredibly detailed: from designing costumes, scouting locations and casting models who embody the storyâs essence. On set, every elementâfrom lighting to stylingâis meticulously aligned with the narrative. Post-shoot, retouching becomes an extension of storytelling, enhancing the surreal and cinematic feel while staying true to the concept. Itâs a collaborative journey."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/osborne-macharia/men_steampunk.jpg",caption:"Photo by Osborne Macharia",alt:"Four Black men in colorful suits and steam punk accessories standing on moving train with speakers and a futuristic guitar instrument under a red full moon"},{type:"interview",question:"In addition to your personal projects, you've collaborated with a variety of high-profile clients like Marvel's Black Panther, Pepsi, Campari, and sports figures like Steph Curry. How do you approach the creative process when working with clients, and what does successful collaboration look like to you?",answer:"The process is always the same as planning a personal shoot but with more stakeholders involved and better budgets to create more intricate costumes. Most of the creative direction comes from the advertising agencies in charge of the brands, and my role is to add my visual touch to their idea. I mostly enjoy projects whereby the brand has an idea but see me as a âcollaboratorâ from the very start, as if Iâm part of their creative team for the duration of the project."},{type:"interview",question:"What stands out to you as the most memorable project you've had the opportunity to work on?",answer:`Where do I even start? One project that stands out is "No Touch Am," where we reimagined the Hyena Me
1n of Northern Nigeria as stylish protectors of the forest. This collaboration with Azu Nwagbogu from the African Artists Foundation was unforgettable. My team and I spent a week in Lagos working with three Hausa men, a baboon, and a hyena. It was a wild experienceâfrom transporting a hyena in a taxi to dealing with the chaos when the strobes startled it and witnessing our talent's reaction to wearing tailored suits for the first time. It was a blend of culture, storytelling, and the unexpected, making it truly special.`},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/osborne-macharia/man_hyena_jungle.jpg",caption:"Photo by Osborne Macharia",alt:"Black man in dense jungle in bright green suit and hat with pink shirt holding a snarling hyena with a metal chain"},{type:"interview",question:"Are there any specific pieces of equipment, such as particular lenses or lighting setups, that you consider essential for your shoots?",answer:["Absolutely. Over the past decade, Iâve become a devoted fan of the Hasselblad camera system and lenses. Their cameras consistently produce stunning images with exceptional color accuracy.","When it comes to lighting, my go-to brand is Profoto. Their reliability and consistent color temperature on set make it hard to work with anything else."]},{type:"interview",question:"What tools and techniques do you use when it comes to post-processing your images?",answer:"For post-processing, I rely on Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to bring my vision to life. C
1olour grading is central to my process, setting the mood and emotion inspired by cultural narratives and futuristic aesthetics. I often layer custom textures and overlays to add depth and character. Every detail matters. For projects that require imaginative backgrounds then Iâll work with a CGI artist to create custom environments."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/osborne-macharia/man_with_helmet.jpg",caption:"Photo by Osborne Macharia",alt:"Man in metal helmet sitting on a metal roof watching a broadcast on a rectangular device under a clear night sky"},{type:"interview",question:"Ultimately, what message or feeling do you hope viewers take away from your work?",answer:"I just want to share my beautiful culture with the world. I hope it inspires and empowers the African diaspora, especially people who desire to connect with their roots. What I create is a visual language of EMPOWERMENT."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/osborne-macharia/people_in_gowns.jpg",caption:"Photo by Osborne Macharia",alt:"Two Black people dressed in wide oversized magenta gowns and gold accessories"},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Thank you for sharing with us, Osborne! To view more of Osborneâs work, visit his"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.macharia.studio/"},"website"),","," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.behance.net/Osborne"},"Behance"),", and follow him on"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/osborne_macharia/"},"Instagram"),"."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Osborne was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"/"},"Noun Project"),".")]}],u=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/reuben-wu/red_rock_canyon.jpg",caption:"Photo by Reuben Wu",alt:"Circle of light in winding canyon of red rocks"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://reubenwu.com/"},"Reuben Wu")," ","is a multidisciplinary artist who explores new ways of telling compelling stories about the world we inhabit. His pioneering work with aerial lighting and long-exposure photography has helped redefine contemporary landscape photography and belongs in the permanent collections of the Guggenheim Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the MoMA. His practice spans fine art and commercial collaborations with brands such as Apple and National Geographic Magazine. Reuben lives in Chicago with his family.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Reuben! Tell us a little about yourselfâââwhen did you first become interested in photography and how did you get to where you are today? ",answer:["I came to photography through an unexpected path. I was touring the world with my band Ladytron, and started using photography as a way to document our travels. What began as a simple tour diary evolved into something much deeper - I became fascinated with experimenting with different cameras, films, and techniques.",{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/reuben-wu/reuben_wu_portrait.jpg",subHeading:"Photo by Austin Mann",alt:"Portrait of photographer Reuben Wu",quote:"The technical quality needs to serve the artistic vision. While having the right equipment is important, it's more about knowing exactly how to use each tool to achieve the effect you're after."},"I have a background in industrial design, which I think influenced my approach to photography - this combination of technical understanding and creative exploration. Over time, I moved from just documenting places to really thinking about how to show familiar landscapes in unfamiliar ways.","The journey has been organic but intense. From those early days of experimentation with film and Polaroids to developing my own drone lighting techniques, each step has built on the last. I've been fortunate to work with clients like Apple, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, and photographed the cover story for National Geographic's feature on Stonehenge. Now my work is in the permanent collections of the Guggenheim, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and MoMA, which still feels surreal sometimes. It's been a path of constant evolution, always pushing to find new ways to show our planet in ways that make people look twice."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/reuben-wu/stone_henge.jpg",caption:"Photo by Reuben Wu",alt:"Thin, singular stream of light emitting from the center of Stone Henge, UK at night"},{type:"interview",question:"Your drone lighting techniques have become your signature style, creating otherw
1orldly landscapes that seem to exist between reality and science fiction. What inspired you to first experiment with aerial lighting in landscape photography?",answer:["It actually began by accident. I was at Trona Pinnacles in 2014, shooting a time-lapse at night, when a truck unexpectedly drove into the frame. Instead of ruining the shot, the way its headlights illuminated the pinnacles created this effect that shouldn't naturally exist - and it sparked something in my mind.","I started thinking about bringing artificial lighting into remote landscapes, but controlling it precisely, almost like working in a studio. I began attaching lights to drones, allowing me to light landscapes in ways that weren't possible before.","The technique evolved further when I started incorporating the actual flight paths of the drones into the images, creating what I call Aeroglyphs - geometric light patterns in the sky. It became a way to interact with these environments without physically touching them, creating a kind of temporary land art in the sky.","What drives me is showing that these otherworldly scenes aren't from another planet - they're right here on Earth. I'm not trying to make alien landscapes; I'm trying to help people see our own world in a new light."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/reuben-wu/deserted_valley_road.jpg",caption:"Photo by Reuben Wu",alt:"Circles of light in a triangle formation over top a deserted valley road at night"},{type:"interview",question:"Your work often transforms familiar landscapes into otherworldly scenes. Can you walk us through your creative process, from location scouting to the final image?",answer:["It all starts with intensive research. I use a combination of tools - Google Maps, Gaia GPS, Photo Pills - to virtually scout locations. I'm always looking for places that haven't been heavily photographed, or angles that haven't been explored. I also study weather patterns and atmospheric conditions to understand what I'll be working with.","The actual shoot typically takes several hours. I'll arrive before sunset to scout the physical location and lock in my composition. As the light changes, I'll capture select frames through sunset and into nightfall. Once it's completely dark, that's when the real work begins - creating long exposures using artificial light, whether from drones or other lighting tools I've developed.","I approach the lighting almost like painting with brushstrokes. Each light movement is carefully considered in relation to the landscape. I might make dozens of passes with different lighting angles and patterns until I find exactly what I'm looking for. Sometimes I'll work through the entire night, especially if I'm incorporating celestial elements like star trails or moonlight.","Post-production is equally important - it's where I combine multiple exposures to create the final piece. While the shoot itself is quite experimental and playful, the editing process is more disciplined. It's about crafting all these elements into a cohesive vision that tells the story I want to tell."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/reuben-wu/rocks_night.jpg",caption:"Photo by Reuben Wu",alt:"Multiple threads of thin light giving the effect of blue steam being released from two rocks at night"},{type:"interview",question:"Many of your images require complex planning and precise timing. Could you share a story about a shot that took particular patience or persistence to achieve? ",answer:["The 2019 solar eclipse in Chile stands out as one of my most challenging projects. It took two years of planning - finding sponsors, assembling a team, and mapping out potential locations. The goal was to capture the eclipse low on the horizon over the ocean, which would give us a wider field of view of the astronomical event against the sky.","What made it particularly challenging was that we only had one chance - you can't exactly reschedule an eclipse. We had to scout multiple locations in advance and plan several backup routes, considering everything from weather patterns to accessibility. On the day itself, we managed to find the perfect spot on a mountain overlooking the ocean, away from crowds.","The actual moment was incredible - watching the full eclipse from our carefully chosen vantage point, capturing something I'd spent years planning for. While the final image might look
1simple, it represents countless hours of preparation, the coordination of an entire team, and that mix of careful planning and serendipity that makes photography so exciting.","The results made every minute of planning worth it, but it's a perfect example of how some images can require years of preparation for just a few moments of shooting."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/reuben-wu/solar_eclipse.jpg",caption:"Photo by Reuben Wu",alt:"Full solar eclipse as a small circle of light in the distance of a dark gradient blue sky with yellows and oranges on the horizon"},{type:"interview",question:'Your recent "SIREN" series along Lake Michigan has an ethereal, delicate, and ephemeral aesthetic. What inspired you to create images in this newer direction?',answer:["SIREN actually began as a sketch back in 2021, evolving from my desire to push Aeroglyphs in a new direction. While my previous work often featured geometric light patterns, SIREN explores something more fluid and organic - creating curtain-like structures that hover delicately in space.","What makes this series distinct is how it responds to its environment rather than imposing upon it. When working along Lake Michigan's shore, the movement of the waves actually modulates the light source, creating a spatial ebb and flow over the course of a long exposure. These interactions allow the work to respond to natural rhythms, producing forms that feel alive and dynamic.","The series began during a family trip to Lake Michigan last August. While I was testing a new technique with lasers during the Perseid meteor shower, the aurora borealis made a surprise appearance - a rare summer event that seemed to go undocumented by anyone else. It was one of those magical moments where celestial events aligned perfectly with artistic intent."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/reuben-wu/northern_lights_1.jpg",caption:"Photo by Reuben Wu",alt:"Multiple threads of thin light giving the effect of two white translucent curtains above a dark shoreline with pink and green Northern Lights in the background"},{type:"interview",question:"As someone who's worked with major brands like Apple, Google, and Mercedes-Benz, how do you maintain your distinctive artistic voice while meeting commercial objectives?",answer:["I've been extremely fortunate that clients typically reach out because they want my specific vision. When Apple commissioned me to create 'The Inner Landscape' series for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, they were interested in how I could apply my aesthetic to showcase their technology. Instead of my typically vast, expansive landscapes, I explored closer, more psychological spaces - existing within the environment rather than more distant from it.","There's often a stigma that commercial work is completely opposite in ethos to personal work, but Iâve been fortunate that it has actually expanded my creative possibilities. Whether I'm shooting for National Geographic or Mercedes-Benz, the goal remains the same - to show familiar things in unfamiliar ways. When clients and artists align on vision, commercial work becomes another channel for artistic expression rather than a compromise.","The key has been to approach each commercial project as an extension of my personal work rather than something separate. These projects often provide opportunities to explore new locations, work with different technologies, and experiment with approaches that I might not have access to otherwise."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/reuben-wu/vehicle.jpg",caption:"Photo by Reuben Wu",alt:"Side view of black 4x4 vehicle in a pink space with no roof and a blue sky with streaming lights"},{type:"interview",question:"What can you tell us about the role of preparation and chance in your work?",answer:["I research, plan and test as much as possible before setting off on a trip. My background in industrial design and engineering comes into play here - I use a whole suite of tools like Google Maps, Gaia GPS, and Photo Pills for virtual scouting. I study weather patterns, check what other photographers have captured so I don't repeat existing work, and carefully plan my technical approach.","But some of the most memorable moments in my work have come from serendipity. For instance, during my SIREN series, when the aurora borealis made an unexpected appearance, or back in 2014 at Trona Pinnacles, when the truck's headlights sparked the idea that would eventually lead to my drone lighting techniques.","The key is being thoroughly prepared so that when these moments of chance arise, you're ready to capture them. It's about having your technical processes so well-nailed that you can be fully present in the moment, open to experimentation and discovery. Some of my favorite images have come from that sweet spot where careful planning meets unexpected opportunity."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/reuben-wu/northern_lights_2.jpg",caption:"Photo by Reuben Wu",alt:"Multiple threads of thin light giving the effect of a single white translucent curtain above a dark green shoreline with the Northern Lights in the background"},{type:"interview",question:"Your kit must be extensive. What do you consider to be the most essential for your shoots? ",answer:["I use custom-built lighting systems as well as off-the-shelf products, each with their own advantages. My industrial design background comes in handy here - I enjoy designing and building specialized tools for specific projects. For cameras, I work across different systems depending on the project - the Phase One XT, Sony A1, and even iPhones for certain shoots. But honestly, the most essential elements aren't just about the gear - it's about understanding the tools so well that they become second nature. ","The technical qual
1ity needs to serve the artistic vision. While having the right equipment is important, it's more about knowing exactly how to use each tool to achieve the effect you're after."]},{type:"interview",question:"Having transitioned from a hobbyist photographer to becoming a National Geographic photographer, what advice would you give to artists trying to forge their own unique path in photography?",answer:["Make work that you want to do more of and focus on that. When your work stands out, it stays in people's memory - particularly the creatives at agencies who might later have projects that need your specific vision.","I think one of the most valuable things I've learned is the importance of staying true to your own imagination. Before I used drones to light mountains, there was no existing visual reference for that. It simply wasn't something that could be envisioned until a human mind made those connections. I acknowledge that nothing is truly original, but humans can create in an organic and emotional way that's uniquely their own.","Keep experimenting and be open to serendipity. Embrace change. Identify what truly consumes your passion and don't let go of that. And most importantly, don't compare yourself to others - everyone's story is different."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/reuben-wu/arid_salt_flats.jpg",caption:"Photo by Reuben Wu",alt:"Circle of light above arid salt flats at night"},{type:"interview",question:"What are you currently working on now and whatâs up next for you?",answer:["I'm continuing to develop the SIREN series, exploring this more fluid and organic relationship with the environment.","I'm also always looking for new ways to push the boundaries of what's possible with landscape photography. While I can't share all the details yet, I'm working on some exciting collaborations that blend different media and technologies in ways I haven't explored before.","What drives me forward is the same thing that got me started - finding new ways to show our planet in an unfamiliar light. There are still so many untold stories in these landscapes, so many new perspectives to discover. The goal remains to remind people that these otherworldly scenes aren't from some distant planet - they're right here on Earth, our only home."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/reuben-wu/cliffs_and_lake.jpg",caption:"Photo by Reuben Wu",alt:"Outline of person in the distance standing at the precipice of a lake surrounded by a deep white cliffs at night"},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Thank you for sharing with us, Reuben! To view more of Reubenâs work, visit his"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://reubenwu.com/"},"website")," ","and follow him on"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/reuben"},"Instagram"),"."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Reuben was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"/"},"Noun Project"),".")]}],p=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/sandra-dans/orchids_blue_bg.jpg",caption:"Photo by Sandra Dans",alt:"Purple and white orchid flowers splashed with water on blue background"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://sandradans.com/"},"Sandra Dans")," ","(she/her) is a professional photographer based in Manila. Sheâs worked professionally since 2010, mostly as a"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://portfolio.sandradans.com/?page_id=298"},"wedding photographer")," ","but also in other commercial pursuits such as"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://portfolio.sandradans.com/?page_id=1417"},"stock photography"),". She is a professor at the UP College of Fine Arts. She graduated with a BFA in Visual Communication from UP Diliman, and an MFA in Photography from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Alongside her commercial practice, she also works as an independent"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://portfolio.sandradans.com/?page_id=1347"},"digital photo restorer"),".")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Sandra! Tell us a little about yourselfâââwhen did you first become interested in photography and how did you get to where you are today?",answer:["I became interested in photography as a high school senior! I was seeing a lot of amateur digital photography on sites like Livejournal and Deviantart and became interested in attempting to shoot myself. I got my first digital camera from my dad - a tiny second hand Casio Exilim S1 that was 1.3 MP! I didn't understand why it couldn't focus on stuff up close - I didn't know a thing about lenses or focal lengths. Eventually I graduated to a DSLR and began doing cosplay shoots with my friends in college.","After graduation, I built a career in wedding photography by assisting other teams and eventually leading my own team, until I finally pursued my MFA in photography in 2013. I kept shooting weddings up until the pandemic hit in 2020, when I pivoted to commercial and tabletop imaging because that was all I could do at the time! This is what led me to stock photography and improving my skill with controlled lighting.","These days, I shoot stock images for Canva, I have some commercial imaging projects punctuated with some fine art work, and I'm also a full time professor of photography at the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts."]},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/sandra-dans/sandra_dans_portrait.jpg",quote:"Don't take photography too seriously. Photography only stays fun if you can find the joy in it, so stay playful and don't let it frustrate you.",alt:"Portrait of photographer Sandra Dans"},{type:"interview",question:"What are your favorite subjects or themes to explore, and why?",answer:["In my fine art work, I love playing with nature in the studio. In particular, I find native Philippine flora to be so resilient and reactive to different stimuli. I like to expose them to different c
1onditions like extreme hot or cold, inducing interactions with unusual mediums like paint or ink or food like honey or milk, physical interventions like cutting, drowning, burning, dehydration, etc. Itâs a form of play for me to see what flowers will do under various conditions and the camera is a great way to capture these fleeting interactions.","Native flowers represent certain themes that I am interested in from an artistic and political perspective: climate resilience, post-colonialism, femininity, nature. On a personal level, I grew up around flowers a lot - both of my grandmothers were flower lovers (one was a painter who specialized in floral still lives and other is a gardener), so I suppose I was always somewhat conditioned to be partial to visualizing them. A lot of the time, I will introduce elements into my shoots that also have other significances. My grandmother painted a lot of calado (hand-embroidered pi\xf1a cloth), which is a material with a lot of significance to Filipino culture, so I like to include items like that. Shells and objects from the sea also make appearances. I think are a lot of parallel themes between those objects and native flowers.",`I also enjoy prodding at the paradox of digital photography, and how people seem to care so much about whether or not an image is âeditedâ or not. To be clear, I believe there is no such thing as an âunmanipulatedâ image, so I also like my work to encourage people to ask themselves what the difference is between an action like cropping an image in frame, and manipulating something digitally. The visual confusion that an in-camera manipulation induces (like distortion through water or exposure time) is very interesting to me.`]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/sandra-dans/pink_orchids.jpg",caption:"Photo by Sandra Dans",alt:"Close up of pink orchid flowers with water droplets and translucent seashell"},{type:"interview",question:"The way you blend vivid colors with natural subjects like flowers in your photography is striking. Could you share your creative process for capturing these colorful scenes from nature?",answer:[`I begin with a question, with an interaction I want to seeâI'm always on the lookout for unusual interactions between materials. "What would happen if I froze this flower?" "What would happen if I covered these leaves with hot milk?" "What would it look like if I dripped this paint all over this melting block of ice?" For me, these are very playful "what ifs." I don't always assume they will yield a beautiful, striking, or even usable imageâthe joy is in inducing those interactions regardless of the results. Whatever ends up getting posted, shared, or included in the exhibition are usually just lucky shots. I have thousands more images that aren't really worth looking at!`,"It's kind of like being a child with a chemistry kitâthe studio is the lab, the camera creates my records. For those with issues of executive dysfunction, I also have a lighting setup that just hangs around my dining table so I can shoot at willâthis helps reduce the friction between idea and execution a lot of the time. I keep my colored gels attached to the lights so I can just pull out the camera and fire away.","I think it is very helpful to keep social media, or even the pursuit of my own fine art practice, out of mind as well in order to reduce performance anxiety or any frustration related to productivity."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/sandra-dans/blue_pink_orchids.jpg",caption:"Photo by Sandra Dans",alt:"Blue and pink orchid flowers in clear liquid"},{type:"interview",question:"Could you walk us through your process for conceptualizing and executing a creative photo shoot?",answer:["There are two main kinds of shoots that I perform a lotâthe first requires a lot of pre-production. These are usually commercial shoots, or if it's fine art, those with more ambitious aims. These shoots require a lot of preparation in terms of collecting materials or tools. In particular, flowers can sometimes be tricky to procure as their prices can vary throughout the seasons, and transportation in my city is very difficult. I have had to familiarize myself with the nearby vendors and when the best time of day is to run over there and grab handfuls of whatever they were going to throw out! I also make purchases from online sellers ahead of time if there is a particular material I want to work with that I don't have on hand.",`The other kind of shoot is very spontaneous, and just happens when I have a worm of an idea in my brain. This usually just involves a basin, a tabo full of water, and some gentle requests for my husband to rig a shot for me! Often these involve materials from shoots that i have collected in the past, or household items that we have lying around. Food, water, paint, detergent, toiletriesânothing is exempt from my "science experiments" when the mood hits! This is why it's important for me to keep my studio lights out âjust so I don't lose the momentum from these ideas.`]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/sandra-dans/orange_pink_flowers.jpg",caption:"Photo by Sandra Dans",alt:"Orange and pink flowers submerged in purple paint"},{type:"interview",question:"What has been one of your favorite projects to work on so far? What would be your dream creative project or subject to shoot?",answer:["I worked on a stock photography shoot for Canva a year or two ago called Neo Natureâit involved having to construct these little fantasy vignettes of natural spaces that had a magical feel to them. I had my friend Rayson, who is a D&D set and miniature builder, come in to assist me with building and styling. We built everything from scratchâwe bought plants, rocks, and other naturalistic elements, and arranged them all on a tabletop set. I lit them with colored gels. We got to play with bubbles and shiny fabrics. I really enjoyed conceptualizing and shooting that because it felt like something that nobody else could have built and ph
1otographed in the same way that we did. I am really happy that those photos are available for people to use for free on Canva!","I think any shoot that involves creating a small world on a tabletop is a dream shoot for me. Especially when I can pull in help from my friends that are so talented in building things for me to photograph, I feel a real childlike joy in creating that kind of imaging."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/sandra-dans/bottle_with_flowers.jpg",caption:"Photo by Sandra Dans",alt:"Brown glass bottle on red rocks surrounded by strawflowers, lilies, roses and succulents"},{type:"interview",question:"Given the speed at which AI is progressing in content creation, the landscape and future of photography are shifting rapidly. What opportunities and/or and challenges do you think AI will present for photographers?",answer:[`I see the rise of generative AI, as well as the strong defensive response from creators against it, to run somewhat parallel to the invention of photography in the 1800s. Back then, painters reacted strongly to photographic technology in a very similar way - they called photographs "too mechanical," said it was no replacement for the humanity in traditional art, and claimed that it would never supersede painting as an art form. I think artists will always recoil at processes that automate what takes them months, years, decades to doâI think this is a very natural and human response, especially in a society that takes cultural work for granted. In the same way, I think generative AI will certainly overlap somewhat with the output of photographers, just like photography overlapped with the output of painters and illustrators. But I think over time we will find ways to coexist with it, and photography will certainly evolve to distinguish itself from AI. After the invention of photography, painters veered away from realistic styles and started creating work that was more expressive and abstracted - something that photography could not do. It differentiated itself. I can see something similar happening with photography moving forward. We will identify the spaces that AI cannot touch, which do exist, and that will be where photography will flourish.`,"Having said that, this only happens properly once AI developers find a more ethical way to source their training data, and once guardrails are put in place to prevent abuse. Right now that's one of the biggest hurdles to artists accepting generative AI as a legitimate collaborator, rather than a threat."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/sandra-dans/yellow_orange_flowers.jpg",caption:"Photo by Sandra Dans",alt:"Yellow orange flower petal against pink and blue fabric background"},{type:"interview",question:"Are there any specific pieces of equipment, such as particular lenses or lighting setups, that you consider essential for your shoots?",answer:"I only purchased my macro lens in 2023âa 105mm at 2.8. I have no idea how I was photographing tabletop setups without it! With lighting, I tend to use rechargeable lights rather than corded ones, as I find them easier to manipulate and place at weird angles. I was also reared in wedding photography, so speedlights are really where I live and breathe even with studio setups. I find them more flexible and less precious."},{type:"interview",question:"What tools and techniques do you use when it comes to post-processing your images?",answer:["I don't really use a lot of complex digital tools to finish my imagesâI keep it simple. Since the 2024 Lightroom Classic update I rarely need to port my images into Photoshop for cleanup anymore. Maybe just 1x for every thousand images.","Learning to play with the white balance slider on setups lit with colored gels was a revelation - it really can change so much of how an image looks! This year I also want to learn how to focus stack macro photosâthis isn't always an option for me because I like freezing motion in my photographs, so there's usually too much movement in my setups, but this year I think I'll give it a try."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/sandra-dans/tree_branch_mushrooms.jpg",caption:"Photo by Sandra Dans",alt:"Fallen tree branch surrounded by mushrooms and green foliage"},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to new photographers who are just starting out?",answer:["Don't take photography too seriously. Photography only stays fun if you can find the joy in it, so stay playful and don't let it frustrate you.","To harken back to the AI question, this is the one thing AI cannot do - it can't have fun, it can't be joyful, it cannot do anything just for the pleasure of doing it. That's one of the places that AI cannot touch, so I think moving forward, to keep photography alive and evolving, we need to lean into this instinct!"]},{type:"interview",question:"What are you currently working on now and whatâs up next for you?",answer:"I am currently working on my next exhibition. I am partnering with a friend who is a ceramicist to create parallel works for a joint exhibition :)"},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/sandra-dans/pink_strawflower.jpg",caption:"Photo by Sandra Dans",alt:"Pink strawflower growing in the center of a rocky terrain surrounded by foliage and smaller flowers"},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Thank you for sharing with us, Sandra! To view more of Sandraâs work, visit her"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://sandradans.com/"},"website")," ","and follow her on"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/secretsandra/"},"Instagram"),"."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Sandra was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.canva.com/"},"Canva"),".")]}],w=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tabitha-park/frothy_beverage.jpg",caption:"Photo by Tabitha Park",alt:"Top view of female hand reaching for frothy milk beverage topped with cinnamon stick and star anise"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Online photography Top Teacher and mother of chickens,"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.tabithapark.com/"},"Tabitha Park")," ","(she/her) is a lifestyle product and food photographer living in the Pacific N
1orthwest in Southwest Washington state. She photographs recipes, cocktails, donuts, and chocolate. Sheâs an avid coffee drinker, reckless gardener, and unapologetic hobby starter.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Tabitha! Tell us a little about yourselfâââwhen did you first become interested in photography and how did you get to where you are today?",answer:"My love for photography started when I was 12 capturing bugs, snails, and mushrooms in the yard! Iâve always felt a pull to the macro world wanting to collect snippets of tiny everyday magic. Specializing in digital photo throughout school helped me find my way around gear and the studio and also gave me the opportunity to dabble in every niche from portraits to puppies. My deep dive into chocolate and donuts went hand in hand with teaching fun and approachable foodie-adjacent courses on Skillshare, which landed me my dream gig with a top chocolate brand in the US."},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tabitha-park/tabitha_park_portrait.jpg",alt:"Portrait of photographer Tabitha Park",quote:"Get scrappy! Early on in my education I was taught that photography is expensive. Working on a shoestring budget forced me to see everything around me as a tool to cheat my end result."},{type:"interview",question:"How did you find your own photography style?",answer:"I found my style by trying every other style! I think experimenting early on and continuously throughout your work keeps things fun and flexible. The style that has always felt like home for me has lots of juicy contrast, clean highlights, and tack sharp details."},{type:"interview",question:"What has been one of your favorite projects to work on so far? What would be your dream creative project or subject to shoot?",answer:["I had the opportunity to shoot all the components and features of a Halloween-themed board game, Girls vs. Ghouls, for their Kickstarter campaign. It was my first time photographing a board game, and I had so much fun during setup and styling. Playing the game with friends brought the project full circle and it was such a joy to get to connect with the artist and designer of the game, who happened to be one of my Skillshare students and her husband!","My dream project at the moment would be working with a creative in the publishing world! Iâd love to contribute my skills and passion for food through the development of a breathtakingly beautiful cookbook or crafting compendium. Iâm also an avid puzzler and would love to see some of my favorite captures in tactile jigsaw puzzle form!"]},{type:"interview",question:"The art of food styling can make or break a photo shoot. Do you handle the food styling yourself, or collaborate with professional food stylists? What are your go-to tricks and tools for keeping dishes camera-ready during those long shooting sessions.",answer:`I do most of my food styling myself! Typically the desserts and drinks Iâm working with can hold up for a while so I donât have to worry about things collapsing, melting, or dripping luckily! And when we do have drips, I like to lean into the story by reminding viewers of the creation side of things. The âlived inâ look is always my preference to a perfectly spotless scene! Adding texture and leading lines with a sprinkle of salt, powdered sugar, or cinnamon is typically my finishing touch! It gives the eye some movement and if you're sprinkling spices or herbs it adds another sense to the shot, inviting the viewer to "practically smell" what they're seeing.`},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tabitha-park/caramel_chocolates.jpg",caption:"Photo by Tabitha Park",alt:"Side view of four stacked bitten caramel chocolates"},{type:"interview",question:"What sparked your journey into photography education? From your popular Skillshare courses to your personalized one-on-one sessions, you've built quite a following. If you could instill just one core principle in your students' minds, what would it be?",answer:`Get scrappy! Early on in my education I was taught that photography is expensive. Working on a shoestring budget forced me to see everything around me as a tool to cheat my end result. Making a lightbox out of cardboard and tracing paper was my foray into teaching on Skillshare and has helped empower other creators to use what they have lying around and make it up as they go! My friends tell me how they wouldnât have had the guts to tackle certain projects that I just showed up with the audacity to do- for example, tiling all the bathrooms in my home. Having a knack for just âseeing how it goesâ tends to work itself out. Making mistakes is the first step to fixing mistakes and getting good at pivoting is critical to the success of any creative endeavor! I like to think that watching me make my own backdrops and seeing me use junk mail as a reflector gives my students permission to make it up as they go too.`},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tabitha-park/iced_coffee.jpg",caption:"Photo by Tabitha Park",alt:"Milk swirling while being poured into tall glass of ice coffee on kitchen counter with bag of coffee beans, quartz crystal and plants"},{type:"interview",question:"Given the speed at which AI is progressing in content creation, the landscape and future of photography are shifting rapidly. What opportunities and/or and challenges do you think AI will present for photographers?",answer:[`Being able to share a creative vision of a lush pollinator garden without lifting a shovel can absolutely propel people to take action on the projects in their âsomedayâ folder, which I find exciting. However, saving these âsomedayâ photos to my Pinterest boards knowing that nobody has ever watered the plants in this bedroom inspo or curled up in the folds of that comforter does make me feel a little sad.`,`I feel empowered when I get to see spaces touched by the magic of humans. Show me the imperfect trim, the busy little spider you let live in the corner, the part you messed up and then had to fix. I hope the surge of AI art propels us into a world where things get to be imperfect just to prove a person lifted a shovel. I like to think that it will inspire creatives to âdo it betterâ than AI by proving that these beautiful scenes, dishes, and people actually exist.`]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tabitha-park/mushrooms.jpg",caption:"Photo by Tabitha Park",alt:"Close up of delicate lamellae under cap of mushrooms"},{type:"interview",question:"Are there any specific pieces of equipment, such as particular lenses or lighting setups, that you consider essential for your shoots?",answer:["Iâm obsessed with my Sigma Art 35mm lens! I love that its minimum focal distance lets me stay physically close to my subject and the flexibility of the ultra wide open aperture mimics how we take in the details of a scene with our eyes.","Along that same realm but on the opposite end is my 105mm macro lens. It's less of a walkaround lens than the 35mm, but Iâm always pleased with the results and getting that larger than life perspective adds a uniqueness to my portfolio that brings me right back to what drew me to photography from the beginning."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tabitha-park/ladybug.jpg",caption:"Photo by Tabitha Park",alt:"Red lady bug on white surface with out of focus pink flower petals in background"},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to new photographers who are interested in food and product photography who just starting out?",answer:"Be a moth! Go to the light! Study all the light in y
1our space, become obsessed with watching how it falls and bounces and fills shadows everywhere you go. Learning to identify, shape, and utilize light is going to be the actual cornerstone of your entire photography career because without light, photos don't exist. Once you master light, you'll be able to build confidence in the studio and on location, thus gaining better control of your scene and how your product or food can be presented within it!"},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tabitha-park/cakes_pink_frosting.jpg",caption:"Photo by Tabitha Park",alt:"Top view of four brown cake squares on white counter topped with pink icing, pink chocolate shavings and pink flower petals"},{type:"interview",question:"What are you currently working on now and whatâs up next for you?",answer:"Iâm putting out feelers at the moment! Reaching out to a bunch of brands and people making things that inspire me and seeing how I might be able to help through my work! Planning to keep on creating fun classes, photographing tasty treats and maybe manifest my images into a cookbook or two!"},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tabitha-park/cocktail_with_fruits.jpg",caption:"Photo by Tabitha Park",alt:"Colorful gradient pink to orange cocktail in large brandy glass with lemon and mint garnish next to a whole pineapple and coconut"},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Thank you for sharing with us, Tabitha! To view more of Tabithaâs work, visit her"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.tabithapark.com/"},"website"),", explore her"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.skillshare.com/en/referrals/general?teacherRef=6541338&via=teacher-referral-channel&utm_campaign=teacher-referral-channel&utm_source=ShortUrl&utm_medium=teacher-referral-channel&vanityUsername=tabithapark"},"Skillshare classes"),", and follow her on"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/tabithapark"},"Instagram"),"."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Tabitha was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.skillshare.com/en/"},"Skillshare"),".")]}],y=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/thao-nhu/anchoi_creative_x_canva.jpg",caption:`Photo by Thảo NhÆ°`,alt:"Woman in baggy blue jeans picking up pizza slice from picnic spread with tacos and skewers / Smiling Black man in red patterned shirt holding drink in green striped cup with green striped straw"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.behance.net/cherryhuynh"},"Thảo NhÆ°")," ","(she/her) is a food photographer based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Sheâs been pursuing this craft for over five years, and the deeper she delves into it, the more she discovers its endless fascination and the vast opportunities to learn. NhÆ° is passionate about exploring culture through food and always strives to weave stories into every image she creates. She dreams of bringing Vietnamese cuisine and culture to the world, sharing the inspiring tales behind each dish.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi NhÆ°! Tell us a little about yourselfâââwhen did you first become interested in photography and how did you get to where you are today?",answer:["Hello, Iâm Thảo NhÆ°, a photographer from the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. This bustling metropolis is a melting pot of diverse cuisines, lively markets, and a rich blend of cultures. Growing up here shaped my deep love for food and inspired me to tell its story through the art of photography.","Every piece of my work draws from the heart of my childhood memories and everyday life. My mission is to celebrate the food and culture of my hometown through a fresh, vibrant, and modern lensâa perspective that feels alive and bursting with energy.","Creativity has always been a part of who I am. As a child, I was captivated by cooking and drawing, dreaming of becoming either a food critic or an artist. But everything changed when I discovered photographyâit was like opening a door to a whole new w
1orld. Photography gave me a way to capture fleeting moments and share the cultural richness of where I grew up. Still, at that time, I never imagined it could become my career.","I pursued a degree in English Literature, but deep down, I felt a pull toward something different. I wandered through various jobs, searching for purpose and passion, until an internship at a photography company changed everything. From the moment I held a camera in my hands, I knew I had found my calling.","The journey hasnât been easy. Itâs taken countless hours of hard work, self-discipline, and pushing myself to explore new horizons. But every challenge has brought me closer to where I am todayâa place where I can bring stories to life through my lens, celebrating the beauty of food and the creative limit that you can go with it."]},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/thao-nhu/thao_nhu_portrait.jpg",quote:"Capture what you love from your unique perspectiveâthatâs what will help you attract loyal clients who align with your style.",alt:`Portrait of photographer Thảo NhÆ°`},{type:"interview",question:"What has been one of your favorite projects to work on so far? What would be your dream creative project or subject to shoot?",answer:["One of my favorite projects is a personal one I created with ANCHOI CREATIVE called THE CHILD. This project was a celebration of International Children's Day, reminding everyone that we all carry a child within us. That inner child is a precious giftâa reminder to dream freely and create without limits, no matter how whimsical or unconventional those creations might be.","For THE CHILD, we reimagined childhood games like marble shooting, kite flying, and spinning drums, but with a twistâthey were all crafted from food, such as vegetables, jelly, and other edible elements. Working on this project felt like fulfilling a childhood dream of mine, where creativity knew no bounds and imagination reigned supreme.","As for my dream creative project, it would be traveling across Vietnam to photograph moms and grandmas alongside their signature dishesâespecially in the countryside or highland regions. Iâd love to hear their stories, be inspired by their wisdom, and infuse my own vibrant, colorful style to create striking yet heartfelt portraits. Through this project, I hope to build a visual tapestry that not only showcases their culinary heritage but also fosters a deeper connection between people."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/thao-nhu/radishes.jpg",caption:`Photo by Thảo NhÆ°`,alt:`Womanâs hands holding pellet drum with head made of radish slices and pellets made of whole radishes`},{type:"interview",question:"What techniques or tools have you found most effective for keeping food looking appetizing throughout a shoot?",answer:["When it comes to food photography, paying close attention to the texture of each dish is essential to make them look as appetizing as possible. For example, with dishes that have soft surfaces like meat, or those that wilt easily like fresh greens, itâs important to brush or spray them with water to keep them moist. You can even add a light mist to fruits to give them a plump and juicy appearance.","For harder textures, like crispy pastries, or dishes that expand and change shape, such as noodles, always have extras on hand. Test-shoot with samples first, and save the best-looking pieces for the final shots. This ensures the textures and shapes remain perfect and visually appealing in your photos."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/thao-nhu/banana_leaf_food.jpg",caption:`Photo by Thảo NhÆ°`,alt:"Top view of hands of two people reaching for crab and shrimp among fresh Filipino food spread on banana leaves"},{type:"interview",question:"What's the most impactful feedback you've received on your photography, and how did it influence your development as a photographer?",answer:['There was a time when I posted a personal project online, back when I was still an intern. I received feedback from an older brother figure, a photographer whom I deeply respected. He said, "The core of food photography is that the dish must first look beautiful and appetizing, then comes the concept and props. If a photo has a great concept but the food lacks appeal and freshness, then the photo is soulless."',`Since then, Iâve held onto that statement as the standard for my work. I always pay close attention to each dish and strive to present it in the most appetizing and authentic way possible. I seek to convey the flavor of the dish through its ingredients, plating, and even the smallest details. For example, crispy pastries should have visible crumbs, spicy dishes should feature slices of chili, and sauces need to have a glossy sheen with a bit of sauce spilling on the edges for a touch of realism. 2From that point on, I began noticing the food I ate, savoring it fully, and channeling that experience into my photos. Thatâs when I realized I had grown into a more thoughtful and dedicated photographer.`]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/thao-nhu/tropical_fruits.jpg",caption:`Photo by Thảo NhÆ°`,alt:"Pomegranate, pineapple, lady finger banana, sweetsop and starfruit arranged among upside down plastic fruit baskets on red curtain"},{type:"interview",question:"Youâve worked with a range of commercial clients. Whatâs your creative process like and how do you approach creative collaboration with your clients?",answer:["When I take on a brief, I always have thorough discussions with the client. I delve into their product, its purpose, and the message they want to convey. O
2nce I have all the necessary details, my team and I dedicate hours to researching additional information, looking for elements that could enhance or inspire a standout big idea. From there, we move on to creating a moodboard, gathering references, and sketching concepts.","To ensure the idea is communicated as fully as possible, I always explain my creative treatment in detail and ask if the client has any additional insights or elements theyâd like to include. After all, they know their product best. At the same time, itâs important to maintain my artistic perspective so that together, we can arrive at the best possible solution.","I believe communication between both sides is key to producing a successful outcome. By balancing the clientâs insights and my creative vision, we can craft something that truly resonates."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/thao-nhu/ice_cream.jpg",caption:`Photo by Thảo NhÆ°`,alt:"Three pints of strawberry swirl ice cream in thatched basket full of fresh strawberries with hand holding sign written in Vietnamese in front of an orange striped curtain"},{type:"interview",question:"Do you work on personal projects in addition to client work? If so, why are personal projects so important to pursue?",answer:["Iâve always enjoyed working on personal projects alongside commercial ones because I believe personal projects are a way to balance my artistic identity in photography. Theyâre how I nurture my individuality and imagination.","When you work on a personal project, youâre creating for yourself, not anyone else. There are no constraints on content or creativity, and youâre not bound by any rules or limitations. Itâs a space where you can fully explore your ideas, express your personality, and do exactly what you want. For me, personal projects are essentialâthey keep my creative spirit alive and help me stay true to who I am as an artist."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/thao-nhu/couples_eating_hot_pot.jpg",caption:`Photo by Thảo NhÆ°`,alt:"Two smiling and laughing Asian male and female couples eating steaming hot pot together with chopsticks in restaurant"},{type:"interview",question:"Given the speed at which AI is progressing in content creation, the landscape and future of photography are shifting rapidly. What opportunities and/or and challenges do you think AI will present for photographers?",answer:["I think the most obvious benefit AI brings is saving time. AI can help complete smaller tasks, especially in Photoshop, significantly improving work efficiency. Additionally, AI assists in visualizing and sketching out ideas. This is an incredible tool for those who arenât skilled in drawing or creating perspectives, as it helps us visualize concepts more clearly and make adjustments easily if needed.","However, itâs crucial to remember that all ideas must originate from us. If we rely too heavily on AI, we risk losing our uniqueness, individuality, and creative imagination. Therefore, AI should only be viewed as a practical support tool and used only when truly necessary."]},{type:"style-override",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.D2,null,"Are there any specific pieces of equipment, such as particular lenses or lighting setups, that you consider essential for your shoots?"),i.createElement(n.Ac,null,"There are 2 lenses that are very useful in Photography:"),i.createElement("ul",null,i.createElement("li",null,i.createElement(n.Ac,{type:"span"},"EF 24-70mm: easy and flexible to use")),i.createElement("li",null,i.createElement(n.Ac,{type:"span"},"TS-E 90mm F2.8L: It is often used to achieve deep focus and to ensure that photos of glasses or drinks remain perfectly straight."))))},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/thao-nhu/people_playing_card_game.jpg",caption:`Photo by Thảo NhÆ°`,alt:"Asian woman and two men drinking, and eating Vietnamese snacks while playing card game in beige room with bonsai tree"},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to photographers interested in food photography who are just starting out?",answer:["No matter what stage youâre at, you should always maintain a spirit of learning. Photographyâespecially food photographyâis constantly evolving. Thereâs always something new to learn, and more importantly, after learning, you need to practice. Pick up your camera and start shooting.","Capture what you love from your unique perspectiveâthatâs what will help you attract loyal clients who align with your style.","Additionally, broaden your knowledge in related fields like fashion, painting, architecture, and more. At some point, youâll realize how interconnected everything is, and this will greatly enhance your ability to conceptualize and find creative materials.","And finally, dive in and try every role. Help others in any way you can, and donât he
2sitate to ask questions of those who came before you. Everyone has their own approach and experiences that no book can teach. These lessons will prove invaluable in your future."]},{type:"interview",question:"What are you currently working on now and whatâs up next for you?",answer:"I am currently working on commercial projects for the upcoming festive season: Lunar New Year. In the new year, I hope to dedicate more time to personal projects and share my work and photography experiences through workshops."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/thao-nhu/family_eating_hot_pot.jpg",caption:`Photo by Thảo NhÆ°`,alt:"Smiling Asian mother, father and daughter eating steaming hot pot from table with large plates of meat, seafood, vegetables and noodles against a dark green wall"},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Thank you for sharing with us, NhÆ°! To view more of NhÆ°âs work, visit her"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.behance.net/cherryhuynh"},"Behance")," ","page, and follow her on"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/thaonhu_/"},"Instagram"),"."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"NhÆ° was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.canva.com/"},"Canva"),".")]}],f=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/russell-abrahams/russell-abrahams_design_work_01.jpg",alt:"Colorful mural illustration with bold lines and vibrant yellow and blue colors by Russell Abrahams"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.thedifferentfolk.com/artists/yay-abe"},"Russell Abrahams"),", aka Yay Abe, is a South African illustrator and muralist known for his bold lines, vibrant colors, and storytelling rooted in identity and joy. Working at the intersection of art, design, and culture, his work brings walls, packaging, and campaigns to life. His work always carries a pulse that is alive with color, culture, and craft.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Russell! Tell us about yourself - how did you get to where you are today?",answer:"Hey there! I'm Russell Abrahams, better known as Yay Abe. \"Yay Abe\" was meant to be the name of the studio I wanted to create but my journey pulled me down the solo road. After freelancing as an illustrator for some of the top illustration companies around South Africa, I decided to work for myself in a sense. Running projects through a formal company kind of helped me realize the benefits of running solo. After almost 8 years of Yay Abe, with the first 4 years being the toughest hill to climb, things kind of fell into place. I think a huge role in this is Instagram and the incredible community I've built on that platform."},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/russell-abrahams/russell-abrahams_portrait.jpg",quote:"I love the idea of creating my work using traditional tools. There's a freedom in it all that honestly makes me feel like a kid again.",alt:"Portrait of Russell Abrahams smiling in workshop setting"},{type:"interview",question:"When did you first become interested in art and design?",answer:"Ever since playing around on Photoshop as a 14 year old, I completely fell in love with the idea of creating digitally. I then found out about the advertising world and how illustration mixes with it all. It became my dream to be a part of the magical illustration world. By the time I reached university, I was pretty clued up around Adobe's software. Then, learning about design language and all the formal aspects to it really blew my mind. It's been a constant chase for the unknown."},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/russell-abrahams/russell-abrahams_design_work_03.jpg",alt:"Russell Abrahams sketchbook with colorful character illustrations"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/russell-abrahams/russell-abrahams_design_work_04.jpg",alt:"Geometric pattern illustration with bold lines and vibrant colors by Russell Abrahams"}]},{type:"interview",question:"How would you describe your design style and how has it changed over time?",answer:"My current work is a mix between contemporary art and Pop-African. There's a huge push towards simplicity and structure. For now, as I lean into the fine art world my works perhaps feel more like artworks. However, my commercial illustration work is also pretty bold and dictated by bold line work that creates patterns which are able to tell stories. There's a sweet spot between the two worlds."},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/russell-abrahams/russell-abrahams_design_work_05.jpg",alt:"AFCON football illustration with bold African-inspired design by Russell Abrahams"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/russell-abrahams/russell-abrahams_design_work_06.jpg",alt:"Bold character design illustration with geometric patterns by Russell Abrahams"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/russell-abrahams/russell-abrahams_design_work_07.jpg",alt:"Colorful character illustration with African-inspired patterns by Russell Abrahams"}]},{type:"interview",question:"What's your creative process like? How do you typically take an idea from concept to delivery?",answer:"I spend most of my time developing sketches. I think it's such an important part of the process. Crafting the sketch into a final rendered illustration is fun too, but it's always more labor-intensive. The idea is what I love crafting most."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/russell-abrahams/russell-abrahams_design_work_08.jpg",alt:"Russell Abrahams working on sketches in his creative workspace"},{type:"interview",question:"How do you approach creative collaboration with your clients?",answer:"I've managed to gain the trust of my clients. They trust me to give their brand my best and that's what I promise. I used to get pretty upset when clients would push my work into a space that's not authentically me. But over the years, clients have let me do my thing which is always fun and also empowering."},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/russell-abrahams/russell-abrahams_design_work_09.jpg",alt:"Commercial illustration work by Russell Abrahams with bold patterns"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/russell-abrahams/russell-abrahams_design_work_10.jpg",alt:"Brand illustration featuring geometric design patterns by Russell Abrahams"}]},{type:"interview",question:"What's been one of your favorite projects to work on so far? What would be a dream project?",answer:"As it stands, my favorite would probably be working alongside Adidas. We've painted massive towers, created clothing and have done workshops together which gave back to young designers. It's such an honest exchange, so they're probably a fave. A dream project that would make young Ru
2ss super proud would be to one day get a clothing collection alongside Adidas. Fingers crossed!"},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/russell-abrahams/russell-abrahams_design_work_11.jpg",alt:"Adidas collaboration artwork featuring bold geometric patterns by Russell Abrahams"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/russell-abrahams/russell-abrahams_design_work_12.jpg",alt:"Street art collaboration with Adidas by Russell Abrahams"}]},{type:"interview",question:"Do you have any favorite tools or resources? Where do you find creative inspiration?",answer:"Paint and brush is my favorite medium. As everything around us is pushing for digital, I love the idea of creating my work using traditional tools. There's a freedom in it all that honestly makes me feel like a kid again. It's been fun exploring and messing around with paint. Trying to mimic my vector work has been a great way to practice painting and creating. I pull inspiration from all sources, especially from walking the streets or even a good ol' Instagram scroll."},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/russell-abrahams/russell-abrahams_design_work_13.jpg",alt:"Street art mural by Russell Abrahams with bold African-inspired patterns"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/russell-abrahams/russell-abrahams_design_work_14.jpg",alt:"Russell Abrahams painting process showing traditional paint and brush work"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/russell-abrahams/russell-abrahams_design_work_15.jpg",alt:"Studio work by Russell Abrahams showing colorful painted illustrations"}]},{type:"interview",question:"What's one of the biggest career lessons you've learned so far?",answer:"Showing your work to as many people as possible is the key to landing clients! DM, email, call or just post often. Being consistent with this can only lead to a fruitful journey."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/russell-abrahams/russell-abrahams_design_work_16.jpg",alt:"Bold geometric illustration with vibrant colors and patterns by Russell Abrahams"},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to new designers and illustrators starting out in their careers?",answer:"Don't stress too much about style! Explore as much as possible :)"},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/russell-abrahams/russell-abrahams_design_work_17.jpg",alt:"Personal artwork by Russell Abrahams with bold patterns and colors"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/russell-abrahams/russell-abrahams_design_work_18.jpg",alt:"Contemporary art piece by Russell Abrahams with geometric design"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/russell-abrahams/russell-abrahams_design_work_19.jpg",alt:"Russell Abrahams artwork displayed in gallery setting"}]},{type:"interview",question:"What are you working on now and what's up next for you?",answer:"Currently working on some personal paintings which are leading towards a solo show, and then also some corporate gigs soon with a clothing collection with the homies over at Good Good Good. :)"},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/russell-abrahams/russell-abrahams_design_work_20.jpg",alt:"Recent colorful illustration work by Russell Abrahams showing his evolving style"},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"To view more of Russell's work, visit his"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/yay_abe"},"Instagram")," ","or"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.thedifferentfolk.com/artists/yay-abe"},"portfolio page"),"."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Russell was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"http://nounproject.com"},"Noun Project"),". All artwork courtesy of Russell Abrahams.")]}],b=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/guanzhong_mangba_art_festival_poster_collage.jpg",alt:"Chon Hin Au with awards collection"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://untitledmacao.com/"},"Chon Hin Au")," ","is the Founder/Creative Director of UNTITLED MACAO, President of Macau Designers Association, and Vice Chairman of Shenzhen Graphic Design Association (SGDA), specializing in visual communication design, visual identity design, brand planning and promotion, and brand design. His works often adopt vivid color conflicts and simple yet expressive lines to bring clients a brand-new visual experience. The design works have won multiple international and Asian awards, including the New York ADC Gold, Silver, and Bronze Cubes, New York Type Directors Club (TDC) Award, D&AD Design Award 2025 Graphite Pencil Award and Wood Pencil Award, D&AD Design Award 2024 Wood Pencil Award, Tokyo Type Directors Club (TDC) Award (Japan), Young Guns 17 International Young Design Award, Hong Kong Global Design Award Silver Award, and more.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Chon! Tell us about yourself - how did you get to where you are today?",answer:"Hi, I'm the founder and creative director of UNTITLED MACAO, a design studio based in Macao. Growing up in Macao, a city where Eastern and Western cultures blend, I've been passionate about art since childhood. After graduating from the Department of Design at Macao Polytechnic Institute in 2010, I pursued postgraduate studies at the Macau University of Science and Technology, then gained practical experience in multiple design agencies. In 2017, I founded my own studio, serving clients including the Macao SAR Government, Apple, Adobe, and other international brands. Currently, I specialize in brand identity design and visual creation for cultural events, continuously expanding my design perspective through cross-border collaborations."},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/au_chun_hin_quote_background.jpg",quote:"Every challenge is an opportunity to express yourself. Meanwhile, stay open to absorbing diverse cultures, so that your work balances uniqueness and inclusivity.",alt:"Portrait of designer Chon Hin Au"},{type:"interview",question:"When did you first become interested in art and design?",answer:"I've loved drawing and had a strong interest in visual art since childhood. In middle school, I enrolled in the art and design program at a vocational school, initially planning to deepen my focus on fine arts. However, inspired by my teachers, I shifted my direction to design. Although this transition brought challenges, it helped me establish my career path and set me on the road to design."},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/playtime_exhibition_design_01.jpg",alt:"Playtime exhibition design poster with geometric shapes"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/playtime_exhibition_design_02.jpg",alt:"Playtime exhibition design layout with colorful elements"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/playtime_exhibition_design_03.jpg",alt:"Playtime exhibition design application on various materials"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/playtime_exhibition_design_04.jpg",alt:"Playtime exhibition design in environmental context"}]},{type:"interview",question:"How would you describe your design style and how has it changed over time? What ideas do
2you most like to explore?",answer:"My design style isn't fixed; its core is expressing concepts around the essence of the product. Early on, influenced by Macao's culture, I often used bold colors and collisions of Eastern and Western elements. In recent years, through collaborations with international brands, my style has become more diverse, experimenting with modern expressions like geometric shapes and dynamic lines. I enjoy exploring cultural integration and cross-border innovationâfor example, combining traditional Macanese elements with modern design language."},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/shenzhen_fringe_festival_poster_01.jpg",alt:"Shenzhen Fringe Festival poster design with bold typography"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/shenzhen_fringe_festival_poster_02.jpg",alt:"Shenzhen Fringe Festival comprehensive branding materials"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/shenzhen_fringe_festival_poster_03.jpg",alt:"Shenzhen Fringe Festival poster variation with geometric elements"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/shenzhen_fringe_festival_poster_04.jpg",alt:"Shenzhen Fringe Festival poster with dynamic composition"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/shenzhen_fringe_festival_application_01.jpg",alt:"Shenzhen Fringe Festival brand applications"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/shenzhen_fringe_festival_application_02.jpg",alt:"Shenzhen Fringe Festival environmental applications"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/shenzhen_fringe_festival_event_photo_01.jpg",alt:"Shenzhen Fringe Festival event photography"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/shenzhen_fringe_festival_event_photo_02.jpg",alt:"Shenzhen Fringe Festival event in action"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/shenzhen_fringe_festival_event_photo_03.jpg",alt:"Shenzhen Fringe Festival attendee interaction"}]},{type:"interview",question:"You're the Founder and Creative Director of the studio UNTITLED MACAU. What type of work do you focus on, and what is your approach to creative collaboration with both colleagues and clients?",answer:"The studio focuses on brand identity design and visual design for cultural events, with commercial and cultural projects each accounting for half of our work. When collaborating with clients, I first understand their needs, such as the product background and core concepts, then lead the team in brainstorming solutions. With colleagues, I encourage open discussions and the collision of different perspectives."},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/guanzhong_mangba_art_festival_poster_01.jpg",alt:"Guanzhong Mangba Art Festival poster with traditional elements"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/guanzhong_mangba_art_festival_poster_02.jpg",alt:"Guanzhong Mangba Art Festival poster with cultural motifs"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/guanzhong_mangba_art_festival_poster_03.jpg",alt:"Guanzhong Mangba Art Festival poster with geometric abstractions"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/guanzhong_mangba_art_festival_poster_04.jpg",alt:"Guanzhong Mangba Art Festival poster final design"}]},{type:"interview",question:"What's your creative process like? How do you typically take an idea from concept to delivery?",answer:"In the early stages of creation, I communicate repeatedly with clients to clarify needs, then start researching and brainstorming. For example, in the Xi'an Mangba Art Festival project, I extracted elements through on-site investigations of Guanzhong region culture, then presented them abstractly through geometric shapes. The design process emphasizes implementing concepts into details."},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/guanzhong_mangba_art_festival_application_01.jpg",alt:"Guanzhong Mangba Art Festival brand applications"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/guanzhong_mangba_art_festival_application_02.jpg",alt:"Guanzhong Mangba Art Festival environmental design"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/guanzhong_mangba_art_festival_application_03.jpg",alt:"Guanzhong Mangba Art Festival merchandise design"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/guanzhong_mangba_art_festival_application_04.jpg",alt:"Guanzhong Mangba Art Festival installation design"}]},{type:"interview",question:"What's been one of your favorite projects to work on so far? What would be a dream project?",answer:"My favorite projects are the cover design for Adobe InDesignâsince it's a tool commonly used by designers, having my work appear on the softw
2are's launch page every day is incredibly meaningfulâand the visual design for the Xi'an Guanzhong Mangba Art Festival, where I deeply experienced different regional cultures and combined pasta and crop elements with modern art to showcase the integration of rural revitalization and traditional culture."},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/adobe_indesign_cover_design_01.jpg",alt:"Adobe InDesign cover design with geometric patterns"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/adobe_indesign_cover_design_02.jpg",alt:"Adobe InDesign cover design alternative version"}]},{type:"text",content:"For my dream project, I hope to participate in global cultural heritage protection design projectsâsuch as cross-border integration of cultural elements from Macao's Historic Centre and other World Heritage sitesâto promote cross-regional cultural dialogue through design."},{type:"interview",question:"Do you have any favorite tools or resources? Where do you find creative inspiration?",answer:"My go-to tools are the designer's essentials: Adobe series (like InDesign, Photoshop), and sometimes Figma for team collaboration. I find inspiration in many ways: paying attention to composition and color matching in movies and music, often sparking new ideas during coffee chats with friends, and enjoying visits to different places to experience diverse customs. For example, when investigating rural areas in Xi'an, I incorporated local wheat fields and pasta elements into my designs."},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/guanzhong_mangba_art_festival_wheat_element_01.jpg",alt:"Wheat field elements incorporated in festival design"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/guanzhong_mangba_art_festival_wheat_element_02.jpg",alt:"Traditional pasta elements in modern design context"}]},{type:"interview",question:"What's one of the biggest career lessons you've learned so far?",answer:["The most important lesson is that sticking to a unique style matters more than catering to the market. After winning the Young Guns award in 2019, I realized that being different is the core value of creation. For instance, when collaborating with Apple and Adobe, it was precisely because I maintained a unique perspective based on Macao's culture that my work was internationally recognized.","Additionally, winning an award isn't the end but a starting point for breakthroughs, driving me to continuously try new fields and expand creative boundaries across geographical limits."]},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/dino_kiddo_brand_design_01.jpg",alt:"Dino Kiddo brand identity design with playful elements"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/dino_kiddo_brand_design_02.jpg",alt:"Dino Kiddo brand applications across various touchpoints"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/dino_kiddo_brand_design_03.jpg",alt:"Dino Kiddo environmental branding implementation"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/dino_kiddo_brand_design_04.jpg",alt:"Dino Kiddo brand in restaurant setting"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/dino_kiddo_packaging_design.jpg",alt:"Dino Kiddo packaging design for eatery products"}]},{type:"interview",question:"What do you consider one of your biggest career accomplishments so far?",answer:"I believe my greatest achievement so far is the ability to continuously collaborate with Macao government agencies. These designs reach a wide audience through public channels. For example, visual designs for government cultural events not only present local culture in novel forms but also show young designers that rooted in Macao, they can create influential work. This visibility actually gives confidence to the younger generationâproof that adhering to a local creative perspective is valuable. It also motivates me to leverage the influence of these projects to foster the growth of Macao's young design talent."},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/macao_government_cultural_event_design_01.jpg",alt:"Macao government cultural event visual identity"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/macao_government_cultural_event_design_02.jpg",alt:"Macao cultural event branding materials"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/macao_government_cultural_event_design_03.jpg",alt:"Macao cultural event environmental applications"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/macao_government_cultural_event_design_04.jpg",alt:"Macao cultural event poster designs"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/macao_government_cultural_event_design_05.jpg",alt:"Macao cultural event comprehensive brand system"}]},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to new designers and illustrators starting out in their careers?",answer:"The key is to take bold risks and not fear failureâtrue creativity is born from trial and error, which is the very meaning of the Young Guns competition: to encourage newcomers to
2showcase unique perspectives. Also, enjoy the creative process; don't be bound by perfectionism. Every challenge is an opportunity to express yourself. Meanwhile, stay open to absorbing diverse cultures, so that your work balances uniqueness and inclusivity."},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/shenzhen_fringe_festival_installation_01.jpg",alt:"Shenzhen Fringe Festival art installation"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/au-chun-hin/shenzhen_fringe_festival_installation_02.jpg",alt:"Shenzhen Fringe Festival interactive installation"}]},{type:"interview",question:"What are you working on now and what's up next for you?",answer:["Recently, I've been busy with daily studio operations and handling several visual design projects for local cultural art events in Macao, such as creating a visual identity for an art festival. I'm also discussing cross-border collaborations with domestic brands, exploring ways to present Macanese elements in fresh approaches.","Next, I've always wanted to work with clients from more diverse cultural backgrounds, such as cultural institutions in Southeast Asia or Europe. I believe this can both export Macao's pluralistic culture and help me learn more diverse design concepts. I also hope to contribute to design education, such as hosting workshops or collaborating with schools, to help young designers unlock their creative thinkingâafter all, the development of Macao's design industry relies on the younger generation."]},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"To view more of Chon's work, visit"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://untitledmacao.com/"},"UNTITLED MACAU's website"),","," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.behance.net/auchonhin?locale=en_US"},"Behance"),", or"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/untitled_macao/"},"Instagram"),"."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Chon Hin Au was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"http://monotype.com"},"Monotype"),". All artwork courtesy of Chon Hin Au.")]}],v=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_design_work_01.jpg",alt:"Alfrey Davilla's best design work showcase 2024"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://dribbble.com/vaneltia"},"Alfrey Davilla")," ","is an Indonesian illustrator and logo designer with over 15 years of experience crafting playful, character-driven brand identities. Known for his clean vector style and cute, expressive mascots, Alfrey's work helps brands express their personality through simple, lovable visuals and emotional storytelling. His illustrations often feature joyful animal characters and charming personalities that help brands connect in ways that feel warm, human, and memorable.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Alfrey! Tell us about yourself - how did you get to where you are today?",answer:["Hi, I'm a logo designer and illustrator from Indonesia. I studied Visual Communication Design in college and graduated with a high GPA. After finishing college, I worked at a design agency, full of confidence and thinking I'd be the best there. But the real world was nothing like college. I realized I was the weakest on the team. I couldn't understand client briefs, was still too idealistic about design, couldn't keep up with tight deadlines, and struggled with everything.","One day, our creative director asked the team to design a logo. He later picked the best and the worst submissions. Mine was chosen as the worst, and the whole team laughed. That moment was painful, but it became a turning point. I promised myself I would become a much better logo designer and take every opportunity to learn while working in a real agency.","Today, I work as a full-time freelancer, specializing in logo design and illustration. I enjoy the freedom to manage my own schedule, spend more time with my family, and focus on the kind of work I truly love."]},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_portrait.jpg",quote:"Design taught me how to think visually, communicate ideas clearly, and create artwork that's not just visually appealing but also has a purpose, while illustration gives me the freedom to express personality and emotion. Both have become a big part of how I work today.",alt:"Portrait of designer Alfrey Davilla"},{type:"interview",question:"When did you first become interested in design and illustration?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"I've been interested in drawing since I was a kid, mostly because I loved reading comics. I grew up reading Japanese manga like ",i.createElement(n.Em,null,"Dragon Ball"),","," ",i.createElement(n.Em,null,"Doraemon"),", and"," ",i.createElement(n.Em,null,"Rurouni Kenshin"),", as well as Western comics like ",i.createElement(n.Em,null,"Donald Duck"),","," ",i.createElement(n.Em,null,"Smurfs"),", and"," ",i.createElement(n.Em,null,"Asterix"),". I remember my dad gave me piles of paper every day, and I would spend hours just drawing on them."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"As I got older, I became interested in both design and illustration. Design taught me how to think visually, communicate ideas clearly, and create artwork that's not just visually appealing but also has a purpose, while illustration gives me the freedom to express personality and emotion. Both have become a big part of how I work today.")]},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_design_work_03.jpg",alt:"Alfrey Davilla's portfolio showcase from 2023"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_design_work_04.jpg",alt:"Rather Nice branding project by Alfrey Davilla"}]},{type:"interview",question:"How would you describe your design style and how has it changed over time?",answer:["The funny thing is, I was never really good at drawing detailed illustrations. While my friends kept getting better at complex drawings, I stuck with simple ones. Not because I didn't want to improve, but because I simply couldn't. That's when I realized that overly detailed and complicated visuals just aren't my thing. I was naturally drawn to styles that are simple, clean, and cute.","Over time, I embraced that style and made it my strength. I focused on creating characters and logos that are simple, easy to understand, and instantly recognizable, even at small sizes. My style has become more refined over the years, but the core idea remains the same. Keep it simple, clear, and full of personality."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_design_philosophy_simple.jpg",alt:"
2Visual showing Alfrey's evolution from detailed to simple design approach"},{type:"interview",question:"You specialize in logo, brand identity, and cute mascot design - in your view, what makes each of these truly memorable?",answer:"I think a memorable logo isn't just about looking cool. It's about whether it leaves an impression and feels right for the brand. The best logos are simple, unique, and easy to remember. They don't always tell the full story, but they make you feel something, and that's what makes people remember them."},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_design_work_06.jpg",alt:"Dog play button logo design by Alfrey Davilla"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_design_work_07.jpg",alt:"Fox logo design by Alfrey Davilla"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_logo_wizard_design.jpg",alt:"Wizard logo design by Alfrey Davilla"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_logo_hand_play_design.jpg",alt:"Hand play logo design by Alfrey Davilla"}]},{type:"text",content:"As for mascots, I believe a strong mascot should reflect the brand's personality. It could be cute, friendly, playful, or warm. It could also be a bit mischievous, bold, or even weird, depending on the tone of the brand. Personality is what brings mascots to life and helps them connect with people. Brand identity isn't just about the logo and mascot. It's about how everything feels consistent. From the colors, visual style, and tone of voice to the mascot. When all of that comes together, it makes the brand feel alive and emotionally connected to its audience. And that's what makes the overall brand identity truly memorable."},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_mascot_guibear.jpg",alt:"Guibear mascot character design by Alfrey Davilla"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_mascot_doll_character.jpg",alt:"Doll character mascot design by Alfrey Davilla"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_brand_mascot_design.jpg",alt:"Brand mascot design by Alfrey Davilla"}]},{type:"interview",question:"Walk us through your creative process: how to do you bring a design to life from concept to delivery?",answer:["My creative process usually starts with understanding the purpose behind the design by sending my clients a questionnaire. Whether it's a logo or a mascot, I begin by asking what feeling it should convey, who it's for, and where it will be used. I believe a good concept isn't just visual; it needs to connect emotionally.","Next, I sketch rough ideas on paper. It's quick and messy, but it helps me explore different directions without overthinking. Once I see something promising, I move to digital, usually Adobe Illustrator, and start refining the shape, personality, and details. After that, I test how the design works in different sizes and mockups to make sure it's flexible and still recognizable at a glance. Once everything feels right and the client approves the design, I prepare the final files in clean vector formats or any other formats requested by the client."]},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_sketching_process.jpg",alt:"Alfrey Davilla's sketching process"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_creative_process.jpg",alt:"Alfrey Davilla's creative process workflow"}]},{type:"interview",question:"How do you approach creative collaboration with your clients?",answer:["I always start with clear communication to make sure we're on the same page before I begin sketching. This is where the creative collaboration really happens. We share ideas, discuss the goals, and explore visual references together. Sometimes the client has a clear vision, and sometimes they're open to suggestions. Either way, we exchange thoughts to find a direction that feels right for both of us.","I believe this early-stage brainstorming is key. It helps me understand what the client truly wants, beyond just the brief. It also saves time because the direction is already clear from the beginning. So when I start sketching, I have a strong sense of what they're looking for, because we've built the idea together."]},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_snooze_bear_mascot.jpg",alt:"Snooze Bear mascot design by Alfrey Davilla"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_design_work_16.jpg",alt:"Joona Baby character design by Alfrey Davilla"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_van_logo_design.jpg",alt:"
2Van logo design by Alfrey Davilla"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_banana_cabana_logo.jpg",alt:"Banana Cabana logo design by Alfrey Davilla"}]},{type:"interview",question:"Tell us about one of your favorite projects so far.",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"One of my favorite projects was creating officially licensed Sesame Street stickers for"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.blanktag.co/collections/sesame-street"},"BlankTagCo"),", a sticker company based in the US."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"What made it exciting was that I got to draw these famous characters in my own illustration style, which was a big honor for me as an artist. The fun challenge was that every design had to follow strict brand guidelines and be approved by Sesame Street before release."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"I learned a lot about working within brand systems, paying close attention to character details, and staying consistent with established visual styles."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Seeing the final stickers printed and loved by fans of all ages was a really rewarding experience.")]},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_design_work_19.jpg",alt:"Sesame Street stickers design by Alfrey Davilla"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_design_work_20.jpg",alt:"Sesame Street character stickers by Alfrey Davilla"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_design_work_21.jpg",alt:"Sesame Street sticker collection by Alfrey Davilla"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_design_work_22.jpg",alt:"Sesame Street branded stickers by Alfrey Davilla"}]},{type:"interview",question:"What are your favorite tools and resources?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"To be honest, I'm quite an old-fashioned designer. I still prefer using traditional tools like pencil and paper to sketch my ideas. I don't use drawing tablets like Wacom. Instead, I scan my pencil sketches and refine them digitally using Adobe Illustrator on my computer."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"For inspiration and references, I collect books on logo design, visual identity, branding, and character design. I also regularly browse platforms like Pinterest, Dribbble, and Behance to see what other creatives are doing. Comic books are one of my biggest sources of inspiration for character design. They've taught me a lot about unique perspectives, expressive poses, and unusual character shapes.")]},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_yoga_bulldog_character.jpg",alt:"Yoga Bulldog character design by Alfrey Davilla"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_dog_cat_logo.jpg",alt:"Dog and Cat logo design by Alfrey Davilla"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_design_work_25.jpg",alt:"Dog speech bubble logo design by Alfrey Davilla"}]},{type:"interview",question:"What's one of the biggest career lessons you've learned so far?",answer:"Listening and understanding clients on a deeper level. I've learned that clients really appreciate being heard. I always try to respect their opinions and input, even when I disagree with them. Rather than rejecting their ideas outright, I offer them better solutions that align with their goals. In my experience, clients are more likely to value and willing to pay more for designers who bring them thoughtful solutions, not just follow their instructions."},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_jewelry_box_logo.jpg",alt:"Jewelry Box logo design by Alfrey Davilla"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_design_work_27.jpg",alt:"Ocean logo design by Alfrey Davilla"}]},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to new designers just starting out in their careers?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"With generative AI growing so fast, it's easy to feel unsure as a new designer. My advice is to focus on the things AI can't do, like understanding people, thinking creatively, and building strong storytelling."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"AI can be useful, but it doesn't have your taste, your experiences, or the way you think. In the long run, what really matters in this field isn't just how something looks, but the thinking behind it.")]},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_umbrella_rain_logo.jpg",alt:"Umbrella Rain logo design by Alfrey Davilla"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_design_work_29.jpg",alt:"Jumping Whale logo design by Alfrey Davilla"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/alfrey-davilla/alfrey-davilla_empire_logo_design.jpg",alt:"Empire logo design by Alfrey Davilla"}]},{type:"interview",question:"What are you working on now and what's up next for you?",answer:"Right now, I'm working on a character project with Opera Air, part of the Opera software team. It's still ongoing, so I can't share much yet, but it's been a fun and challenging collaboration so far."},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"To view more of Alfrey's work, visit his portfolio on"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://dribbble.com/vaneltia"},"Dribbble")," ","and follow him on"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/vaneltia_design/"},"Instagram"),"."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Alfrey was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://drbl.in/k/2025_NP_Dribbble"},"Dribbble"),". All Artwork courtesy of Alfrey Davilla.")]}],k=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ben-didier/ben-didier_design_work_01.jpg",caption:"Private commission for Ash Wolf",alt:"Private commission for Ash Wolf by Ben Didier"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://prettyugly.ca/"},"Ben Didier")," ","is an independent graphic designer, Noun Project Creator, illustrator and art director based in Vancouver, BC. Since 2006, he has worked with a wide variety of clients of all sizes, specializing in branding, packaging and print projects with a focus on illustration, typography and custom lettering. Past clients include The Royal Canadian Mint, The Washington Post, Old Spice, Oprah Magazine and Softball Canada. As a freelancer, he has collaborated with numerous creative agencies, from Jones Knowles Ritchie and Y&R Prague internationally to renowned Canadian shops like Hulse & Durrell, Pound & Grain, and Rethink. From 2010â14, he worked in-house for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, cutting his teeth with daily lettering experiments as the primary designer and art director for CBC Radio 3.")},{type:"text",content:"An avid cyclist, rain or shine, he overcompensates for a lifetime of cold Canadian winters by swimming in as many lakes and rivers as humanly possible each summer."},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Ben! Tell us about yourself - how did you get to where you are today?",answer:"A couple of years at art school, lots of travel, and plenty of trial and error!"},{type:"interview",question:"When did you first become interested in art and design?",answer:"My introduction to graphic design as a discipline happened in high school, and grew out of my love of music. Designing photocopied DIY 'zines with friends was a fun early creative outlet, and functioned as an extension of the music scene. This was in the halcyon days of the internet, and connecting with like-minded people through this community led to my first paid graphic design gigs for small indie record labels. These early projects encouraged me to eventually pursue design as a career."},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ben-didier/ben-didier_portrait.jpg",quote:"The key to any creative collaboration is good communication. It's also important to keep moving forward and not become too attached to any given concept.",caption:"Portrait by David Cooper",alt:"Portrait of designer Ben Didier by David Cooper",subHeading:"Portrait by David Cooper"},{type:"interview",question:"How would you describe your design style and how has it changed over time?",answer:"I gravitate towards organic, retro styles, but adaptability is essential. Typography and hand lettering excite me as much as illustration, and working with various techniques helps keep things engaging. I also have a deep-seated love of Art Deco that creeps into my projects from time to time."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ben-didier/ben-didier_design_work_03.jpg",caption:"Promo design and branding for Cloud Poker Night and chapter break illustration for the graphic novel Little Bird (Image Comics)",alt:"Promo design and branding for Cloud Poker Night and chapter break illustration for the graphic novel Little Bird (Image Comics) by Ben Didier"},{type:"interview",question:"How did you discover Noun Project and what led y
2ou to start designing icons?",answer:"I found Noun Project through the design community in its early days. It was an excellent resource when I was designing in-house and had a lot of graphics to produce on tight timelines. It didn't take long to start sharing my work and contributing to the site. I often upload unused illustrations from client projects, which are adjusted to work better as icons."},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ben-didier/ben-didier_design_work_04.jpg",alt:"Icons and illustrations from Ben's Noun Project profile",caption:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Icons and illustrations from Benâs"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://thenounproject.com/creator/ben.didier1"},"Noun Project profile"))},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ben-didier/ben-didier_design_work_05.jpg",alt:"Icons and illustrations from Ben's Noun Project profile",caption:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Icons and illustrations from Benâs"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://thenounproject.com/creator/ben.didier1"},"Noun Project profile"))},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ben-didier/ben-didier_design_work_06.jpg",alt:"Icons and illustrations from Ben's Noun Project profile",caption:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Icons and illustrations from Benâs"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://thenounproject.com/creator/ben.didier1"},"Noun Project profile"))},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ben-didier/ben-didier_design_work_07.jpg",alt:"Icons and illustrations from Ben's Noun Project profile",caption:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Icons and illustrations from Benâs"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://thenounproject.com/creator/ben.didier1"},"Noun Project profile"))}]},{type:"interview",question:"What's your creative process like? How do you typically take an idea from concept to delivery?",answer:["I usually start with visual research, which doubles as inspiration. Old ephemera collections and physical design books are great resources. In the early going, I do a lot of pencil sketching. This keeps things loose and helps establish the building blocks. My sketches are super rough⦠I don't spend too much time on careful rendering at this stage. When I move over to the computer, I try to have a clear idea of the path forward. I prefer to work with vectors and rely heavily on an old Wacom tablet and stylus."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ben-didier/ben-didier_design_work_08.jpg",caption:"Card design for the One Thousand Faces of Adventure board game and Blue Rodeo concert branding",alt:"Card design for the One Thousand Faces of Adventure board game and Blue Rodeo concert branding by Ben Didier"},{type:"interview",question:"How do you approach creative collaboration with your clients?",answer:"Every project is really different, so my approach varies. Some clients are very hands-on, while others are more interested in having me art direct. I'm open to any process. The key to any creative collaboration is good communication. It's also important to keep moving forward and not become too attached to any given concept."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ben-didier/ben-didier_design_work_09.jpg",caption:"Bourbon label for Sugar House",alt:"Bourbon label for Sugar House by Ben Didier"},{type:"interview",question:"What's been one of your favorite projects to work on so far? What would be a dream project?",answer:["One of my long-term clients, Sriracha Revolver Hot Sauce, has been a really fun journey to be part of. The scope of my involvement has grown with the company over the past decade, including art direction, design, illustration, copywriting, and product photography.","I am most excited about any process that allows me to combine illustration with design. In terms of a dream project, I adore The Criterion Collection and their packaging designs are always next level. It would be a huge honor to tackle one of those at some point."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ben-didier/ben-didier_design_work_10.jpg",caption:"T-shirt designs for Sugar House Distillery and Sriracha Revolver",alt:"T-shirt designs for Sugar House Distillery and Sriracha Revolver by Ben Didier"},{type:"interview",question:"Do you have any favorite tools or resources? Where do you find creative inspiration?",answer:["My trusty Wacom tablet is still a favorite tool that's aging really well. I have a new iPad, and learning Procreate has been a fun challenge. True Grit Texture Supply has been a great resource. I'm also a huge fan of the Pangram Pangram Foundry, which has an incredible library of typefaces and produces an excellent email newsletter.","I'm always on the hunt for inspiration, and most of it comes from just walking around the city. It's a bit counterintuitive, but most design breakthroughs and solutions come when I take a break and get outside."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ben-didier/ben-didier_design_work_11.jpg",caption:"Chapter-break
2illustrations for the graphic novel Ax-Wielder Jon",alt:"Chapter-break illustrations for the graphic novel Ax-Wielder Jon by Ben Didier"},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to new designers and illustrators starting out in their careers?",answer:"One of the most important things these days is to keep social media at arm's length. The algorithms don't care about good work, and all the main platforms are designed to turn you into a full-time content generator for them. Trust in your work regardless of engagement, and try not to chase all the hollow metrics."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ben-didier/ben-didier_design_work_12.jpg",caption:"Series of illustrations for the skateboard company Etheros",alt:"Series of illustrations for the skateboard company Etheros by Ben Didier"},{type:"interview",question:"What are you working on now and what's up next for you?",answer:"I am currently working on a branding project for a Boston bakery and some new designs for Sugar House, a distillery I've been fortunate to work with for several years. Up next, I'm looking forward to some lakeside camping trips this summer!"},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"To view more of Ben's work, visit his"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://prettyugly.ca/"},"website"),","," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"http://dribbble.com/prettyuglydesign"},"Dribbble"),","," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"http://behance.net/prettyugly"},"Behance")," ","or"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"http://instagram.com/prettyuglydsgn"},"Instagram"),"."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Ben was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"http://nounproject.com"},"Noun Project"),". All artwork courtesy of Ben Didier.")]}],I=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ethan-fender/ethan-fender_design_work_01.jpg"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.ethnfndr.com/"},"Ethan Fender")," ","is an experimental graphic designer living in Columbus, Ohio. He has worked in the industry for 9 years. He freelances full time. His work resides within the niche specialty of logo design and iconography, with occasional packaging design. Style-wise, he has a retro-futuristic approach influenced by nature, geometry, mid-century modern design, sci-fi, and even some dark medieval fantasy/heraldry. His style covers details from organic curvature to strict grid-based structures and everything in between. His design philosophy is based on perpetual improvement, experimentation, and non-conformity. His clients range from independent solo businesses, agencies, and a few corporate projects here and there. Ethan works with all types of industries and likes exploring new ones.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Ethan! Tell us about yourself - how did you get to where you are today?",answer:["Hi! Thanks for having me. I'm an experimental graphic designer based in Columbus, Ohio. I'm obsessed with details and providing distinctive solutions for my clients.","I got where I am now by taking the time and energy to share my work online throughout the years (with a few breaks). People usually email me after seeing examples of my work, which goes from there, building relationships and making something remarkable together. I learned how important it is to share work that I believe in while ignoring the noise of trends and competition. Over time, I have been fortunate enough to attract clients who respect my mentality and have an open mind to see what I see."]},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ethan-fender/ethan-fender_portrait.jpg",quote:"I learned how important it is to share work that I believe in while ignoring the noise of trends and competition. Over time, I have been fortunate enough to attract clients who respect my mentality and have an open mind to see what I see."},{type:"interview",question:"When did you first become interested in art and design?",answer:'From what I remember, I was making hilarious drawings of my cat at age 6 (33 now), so I have always been interested in the art/design field. I was that kid getting in trouble in class K-12 for drawing instead of paying attention. As far as "design," that word was thrown around once I hit college for my bachelor\'s degree in graphic design.'},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ethan-fender/ethan-fender_design_work_03.jpg",caption:"Iconography designed for âGlyph Beers.â"},{type:"interview",question:"How would you describe your design style and how has it changed over time?",answer:"My style in one word would be described as alchemy. I'm constantly fusing ideas and trying to make work that stands out. I'm my worst critic, so I never get this idea of \"having it all figured out\". My influences include numbers, geometry, ancient art, nature, video games, 60s/70s design attitude, and a striving to show work that feels familiar in a fresh way. Some clients say my work feels retro, but from the future. I'm okay with this."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ethan-fender/ethan-fender_design_work_04.jpg"},{type:"interview",question:"Much of your work focuses on logo and emblem design. What do you think makes a logo or a brand memorable and impactful?",answer:"Concept is king. A solution that stands out comes from within the individual. It has always been within and not external. Of course, I also mean that the answer lies within the client, not just myself. Interesting work is thoughtful and pushes boundaries while being memorable. Attention to detail, thoughtfulness, and high standards are essential."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ethan-fender/ethan-fender_design_work_05.jpg",caption:"Iconography for Canfor, a Canadian wood product manufacturing company"},{type:"style-override",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.D2,null,"What's your creative process like? How do you typically take an idea from concept to delivery?"),i.createElement("ul",null,i.createElement("li",null,i.createElement(n.Ac,{type:"span"},"Listening to the client/research â through a call or reading through the project brief.")),i.createElement("li",null,i.createElement(n.Ac,{type:"span"},"Drawing/thinking â simple sketches. Sometimes ideas come to mind without having to sketch. Again, thinking is huge. It takes time and patience.")),i.createElement("li",null,i.createElement(n.Ac,{type:"span"},"Experimenting â reworking things until I see them at their best.")),i.createElement("li",null,i.createElement(n.Ac,{type:"span"},"Presentation â professionally sharing my work, with all of my thinking in detail to clarify my vision.")),i.createElement("li",null,i.createElement(n.Ac,{type:"span"},"Feedback & Repeat â all based on my client and how we work together."))),i.createElement(n.Ac,null,"After the client is happy with the revisions, or whichever the workload/contract states, I package all the files."))},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ethan-fender/ethan-fender_design_work_06.jpg",caption:"Mockup designs for Glyph Beers"},{type:"interview",question:"How do you approach creative collaboration with your clients?",answer:"Each client is so different when it comes to collaboration. Some of them love anything I make and have little edits. I take the reins and always have options that I find most appropriate. Other clients want to go step-by-step, and I'm there to listen to ensure we get to the final piece so they're happy. Either way works great for me. Figma, Pinterest, and Google Pages are tools clients have used so that we can discuss references or feedback. That way, we have the same understanding of specific terminology/images."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ethan-fender/ethan-fender_design_work_07.jpg",caption:"Sticker designs for cybersecurity company SentinelOneâs âOneCon 2024â"},{type:"interview",question:"What's been one of your favorite projects to work on so far? What would be a dream project?",answer:["Some recent icon work I did with Mike of Verdant Creatures was a ton of fun. We have a mutual interest in quirky, out-of-the-box thinking and creature-inspired designs. I haven't shared this work yet, but I enjoyed that exploration. Any client who lets me explore a lot brings the most fun.","A dream project would be to create an icon system for Lego. Lots of opportunity to connect the pieces!"]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ethan-fender/ethan-fender_design_work_08.jpg"},{type:"interview",question:"Do you have any favorite tools or resources? Where do you find creative inspiration?",answer:["Tools: paper, pencil, the grid, Adobe Illustrator, reverse imaging to check my work, and, of course, my 2018 laptop. It still does the job.","Resources: Design books with the work of Paul Ibou, Stefan Kanchev, Cruz Novillo, or Yusaku Kamekura. Other resources are any ancient art found online, in documentaries, books, or vintage matchbooks with symbols that stop me in my tracks."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ethan-fender/ethan-fender_design_work_09.jpg",caption:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"50 State bird stamps designed for the"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://theportlandstampcompany.com/artist-series/ethan-fender/"},"Portland Stamp Company"))},{type:"interview",question:"What's one of the biggest career lessons you've learned so far?",answer:"Always have a contract signed before doing any work! Some people in our industry took advantage of me early in my career, so it took some bad experiences to realize how to stand up for myself. Back then, I couldn't believe it. These were people I looked up to. Heroes, you could say. That was tough to accept at first, but you live and learn. Since I started using professional contracts, clients have been much more respectful of my time, energy, and pay."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ethan-fender/ethan-fender_design_work_10.jpg",caption:"Beer label designs for the Croma Beer company."},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to new designers and illustrators starting out in their careers?",answer:"Be patient with yourself. Avoid comparing yourself to others and work on yourself instead. Focus on what you can control. Share the work you love. Be open-minded to new ways of thinking. Your mental health is huge â have boundaries and don't forget to touch grass. Nothing is personal (as mean as some people can be). The odds are that they are rude to everybody else. When people ghost you, don't chase them. Experiment to find the work and methods that make you happy. Pay attention to how potential clients talk to you from the beginning. The right ones call you by name and respect your process/time. Have fun as a designer! We aren't saving the world here, so don't be harsh on yourself when encountering a problem."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/ethan-fender/ethan-fender_design_work_11.jpg",caption:"Iconography for the Australia-based Saturday Quiz Time."},{type:"interview",question:"What are you working on now and what's up next for you?",answer:"I currently have some graphic exploration work lined up, which is easygoing and a good time. It's low-intensity stuff, which I love. Other than that, I'm still posting designs to see what other opportunities arrive. Many of my posts are work that's for sale as exclusive logo files, which I'd like to turn into a full-time thing. We shall see!"},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"To view more of Ethan's work, visit his"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.ethnfndr.com/"},"Website"),","," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://dribbble.com/ethnfndr"},"Dribbble")," ","or"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/ethnfndr/?hl=en"},"Instagram"),"."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Ethan was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"http://nounproject.com"},"Noun Project"),". All artwork courtesy of Ethan Fender.")]}],_=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tom-froese/tom-froese_design_work_01.jpg"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.tomfroese.com/"},"Mr. Tom Froese")," ","is an award-winning illustrator, teacher, and speaker. He loves making images that make people smile. Tom is known for his lively maps, characters and scenes, created with expressive shapes, bright colors, and printmaking-inspired textures. Since 2013, Tom has worked for brands and businesses all over the world. Esteemed clients include Yahoo!, Airbnb, GQ France, and The Wall Street Journal. Tom is also a Top Teacher on"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://skillshare.com/tomfroese"},"Skillshare"),", where over 120,000 students (and counting!) have learned his unique and accessible approach to commercial illustration. Tom has been invited to present workshops and talks to creative audiences across the US and Canada, including"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://theillustrationconference.org/"},"ICON"),","," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://skillshare.com/"},"Skillshare"),", and"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.designthinkers.com/vancouver/"},"DesignThinkers"),". In 2022, Tom launched"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.tomfroese.com/podcast"},"Thoughts on Illustration"),", a podcast about showing up and growing up as a commercial illustrator.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Tom! Tell us about yourself - how did you get to where you are today?",answer:"I'm an illustrator, teacher and podcaster â and soon to be published author â based in Canada. I actually started out in graphic design before gradually shifting into illustration, and before that, I thought I wanted to get into computer engineering! It was a winding path â one that included a lot of trial and error, side projects, and building a portfolio that leaned into my personality, strengths, and interests. Teaching on Skillshare has also become a huge part of what I do. Sharing what I've learned and helping others find their way in illustration via Skillshare is among my proudest career achievements."},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tom-froese/tom-froese_portrait.jpg",quote:"I'm drawn to themes of curiosity, optimism, and everyday wonder. There's something satisfying about making the abstract feel tangible and engaging."},{type:"interview",question:"When did you first become interested in art and design?",answer:"Like pretty much anyone in this business, I've loved drawing since I was a kid, but it wasn't until my early twenties that I really saw design as a career path. I was actually in college for a computer engineering program when I discovered the design wing of the school. From that point forward, I was obsessed with the possibility that I could do something so creative and earn a living from it. A few years later, I ultimately decided to go back to school for graphic design, and the rest is history!"},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tom-froese/tom-froese_design_work_03.jpg",caption:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Image for Tomâs"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://mrtomfroese.substack.com/p/2024-the-year-in-review"},"2024 Year in Review Post on Substack"))},{type:"interview",question:"How would you describe your visual style and how has it changed over the years?",answer:"My work is playful, colorful, and full of texture and whimsy. I enjoy embracing weirdness and the accidental, while balancing it out with intention and control. My early work was more digital collage based, where I created textures and details using physical media and scanned-in textures. It was also more abstract and spontaneous. I didn't sketch as thoroughly, and because I hadn't developed a specific way to illustrate characters or scenes, I had to stick to a more limited range of subject matter. Over time
2, as I acquired digital illustration tools like my iPad and certain Photoshop brush packs (and the skills to use them), I was able to expand my range and make more complex images. This small technological explosion is how I was able to develop a style for illustrating characters and maps, which are among my most well-known and in-demand work. Even still, I've always tried to imagine that I am making work that will be printed on letterpress, with just a few colors and distinct elements with defined edges, although in my later work I literally blur these lines more. Today, I'm feeling a call back to including more analogue and less technologically-aided elements of my process, which I just enjoy a lot more. The challenge ahead will be in merging the advances I've made in skill on the digital side with the analogue techniques (both old and new) I'm so fond of."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tom-froese/tom-froese_design_work_04.jpg",caption:"Spot illustrations: Reasons We Donât Draw as Much as Weâd Like"},{type:"interview",question:"Are there particular themes you like to explore through your work?",answer:"Absolutely. I love visualizing ideasâwhether it's a metaphor in an editorial piece or telling a story through an illustrated map. I'm drawn to themes of curiosity, optimism, and everyday wonder. There's something satisfying about making the abstract feel tangible and engaging."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tom-froese/tom-froese_design_work_05.jpg",caption:"Illustrated Map of Dalmatia for The Independent"},{type:"interview",question:"Over the course of your career, you've worked with a range of clients including Airbnb, Chipotle, The Wall Street Journal, and TIME Magazine. How do you approach creative collaboration with your clients?",answer:"It all starts with listening. I try to understand what the client really needs, not just what they say they want. I then bring my point of view and style to the table while staying open to feedback. It's a balanceâstaying true to what makes my work unique (and quite frankly what I'm actually good at), while being generous and responsive in the process."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tom-froese/tom-froese_design_work_06.jpg",caption:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Illustration for"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"http://brgrbrgr.ca/"},"BRGR BRGR"))},{type:"interview",question:"Walk us through your creative process â how do you bring a project to life from concept to delivery?",answer:['Speaking mainly of client projects, they always start with a "first inquiry" â usually an email from a client or my agent asking if I\'m interested in their project. From there we work out the details of their request to first understand what they want and how I can help them. This includes making sure I understand why they came to me, specifically. After working out pricing, we move into the creative process. This always starts with a period of understanding the project more deeply, including reading, research and reference material gathering. From there I start observational drawing, from my references (I call this O-Mode drawing), which helps me visually grasp the subject, and sometimes even becomes content in later sketches. Then I move into drawing ideas from my imagination (I call this I-Mode drawing). This is where I actually try to come up with ideas. I make a whole bunch of ideas without judgment, and then later decide on the most promising ideas, which I then refine and present to the client (only ones I\'m excited about, and usually three or fewer). Once the client approves one concept, I develop it into finished artwork â these days using Photoshop, using a handful of "go-to" brushes, textures, and colors that I like and feel define my style.',i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"The goal is always to make something thoughtful and visually compelling that solves the problem at hand. If you'd like to learn about these steps in more depth, I dish out all the details in my class,"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.skillshare.com/en/classes/the-six-stages-of-illustration-leading-clients-through-your-art/2077011792?via=search-layout-grid"},"The Six Stages of Illustration."))]}
2,{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tom-froese/tom-froese_design_work_07.jpg",caption:"Map for Time Magazine: Worldâs 100 Best Places 2024"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tom-froese/tom-froese_design_work_08.jpg",caption:"Spot illustrations for Time Magazine: Worldâs 100 Best Places 2024"}]},{type:"interview",question:"What are some of your favourite tools and resources? Where do you find inspiration?",answer:"I primarily sketch in Procreate and create finished artwork in Photoshop. I have a handful of \"go-to\" brushes, variously from Kyle Webster's and Retro Supply Company's brush packs. I've also created a few of my own brushes to bring a handmade feel into my digital work. While digital brushes can't be a total replacement for the real thing, they're a convenient way to bring a more handmade character back into my work. Inspiration comes mostly from the past â mid-century illustrators like Ben Shahn, signage and ephemera, old book covers, and such. But I'm also inspired by many contemporary illustrators â it's hard to boil it down to just one of them! I also get a lot of creative energy from conversations with other illustrators, whether through coaching or the Skillshare community."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tom-froese/tom-froese_design_work_09.jpg",caption:"Image from British Museum: Ancient Greek Gods and Goddesses"},{type:"interview",question:"In addition to client work, you're a Top Teacher on Skillshare, where over 120,000 students have learned your approach to commercial illustration. Can you tell us about your Skillshare courses and why you've dedicated your time to engaging with and giving back to the community through the platform?",answer:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.skillshare.com/en/user/tomfroese"},"Teaching on Skillshare")," ","has been one of the most rewarding things I've done. My courses focus on helping illustrators bridge the gap between just starting out and becoming a full-time pro. I love demystifying the creative process and giving students practical ways to develop their craft and confidence. It's incredibly rewarding to hear how a class helped someone unlock a new part of their creativity or land their first client. I certainly hope and believe that my classes \"give back\" to the community, although it feels a bit inauthentic to say that is my primary motivation. I enjoy teaching, I get the sense that I'm good at it, and I'm lucky enough to be able to earn a living from it. Given that my larger classes can take over 300 hours to produce, there's no way I would do it if it didn't pay off for me in the end!")},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tom-froese/tom-froese_design_work_10.jpg",caption:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"A sampling of Tom's"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.skillshare.com/en/user/tomfroese"},"illustration classes on Skillshare"))},{type:"interview",question:"You also provide illustration coaching - tell us more about your coaching practice.",answer:"Coaching grew naturally out of my teaching. I work with illustrators at all levels who are serious about growing their careers, whether that means refining their style, improving their portfolios, or figuring out how to market themselves. It's one-on-one, so we can dig into each artist's unique goals and challenges. My unique approach is to make sure I understand as much about my coaching clients before we meet as possible. I spend time looking at their work/social media, and then send them a handful of custom-tailored questions, to help me understand what they want and what's really driving them there. I try not to tell clients what they \"should\" do so much as help them identify for themselves what they really want. Otherwise, I'm happy to share from my 16+ years of experience in the creative industry."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tom-froese/tom-froese_design_work_11.jpg"},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to new designers and illustrators looking to start their own creative careers?",answer:"More than anything, beginners need to understand who and what inspires them creatively. Who are the artists that are sparking you up and making you say \"I want to do that!\"? What are the works or things that give you the most inspiration, the likes of which you would love to make yourself? Become a super-duper fan of these people. Follow them, read about them, take their classes, go to their talks. While you're learning, you can even imitate them (for personal/learning purposes, not to rip off their style and use it to earn money). Don't wait to be \"ready\" â get creative now. Make stuff and figure out what works and what doesn't. It's the only way."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tom-froese/tom-froese_design_work_12.jpg"},{type:"interview",question:"What's one of the biggest career lessons you've learned so far?",answer:"There's a difference between doing something you love and that thing having earning potential. For a long time I thought I was going to succeed as a YouTuber, so I invested a lot of time and attention into this. It seemed that the more I poured myself into it on purpose, the worse the results were. It took me at least a few years to realize I was basically facing a gambling addiction. \"Maybe the next video will go big\", I'd think. \"It's just a matter of time.\" While making a consistent effort towards a goal is the only way to get it, it is not a guarantee. After seeing the reality â that I was losing more than I was getting from my YouTube exploits â I had to make a very hard but very sensible decision to quit and ultimately focus on things I know will earn me a living. I've had to do this many times over with various \"side hustles,\" and it always stings to learn I was wrong. Basically, the moral of the story is that it's good to follow my interests, but it's very important to abort if it fails to become more than just an expensive professional hobby."},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tom-froese/tom-froese_design_work_13.jpg"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tom-froese/tom-froese_design_work_14.jpg"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tom-froese/tom-froese_design_work_15.jpg"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/tom-froese/tom-froese_design_work_16.jpg"}]},{type:"interview",question:"What are you working on now and what's up next for you?",answer:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"I'm writing a book about how to start a lifelong daily drawing practice, actually based on my class, Drawing Is Important! Stay tuned for that. I'm planning my next class as well, which I hope to begin producing in earnest in June. I'm also continuing my coaching practice and working on client projects. And of course, I'm always drawing and sharing on Instagram, which is one of my favorite things to do! Oh, I also have a podcast called"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{href:"https://www.tomfroese.com/podcast",target:"_blank"},"Thoughts on Illustration"),", where I'm always working on my next episode.")},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"To view more of Tom's work, visit his"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.tomfroese.com/"},"portfolio")," ","â and check out his courses on"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.skillshare.com/en/user/tomfroese"},"Skillshare"),"!"),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Tom was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.skillshare.com/en/?via=header"},"Skillshare"),". All Artwork courtesy of Tom Froese.")]}],j=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_01.jpg",alt:"Khadija el sharawy studio artwork showcase",caption:"Adidas MENA Competition"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.khadijasharawy.com/"},"Khadija El Sharawy")," ","is an independent graphic designer from Cairo, Egypt, a self-taught animator, and a Top Teacher on Skillshare with over 15,000 students. With a specialty in branding and packaging, sheâs passionate about creating thoughtful, expressive work that bridges strategy and storytelling. With eight years of experience, her work spans playful animations, bespoke logo designs, and limited edition packaging for brands like Coca-Colaâbut her favorite projects are always the ones that allow room to experiment, connect, and create something truly meaningful.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Khadija! Tell us about yourself - how did you get to where you are today?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Hi! Iâm an independent designer and a Top Teacher on Skillshare based in Cairo, specializing in branding and packaging design â I also love to illustrate and animate on the side. I began my career in the fast-paced world of branding agencies, eager to soak up real-world experience right after college. Over time, I carved out a more independent path that lets me balance client work, personal creative projects, and teaching thousands of students online â something thatâs become one of the most meaningful parts of my journey. Itâs been a non-linear path full of pivots, experiments, and growth, and I wouldnât have it any other way.")]},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_02.jpg",alt:"Portrait of designer Khadija El Sharawy",quote:"Don't wait for permission to begin; a messy canvas is better than a blank one. You don't need a big title, a fancy job, or the perfect brief to start creating meaningful work."},{type:"interview",question:"When did you first become interested in art and design?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"I've always been artistic ever since I was a kid. I remember seeing pictures of myself in my mother's photo albums always coloring on sheets of paper and creating things with my hands. I was lucky enough to have parents who always supp
2orted this part of me and encouraged it. When the time came to choose a college path, I was torn between studying literature and graphic design. I had always loved reading and writing but I also couldnât imagine a future without design in it so I ended up going for a graphic design degree even though I knew nothing about it at the time. To try and get acquainted with it, I remember sitting on the couch watching Youtube videos and this one TED talk by Michael Bierut sealed the deal for me â the way he spoke about designâs power to shape how we interact with the world lit a spark in me thatâs never gone out."),{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_03.jpg",alt:"Khadija el sharawy studio artwork showcase",caption:"Branding & Packaging for Nude Skin"}]},{type:"interview",question:"How would you describe your design style and how has it changed over time?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"I remember in my first year of college, a professor told me I had a bold, expressive styleâbut that I was always âcoloring outside the lines.â At the time, my work was raw and a little messy, but full of energy. Over the yearsâwith guidance, mentorship, and practiceâI learned how to polish that expressiveness into something more refined. Today, Iâd describe my style as bold, storytelling-driven, and visually striking, with just the right balance of emotion and clarity."),{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_04.jpg",alt:"Khadija el sharawy studio artwork showcase",caption:"Villars Chocolate Packaging - Passion Project"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_05.jpg",alt:"Khadija el sharawy studio artwork showcase",caption:"Villars Chocolate Packaging - Passion Project"}]}]},{type:"interview",question:"You specialize in brand strategy, branding, and packaging design â what do you love about these categories? What are some of the unique elements of working on brand and packaging projects?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Iâve always been fascinated by psychologyâand I see branding as the intersection of psychology and design. You need to deeply understand the audience youâre building for; if your work doesnât strike an emotional chord or resonate, it becomes just a âprettyâ design. Brand strategy allows me to tap into a brandâs core personality â its behavior, values, and voice. Branding then gives that persona a name, a face, a color, and a full outfit, so to speak. By the end of the process, it truly feels like youâve created a whole person with a distinct look, personality, and story tailored to the customer theyâll meet. Packaging design falls under the same umbrella for meâbecause I believe a brand should live beyond the pack, not just on it. Packaging projects are unique because they require condensing that whole story into a small, tactile space that still has to stand out on a crowded shelf. I approach each project with a different mindset, depending on the nature of the brand, but that combination of strategy, storytelling, and visual impact is what makes this work so exciting for me. Additionally, I would say the unique thing about working in branding is that you typically work on projects from various industries â food, fashion, sports, finance, medical â you name it. One project looks very different from the next, so youâre constantly researching, reading and exploring these different industries that cater to different needs."),{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_06.jpg",alt:"Khadija el sharawy studio artwork showcase",caption:"Branding & Packaging for Nude Skin"}]},{type:"interview",question:"Walk us through your creative process - how do you take an idea from concept to delivery?",answer:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"This is going to sound a little strange, but my creative process always starts with a little panic and a flood of bad ideas â and Iâve learned to fully embrace that. Over the years, Iâve noticed that my earliest ideas tend to be the most obvious or surface-level. But getting them out on paper is essential because it makes room for the really good ideas to emerge. Once Iâve done a broad brain dump, I begin filtering and mind-mapping to narrow things down to one or tw
2o strong directions. Iâve learned that less is more, and quality always trumps quantity. When I land on a concept that feels aligned with the brief and backed by solid visual research, the rest of the process becomes a matter of craft and refinement. One of the most important steps is how I package and present my work. Thatâs something I really honed during my time at a branding agency. I approach client presentations like storytelling: thereâs a build-up, anticipation, and finally, a striking reveal that showcases the design in real-world applications. I want clients to feel the potential of the brandâhow it could live on shelves, at events, or on their digital platforms â so they can envision how it will support their goals and connect with their audience. From there, itâs a collaborative back-and-forth until we reach the final design. I always try to see the project through the clientâs eyes, especially when presenting â because while Iâve seen the process unfold step by step, itâs their first time meeting the work. That perspective helps me tell the story in digestible chapters and keeps the experience focused, clear, and exciting.")},{type:"interview",question:"Over the course of your career, youâve worked with a variety of clients including Coca Cola, Schweppes, and Nude Skin. How do you approach creative collaboration with your clients?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"There are two ways I approach creative collaboration, and they often intersect. First: create the work you want to be hired for. Dream clients donât always come knocking, no matter how talented you areâitâs a competitive space. So instead of waiting, I invest time in passion projects and fictional brands that let me flex my creative muscles and show the kind of work I want to do. These projects live on my Instagram, which I treat as a visual diary. I use it to experiment with illustration, animation, and design that excites meâand over time, itâs drawn the right kind of eyes to my work. The second way is through trust and word-of-mouth. High-profile clients often seek designers they can rely on because their brand is an emotional and financial investment. Most of the clients Iâve worked with came through referrals, and thatâs always rooted in a strong client experience. More often than not, if you had a good client experience, even if it was a small-scale project, your name will come up in a conversation and the right people will reach out based on your reputation. Being a good designer is only half of it â you also need to be a thoughtful communicator and someone people genuinely enjoy working with. I will say though that this definitely doesnât happen overnight and it does take time, consistency and patience."),{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_07.jpg",alt:"Khadija el sharawy studio artwork showcase"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_08.jpg",alt:"Khadija el sharawy studio artwork showcase"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_09.jpg",alt:"Khadija el sharawy studio artwork showcase"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_10.jpg",alt:"Khadija el sharawy studio artwork showcase"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_11.jpg",alt:"Khadija el sharawy studio artwork showcase"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_12.jpg",alt:"Khadija el sharawy studio artwork showcase"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_13.jpg",alt:"Khadija el sharawy studio artwork showcase"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_14.jpg",alt:"Khadija el sharawy studio artwork showcase"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_15.jpg",alt:"Khadija el sharawy studio artwork showcase"}]}]}
2,{type:"interview",question:"Do you have any favorite tools or resources, and where do you typically find inspiration?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"You know, despite what people think of graphic designers about how they live behind their screens, I would argue that you actually need to"," ",i.createElement(n.Ac,{type:"span",bold:!0},"live"),". Though I definitely go down the rabbit hole of Pinterest and many other inspirational design sites, I find that genuine inspiration comes from real experiences. Real experiences give you fresh emotions, opinions, and perspectives, all of which feed directly into your creative process. When I feel stuck, thatâs usually my cue to step away and do something different. Itâs not always an extravagant experience like traveling but it can be as small as taking a short walk, having a conversation with a friend about an interesting topic or just taking a break to read a good book. That temporary mind switch in itself is like a refresh button for my brain. Being an independent designer with a flexible schedule has definitely given me the privilege and the space to do that which really helped my work. That being said, I still love browsing through design inspiration online. Sites like"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://bpando.org/"},"BP&O"),","," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://thedieline.com/"},"The Dieline"),","," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://mindsparklemag.com/"},"Mindsparkle Mag"),", and"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/"},"Brand New")," ","are my go-to resources that keep me updated on whatâs happening in the industry and help train my eye to recognize strong design. As for tools, Iâm a mix of analog and digitalâI often sketch ideas on paper with colored pencils or scribble on my iPad to loosen up before diving into the more polished design work."),{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_16.jpg",alt:"Khadija el sharawy studio artwork showcase",caption:"Branding for Seaciety"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_17.jpg",alt:"Khadija el sharawy studio artwork showcase",caption:"Branding for Seaciety"}]}]},{type:"interview",question:"In addition to your design and illustration work, you are a Skillshare Top Teacher and have helped thousands of students learn some essential design and branding skills. Can you tell us more about your courses? Why is engaging with and giving back to the community in this way something youâve chosen to devote time to?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"My first experience with Skillshare was actually as a studentâI loved that the platform offered curated design classes that always ended with a class project, and the best part was how personal and human the teaching felt. It wasnât just an online course; it felt like a real conversation, and that really resonated with me. Years later, when I became an independent designer and felt confident in my skills, I started thinking about giving back. Friends and colleagues often told me I had a knack for delivering feedback in a genuine and bite-sized way, so I decided to give teaching a shotâand itâs been incredibly rewarding ever since. My classes are mostly focused on branding, but I try to break things down into very specific pain points. I remember how intimidating it felt as a student to take long, all-encompassing classes on branding when I was really just stuck on one thingâlike how to design an icon for a logo or explore a particular illustration style. So I keep that in mind and shape my classes around what I wish I had when I was learning. I also try to cover topics that are often overlooked but super valuableâlike how to present your work to clients. That class in particular came from things I learned while working at an agency, and I know itâs helped a lot of students feel more prepared for the real world. I genuinely enjoy the whole class creation processâfrom structuring and scripting to filming and packaging the final content in a way thatâs both insightful and visually engaging. Itâs even inspired me to start planning for more content creation in the design education space. In a way, it feels like a full circle momentâfrom being that student watching Michael Beirut talk about design, to now sharing what Iâve learned with others."),{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_18.jpg",alt:"Khadija el sharawy studio artwork showcase",caption:"Coca Cola x Orange Summer Edition Cans"}]},{type:"interview",question:"Whatâs been one of the biggest career lessons youâve learned so far?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"One of the biggest career lessons Iâve learned is that change is scary but inevitableâand thatâs okay. When I first started out, I followed a pretty traditional path: I interned at a branding agency, worked my way up to junior designer, then senior designer. Naturally, the next step was to manage a team and continue climbing that ladder. But somewhere along the way, I realized that trajectory wasnât aligned with the kind of life I wanted. I didnât want a titleâI wanted freedom. So I took the leap into independent work, and as scary and unstable as it felt at first, itâs been the most fulfilling decision Iâve made. Iâve been independently working for almost 5 years now and even in this very moment, Iâm aware that change is bound to happen. I might venture out to something new or I might shift my specialization. Itâs human nature to want to keep evolving and you normally keep changing as you grow up so naturally your career path changes with you. The difference now is that Iâm embracing it, Iâm trying to loosen my grip on the reins and see where this path continually takes me."),{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_19.jpg",alt:"Khadija el sharawy studio artwork showcase",caption:"Coca Cola x Al Ahly Limited Edition Can"}]},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to designers and illustrators who are looking to start their careers?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Donât wait for permission to begin; a messy canvas is better than a blank one. You donât need a big title, a fancy job, or the perfect brief to start creating meaningful work. Some of the best opportunities come from passion projectsâthings you create out of pure curiosity or love. They not only help you find your voice but also attract the kind of work you want to be hired for. Also, donât be afraid to make mistakes. Youâll send a cringey portfolio, forget something in a deliverable, or completely misread a briefâitâs part of the process. I look back at my old portfolios and design work and Iâm like âHow did I send that out?!â â but sure enough someone saw potential in me and helped me hone my craft. If I hadnât done that, I wouldnât have been hired and mentored and guided to where I am today. Every misstep is a stepping stone to refining your craft. And finally, stay curious. This is a career that requires constant learning (I know I still am!)âwith new tools, trends and technologies emerging. Let your interests evolve. Let yourself evolve. If youâre open to learning and willing to put in the work, youâll be surprised how far you can go."),{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_20.mp4",alt:"Khadija el sharawy animation showcasing creative work",caption:"Illustration & Animation Work"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_21.mp4",alt:"Khadija el sharawy animation showcasing creative work",caption:"Illustration & Animation Work"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_22.mp4",alt:"Khadija el sharawy animation showcasing creative work",caption:"Illustration & Animation Work"}]}]}
2,{type:"interview",question:"What are you working on now and whatâs up next for you?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Right now, Iâm in a season of exploration and investment in myself. I recently launched a new Skillshare class (which was a Staff Pickâyay!) and I'm planning to create a new one around summer. Iâve also been getting more intentional about my personal workâI want to continue honing my animations skills and becoming more consistent and active on Instagram. Itâs been a great outlet to stay creatively active and connect with a wider audience. Looking ahead, I want to start branching out into content creation beyond Skillshareâpossibly YouTube or other forms of design education that feel more casual, conversational, and authentic. I want to continue building a body of work that reflects not just what I do, but how I think and what I care about. Iâm excited (and a little nervous, in the best way) to keep pushing myself, try new formats, and stay open to exciting opportunities that speak my language."),{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_23.mp4",alt:"Khadija el sharawy animation showcasing creative work",caption:"Illustration & Animation Work"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_24.mp4",alt:"Khadija el sharawy animation showcasing creative work",caption:"Illustration & Animation Work"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/khadija-el-sharawy/khadija-el-sharawy_image_25.mp4",alt:"Khadija el sharawy animation showcasing creative work",caption:"Illustration & Animation Work"}]}]},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"To view more of Khadija's work, visit her"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.khadijasharawy.com/"},"Portfolio")," ","or"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/theycallmedija/"},"Instagram"),", and check out her classes on"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.skillshare.com/en/user/khadijasharawy?srsltid=AfmBOookTFiHshkeQTZCdLW2VHI0wHsC1jJfrXZkfGWc2ORoKOql4VgN"},"Skillshare"),"!"),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Khadija was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"http://skillshare.com"},"Skillshare"),". All artwork courtesy of Khadija El Sharawy.")]}],A=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/mariell-guzman/mariell-guzman_design_work_01.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Mariell Guzman"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.bymariell.com/"},"Mariell Guzman")," ","is a multidisciplinary artist based in Dallas, Texas, whose work spans mixed media painting, murals, and sculpture. Inspired by nature, her bicultural upbringing, and ancestral heritage, she creates vibrant, surreal ecosystems that explore identity, transformation, and healing. Her bold, intuitive style has led to collaborations with Meow Wolf, Pepsi, and American Express, with murals across the U.S. and Mexico.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Mariell! Tell us about yourself - how did you get to where you are today?",answer:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"This is such a big question that I'm not sure I can wrap it up in one paragraph. But here's my best shot: I thankfully got to where I am today as a full-time artist by"," ",i.createElement(n.Em,null,"choosing")," to keep going every day for the past seven years. I tried every medium I could get my tiny hands on, I said yes to projects even when I had no clue how I'd pull them off, I leaned on my artist community, I let the belief others had in me carry me through the tough times, and, most importantly, I didn't want to let my inner child down by giving up on her dream of being an artist.")},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/mariell-guzman/mariell-guzman_portrait.jpg",alt:"Portrait of artist Mariell Guzman",quote:"Growing up between two cultures, I often felt like I had to constantly translate and adapt myself to the world around me. That's why my work often feels like its own imagined ecosystem, shaped by a process that's spontaneous, chaotic, and collaborative with the materials or space [...] Just like in nature, there's a bit of chaos, but everything always finds its home."},{type:"interview",question:"When did you first become interested in art and design?",answer:"I've loved being creative since I was a kid, and I was lucky to grow up in a super creative family. Making things has always felt as natural as breathing."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/mariell-guzman/mariell-guzman_design_work_03.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Mariell Guzman"},{type:"interview",question:"How would you describe your design style and how has it changed over time?",answer:"My design style is intuitive and inspired by n
2ature, the way species find their place and adapt so effortlessly. That idea has always resonated with me as an immigrant. Since I was a kid, I've loved creating colorful, abstract, and surrealistic playgrounds filled with childlike wonder. Growing up between two cultures, I often felt like I had to constantly translate and adapt myself to the world around me. That's why my work often feels like its own imagined ecosystem, shaped by a process that's spontaneous, chaotic, and collaborative with the materials or space. Over the years, my visual language has taken many forms, from digital illustrations to sculptures and huge outdoor murals. Just like in nature, there's a bit of chaos, but everything always finds its home."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/mariell-guzman/mariell-guzman_design_work_04.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Mariell Guzman"},{type:"interview",question:"What's your creative process like? How do you typically take an idea from concept to delivery?",answer:"One of the key parts of my creative process is doodling. I love grabbing my tiny sketchbooks and letting ideas flow without overthinking. From there, I pick the doodles that have the most spark for that project and develop them further. My process always starts with play and experimentation, no matter what kind of project I'm working on, murals, installations, illustrations, or watercolors. I also take breaks to go on nature walks, which helps me recharge and let the work breathe."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/mariell-guzman/mariell-guzman_design_work_05.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Mariell Guzman"},{type:"interview",question:"What kind of clients have you worked with so far, and how do you approach creative collaboration with your clients?",answer:["I've worked with all kinds of clients to be honest. I've worked with Pepsi, American Express, Meow Wolf, Maker's Mark, Verizon, IBM, Meta, Steve Madden, Firefly Music Festival.","My approach to collaborating with clients is to simply find a way to merge both our identities seamlessly and to make sure to always stay true to myself. I've been lucky to work with brands that have sought me out for my style and gave me creative freedom."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/mariell-guzman/mariell-guzman_design_work_06.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Mariell Guzman"},{type:"interview",question:"What's been one of your favorite projects to work on so far? What would be a dream project?",answer:["One of my absolute favorite clients has been a local Dallas brand named Puzzles of Color, I created a puzzle for them. They collaborate with artists of color and it's been such a unique experience to see my puzzle in so many people's homes around the country.",{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/mariell-guzman/mariell-guzman_design_work_07.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Mariell Guzman"},"A dream project would be to collaborate with an aquarium, an arboretum or a marine biologist."]},{type:"interview",question:"Do you have any favorite tools or resources? Where do you find creative inspiration?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"It's ",i.createElement(n.Em,null,"super")," hard to narrow down my favorite tools since I work in a lot of mediums!"),"Digitally, I love to experiment with the clone tool on Photoshop. In the physical realm, I would say a rainbow color pencil and an amazing watercolor brush can always give me butterflies :) I can always find creative inspiration by watching flowers and light dance on my nature walks."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/mariell-guzman/mariell-guzman_design_work_08.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Mariell Guzman"},{type:"interview",question:"What's one of the biggest career lessons you've learned so far?",answer:"Real success means being free to spend your time on what truly brings
2you peace."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/mariell-guzman/mariell-guzman_design_work_09.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Mariell Guzman"},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to new designers and illustrators starting out in their careers?",answer:"Make time every day to go outside and let nature inspire and support you. This career can get lonely and overwhelming, and nature has always made me feel safe when I needed it most."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/mariell-guzman/mariell-guzman_design_work_10.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Mariell Guzman"},{type:"interview",question:"What are you working on now and what's up next for you?",answer:"Right now I have a couple of big murals in the works and I've also been developing a large watercolor series for the past year inspired by portraits of trees. As far as what's next, I'm branching out into doing art therapy in the near future."},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"To view more of Mariell's work, visit her"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.bymariell.com"},"Website")," ","or"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/mariellguzman/"},"Instagram"),"."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Mariell was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"http://nounproject.com"},"Noun Project"),". All artwork courtesy of Mariell Guzman.")]}],x=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/zabi-jose/zabi-jose_design_work_01.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Zabi Jose",caption:"âCartoony Water Preservationâ â stickers and badges found in Canva"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://zabi-jose.com/"},"Zabi Jose")," ","is a Manila-based illustrator and designer who enjoys adding a colorful and childlike lens to mundane things. These translate to narrative illustrations and silly cartoons. Through these creations, she hopes to bring happiness and enjoyment to both kids and kids at heart.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Zabi! Tell us about yourself - how did you get to where you are today?",answer:["Hi! My name is Zabi (aka Renee Yzabelle Jose). I grew up daydreaming all day and imagining worlds around me. I also drew a lot of my favorite characters and played pretend almost every day in school with friends. I think my first original drawings were of cool bob-cut girls in thick dark sunglasses, flared pants, and large angel wings.","Way back, I dreamt of becoming a cartoonist when I grew up. It took a lot of inner work, going through art school, and skill building through all of that, but here I am now: an illustrator and graphic designer making art (and some of these can be found in Canva)!"]},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/zabi-jose/zabi-jose_portrait.jpg",alt:"Portrait of illustrator Zabi Jose",caption:"Zabi Jose headshot",quote:"Create what makes YOU happy and allow yourself to make mistakes. You'll get to the level you want to be when you enjoy yourself and leave yourself plenty of room to learn and keep improving."},{type:"interview",question:"When did you first become interested in art and design?",answer:"I started to take a look at it more seriously as a career during my freshman year (I was an interior design major that time). I visited my friend's art college and that's where I realized how much I actually wanted to draw for the rest of my life. That's when I decided to shift to her school to learn more about art and design. I became much more inspired to improve when I explored further after graduating. Meeting all sorts of creatives and trying out different processes opened me up to a brighter world of possibilities!"},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/zabi-jose/zabi-jose_design_work_03.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Zabi Jose",caption:"âIâm Changing (And Thatâs Okay!)â â featuring Zabiâs mascot, Razzle Bear"},{type:"interview",question:"How would you describe your design style and how has it changed over time?",answer:["I'd say a constant in my design style is my love for vibrant colors, and that each personal piece is rooted in something a teensy bit whimsical. I also enjoy making my characters have their own little stories to tell.",'The way I see it, its "soul" has changed over the years. As I continue to work on myself as a person and give myself intentional time to play, it\'s become a lot more lighthearted and bubblier!']},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/zabi-jose/zabi-jose_design_work_04.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Zabi Jose",caption:"âSilly Confession of Love!â â Art2Heart Exhibit (2024)"},{type:"interview",question:"What's your creative process like? How do you typically take an idea from concept to delivery?",answer:['A great part of it is mulling things over and thinking of multiple ways to solve a problem. I like to set myself up where there is a problem to solve, actually â even if it\'s as small as "how will I make this a little more fun for me?" From there, I do plenty of research and bullet list my ideas. Then, depending on whether this is a personal or client project, I let these ideas marinate for a specific length of time while doing something unrelated to the actual work. This helps me refresh my mind when I revisit these ideas after the little break!',"Following that are different c
2oncept sketches and iterations until I feel good about what I'm about to make. Once everything's ready, I start executing the whole project while playing music (or silly podcasts) to get me right in the groove.","I like to reflect on the finished project afterwards. I look at my wins, the things I could've done better, and what actions I can take to make the next project better than the last one!"]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/zabi-jose/zabi-jose_design_work_05.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Zabi Jose",caption:"âSunny Cream Sodaâ"},{type:"interview",question:"How were you introduced to Canva and what's your favorite part of working with the Canva team?",answer:["I started working with Canva in 2020 after trying out for their roster late 2019. It was a big surprise to me, and I'm blessed to be one of their go-to illustrators.","Everyone I've worked with has been friendly and supportive! It's definitely been a fun ride. My favorite part: the variety of the projects makes working with them exciting. It encourages me to try new things and even strengthen my own style and taste."]},{type:"interview",question:"How do you approach creative collaboration with your clients?",answer:"It doesn't stray too far from my usual creative process, but includes good back-and-forth sessions between me and the client. I keep an open mind about what they have to say, give my own thoughts and suggestions, and keep their wants and needs in mind as I go through each step of the process. Each collaboration is different, but these steps are important in developing a project that the client and I can be proud of."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/zabi-jose/zabi-jose_design_work_06.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Zabi Jose",caption:"âBelayâs Storeâ â from Pabili Po! Series"},{type:"interview",question:"What's been one of your favorite projects to work on so far? What would be a dream project?",answer:["Last year, I decided to join the My Famicase Exhibition, creating game cassette art featuring my original characters. I've had these characters hidden away since I was 12, so I decided to go beyond the cassette and expand it to \"Nightmare Delivery!\", a whole fake game concept. It was a blast to make! It's a fun mix of exploring pixel art, print design, concept art, and satisfying my childhood self. I'm stoked to expand this project soon!","One of my dream projects is to design toys and figurines. I'd absolutely love to illustrate for books or publications too!"]},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/zabi-jose/zabi-jose_design_work_07.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Zabi Jose",caption:"My Famicase Exhibition 2024 was held in Tokyo, LA, and Seoul."},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/zabi-jose/zabi-jose_design_work_08.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Zabi Jose",caption:"âNightmare Delivery!â â mock manual page"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/zabi-jose/zabi-jose_design_work_09.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Zabi Jose",caption:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"These are sold at art markets in the Philippines. For more updates, check Zabiâs"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/zabi_jose/"},"Instagram"),".")}]},{type:"interview",question:"Do you have any favorite tools or resources? Where do you find creative inspiration?",answer:["For tools/resources: I love using PureRef (Desktop) and VizRef (iOS) to access all my reference images in one board. Online courses have also been helping me a lot in learning and improving specific areas of my craft. Wouldn't be here without them, honestly!","On the other hand, a good chunk of my inspiration is drawn from my personal memories and experiences: like the food I shared with loved ones, the morning cartoons and games I grew up with, the music my family played at home⦠and of course, the feelings I associated with them! I've started noticing inspiration everywhere by choosing to live more mindfully and with loving appreciation. There's a sense of wonder to everyday life that's easy to miss!","And apart from looking through catalogs and s
2ources of inspiration from the internet, I enjoy going to exhibits, art markets and museums, and chatting with other creatives about all sorts of things."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/zabi-jose/zabi-jose_design_work_10.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Zabi Jose",caption:"âThe Jungle Bookâ â buildable spot illustrations found in Canva"},{type:"interview",question:"What's one of the biggest career lessons you've learned so far?",answer:"Cherishing your time and looking after yourself is absolutely required to keep going! While it's good to keep working towards a goal, it's so easy to slip into fatigue. Our bodies can only handle so much. It's a pretty difficult lesson to learn for creatives that want to achieve a lot, but allowing yourself to rest and be something other than a creative can be so liberating. Take that well-deserved nap, drink plenty of water, go to that bakery you've been wanting to go to, dance! When you're feeling refreshed, you can come back to work with a newer sense of motivation."},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to new designers and illustrators starting out in their careers?",answer:["Create what makes YOU happy and allow yourself to make mistakes. You'll get to the level you want to be when you enjoy yourself and leave yourself plenty of room to learn and keep improving.","Also, be open to explore! Don't lock yourself into one \"style\" just yet. When you try out different techniques, you'll pick up some fun ones along the way and eventually you'll surprise yourself with how far you'll come!",{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/zabi-jose/zabi-jose_design_work_11.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Zabi Jose",caption:"âMy Fairy Godlolaâs Boutiqueâ â Ang INK: Worlds Within Worlds Exhibit (2024)"},"Lastly, live your life and make meaningful memories. Your happiness and good health will most certainly positively affect the work you put out \uD83D\uDC93"]},{type:"interview",question:"What are you working on now and what's up next for you?",answer:"I'm exploring the possibilities of other mediums right now, like what motion can do to my craft. At the moment, I'm putting a lot more time into my passion projects too. I'm also looking into more collaborative opportunities. Lots of things to be excited for!"},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"To view more of Zabi's work, visit her"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://zabi-jose.com"},"website"),","," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.behance.net/zabi-jose"},"Behance")," ","or"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/zabi_jose/"},"Instagram"),"."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Zabi was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"http://canva.com"},"Canva"),". All Artwork courtesy of Zabi Jose.")]}],E=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/anna-krestovskaya/anna-krestovskaya_design_work_01.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Anna Krestovskaya"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://dribbble.com/krestovskaya"},"Anna Krestovskaya")," ","is a self-taught illustrator and brand designer from Ukraine, now living in the U.S. For over a decade, she's been working at the crossroads of design and illustration â creating visuals that feel alive, honest, and rooted in nature. Her style shifts from soft, textured scenes to clean digital forms, always led by the feeling. Right now, she's building a children's book series that brings together hand-drawn worlds and AI technologies to create magical, personalized adventures.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Anna! Tell us about yourself - how did you get to where you are today?",answer:["I was born in Ukraine, but my adult life and creative path have always been shaped by movement â across cities, countries, and ideas. I'm currently based in Hawaii, living surrounded by the nature that inspires me every day.","My journey into design wasn't linear. While I was always a creative child, I also had a deep love for logic and math. I initially studied economics, but after one year, I switched to remote learning and threw myself into the world of design. Without any formal art education, I taught myself â learning design software through YouTube, devouring books, and practicing relentlessly.","Those early days were driven by curiosity and a deep belief that design can be learned, not just taught. I consider myself self-taught, though I was lucky to have a mentor during my first two years who shaped how I think about illustration and visual storytelling. That mix â freedom and intuition â still defines how I work today."]},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/anna-krestovskaya/anna-krestovskaya_portrait.jpg",alt:"Portrait of illustrator Anna Krestovskaya",quote:"In the end, I think inspiration is less about searching and more about noticing."},{type:"interview",question:"When did you first become interested in art and design?",answer:["Art has been part of me for as long as I can remember. As a child, I used to spend summers at my grandmother's village, where I'd sit on a windowsill and draw for hours with an old set of colored pencils I found in the attic â possibly used by my mother or uncle decades earlier.",'While other kids played outside, I was creating stories on paper. And when adults asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was always the same: "I want to be an artist."']},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/anna-krestovskaya/anna-krestovskaya_design_work_03.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Anna Krestovskaya"},{type:"interview",question:"How would you describe your design style and how has it changed over time?",answer:["I still believe my style is evolving â and I'm okay with that. For a long time, I worked in creative agency where I was valued for my ability to adapt: I could shift between styles and aesthetics based on what the project required. That flexibility became one of my strengths.","If I had to name what draws me most, it's nature. I feel most connected when I'm illustrating landscapes â mountains, plants, oceans. I'm inspired by what's real, but I try to interpret it through a dreamy, emotional lens. My goal is not just to make something look good, but to make it feel alive."]},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/anna-krestovskaya/anna-krestovskaya_design_work_04.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Anna Krestovskaya"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/anna-krestovskaya/anna-krestovskaya_design_work_05.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Anna Krestovskaya"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/anna-krestovskaya/anna-krestovskaya_design_work_06.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Anna Krestovskaya"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/anna-krestovskaya/anna-krestovskaya_design_work_07.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Anna Krestovskaya"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/anna-krestovskaya/anna-krestovskaya_design_work_08.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Anna Krestovskaya"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/anna-krestovskaya/anna-krestovskaya_design_work_09.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Anna Krestovskaya"}]},{type:"interview",question:"You specialize in illustration and branding design - what makes a memorable logo and/
2or brand? What are some of the key elements of creating solid brand guidelines?",answer:["To me, the most memorable brands are rooted in meaning. Whether I'm creating a logo or a brand system, I always start with clarity: what is the core message? Who is this for? What should they feel when they see this?","Strong branding isn't about decoration â it's about intention. Every element, from typography to illustration, should serve the story. That's why my process always includes asking \"why\" before \"how.\" Solid brand guidelines reflect that same clarity: they don't just list rules, they explain the soul behind the brand and how to keep it consistent across mediums."]},{type:"interview",question:"What's your creative process like? How do you typically take an idea from concept to delivery?",answer:["It always starts with listening. I begin every project by diving deep into the brief and asking questions. Then I move into research and moodboarding, where I try to capture the emotional tone and atmosphere the piece should convey.","Once I understand the \"feeling,\" I sketch freely. These rough drafts help me explore possibilities without overthinking. I usually involve the client early, so we're aligned on direction. From there, it's a process of refining through feedback, iteration, and finally â delivery. I believe in being structured, but leaving space for magic to happen along the way."]},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/anna-krestovskaya/anna-krestovskaya_design_work_10.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Anna Krestovskaya"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/anna-krestovskaya/anna-krestovskaya_design_work_11.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Anna Krestovskaya"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/anna-krestovskaya/anna-krestovskaya_design_work_12.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Anna Krestovskaya"}]},{type:"interview",question:"How do you approach creative collaboration with your clients?",answer:["I treat every collaboration as a partnership. During our first conversation, I try to understand not just the task, but the intention behind it â who it's for, what it needs to communicate, and how success will be measured. I ask strategic questions that reveal the deeper layers of the project.","From there, I keep communication open and transparent. I share work-in-progress, invite feedback, and build trust through consistency. I see creative direction as a dance between vision and refinement â my job is to guide that rhythm with clarity, flexibility, and care."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/anna-krestovskaya/anna-krestovskaya_design_work_13.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Anna Krestovskaya"},{type:"interview",question:"What's been one of your favorite projects to work on so far? What would be a dream project?",answer:["I've worked on many small but deeply meaningful projects, and I'm grateful for every one of them. But I truly believe the best is yet to come.","Right now, I'm pouring my heart into my own personal project â a line of personalized children's books that combine storytelling, illustration, and technology. It's a blend of everything I love: art, empathy, and imagination. I'm launching it soon, and it feels like the beginning of something big.",i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"As for dream projects â I'd love to collaborate with brands like The New York Times, ALO Yoga, Apple, North Face, or even the U.S. National Parks. But ultimately, my dream is to keep building meaningful work that connects people to stories and beauty â whether it's for a global company or a single child opening their first book.")]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/anna-krestovskaya/anna-krestovskaya_design_work_14.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Anna Krestovskaya"},{type:"interview",question:"Do you have any favorite tools or resources? Where do you find creative inspiration?",answer:["Inspiration is everywhere â I really mean that. It's in the sound of birds at sunrise, the reflection of sunlight on the ocean, the shape of a mountain ridge, or a quiet path in the forest. I get inspired walking through museums, but just as often from conversations with strangers or unexpected moments in a new city.","Creatively, I always keep my senses open. I sketch a lot by hand, then move into digital tools â I work mostly in Procreate, Photoshop, Figma, and Illustrator. For inspiration boards, Pinterest is still my go-to, and I also use Dribbble to stay connected with the creative community.","But in the end, I think inspiration is less about searching and more about noticing."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/anna-krestovskaya/anna-krestovskaya_design_work_15.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Anna Krestovskaya"},{type:"interview",question:"What's one of the biggest career lessons you've learned so far?",answer:["In the last 10 years, I've seen myself go through burnout, doubt, career shifts, even moments where I thought of quitting design altogether. But every time, coming back to my craft â even when it felt hard â helped me grow. You can't always control external success, but you can always choose to keep creating.","I've learned not to chase trends, but to stay honest â with my taste, with my process, and with what really lights me up. And to set bold goals. We often underestimate how much we can do in five years and overestimate what we can do in five days."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/anna-krestovskaya/anna-krestovskaya_design_work_16.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Anna Krestovskaya"},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to new designers and illustrators starting out in their careers?",answer:["Try many things. Explore different styles, tools, and mediums. Don't worry about being perfect â focus on being curious.",'Train your eye. Look at great work, and ask yourself what makes it work. Then try to recreate it â not to copy, but to understand the logic behind beauty. And don\'t wait to feel "ready" before you start putting your work out there. You grow through doing.',"Most importantly: stay consistent, even when you don't feel inspired. Growth lives in repetition."]},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/anna-krestovskaya/anna-krestovskaya_design_work_17.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Anna Krestovskaya"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/anna-krestovskaya/anna-krestovskaya_design_work_18.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Anna Krestovskaya"}]},{type:"interview",question:"What are you working on now and what's up next for you?",answer:["Right now, I'm building something I'm truly inspired by â a personalized book project for kids. I'm writing, illustrating, and designing a collection of dreamlike stories where the child becomes the main character. I've also started using AI to help create the illustrations â not to replace the art, but to supp
2ort a more magical and customized experience.","I'm about to launch the first round of sales, followed soon by a full e-commerce site with automated personalization. I know this concept isn't new, but I believe my vision will stand out â it's heartfelt, poetic, and rooted in meaningful visual storytelling.","In the long term, I want to study fine art and move beyond the screen â to paint on canvas, to exhibit, and to connect the physical and digital worlds in a deeper way. In an age of algorithms and AI, I believe handmade beauty will matter more than ever."]},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"To view more of Anna's work, visit her"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://dribbble.com/krestovskaya"},"Dribbble")," ","profile or"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/krestooovskaya/?hl=en"},"Instagram"),"."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Anna was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://drbl.in/k/2025_NP_Dribbble"},"Dribbble"),". All artwork courtesy of Anna Krestovskaya.")]}],T=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/megan-nixon/megan-nixon_design_work_01.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Megan Nixon"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.mnixoncreative.com/"},"Megan Nixon")," ","is a freelance graphic designer based in sunny San Diego, California, who loves listening to people and watching their faces light up when they talk about what they are passionate about. Bringing someone's passion to life visually, and breathing life into a brand is something Megan cherishes greatly. Outside of design, you can find Megan at the beach with her husband, trying out new gluten free baking recipes, and watering her plants.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Megan! Tell us about yourself - how did you get to where you are today?",answer:"Hello! I am a full-time freelance graphic designer based in sunny San Diego, California! I grew up in Arizona but I went to college at Azusa Pacific University where I graduated with a degree in design and marketing. I moved to San Diego shortly after graduating and I landed my first full-time design gig in the nonprofit world where I worked for about 5 years. I had been taking on freelance gigs in addition to my full-time workload and finally decided it was time to give freelancing my full attention, so I quit my full-time job and haven't looked back since!"},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/megan-nixon/megan-nixon_portrait.jpg",alt:"Portrait of designer Megan Nixon",quote:"If you waited to start things until you felt ready, you would never start â so trust yourself and just go for it!"},{type:"interview",question:"When did you first become interested in art and design?",answer:"I can remember sitting around the kitchen table in elementary school coloring with my cousins and grandparents for hours and loving trying out different color combinations and various techniques using markers and colored pencils. That creative spark grew into a curiosity that I pursued throughout high school where I took an interior design class, fashion design class, and finally a graphic design class and that's when I kne
2w I wanted to pursue design."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/megan-nixon/megan-nixon_design_work_03.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Megan Nixon"},{type:"interview",question:"How would you describe your design style and how has it changed over time?",answer:"I would describe my design style as beachy, minimal, and relaxed. I like my illustrations to feel hand-drawn and friendly and usually gravitate towards lighter color palettes. My style has evolved over time to reflect more of my current interests and who I am today."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/megan-nixon/megan-nixon_design_work_04.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Megan Nixon"},{type:"interview",question:"Tell us about your creative process - how do you take a project from concept to delivery?",answer:"My creative process always starts with a client filling out a questionnaire that helps me gather all of the information about a new project. I ask many business details including the client's ideal audience and who their top competitors are, but also ask about any design preferences because that can help cut down on edits in the future. I always conduct research for my projects before starting any design, and that's become a key part of my process that has helped me be able to design for various industries. After the researching phase, I'll work on mood boards and begin initial sketching and font exploration. From there, I take what I've brainstormed and refer back to my research to help make decisions on what direction to move forward with. Once I have a chosen concept, I work on fully fleshing it out â whether that means creating brand icons, secondary logos, or brand mockups to help give the client a full picture of the project vision. Then it's ready to send to the client and once I get approval I'll send final files over for delivery!"},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/megan-nixon/megan-nixon_design_work_05.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Megan Nixon"},{type:"interview",question:"As a freelancer, how do you approach creative collaboration with your clients?",answer:"Creative collaboration with clients as a freelancer is so important because I really need to grasp the client's vision before I start designing. This is why I have my clients fill out a questionnaire, so I can gather information and have it all in one place to refer back to while designing. I ask specific questions that help cut down on back and forth edits later so the communication process is clear and streamlined."},{type:"interview",question:"Do you have any tips for balancing your workflow?",answer:"I love using project management software to help me manage my workflow. Since I am a one-woman team, I love utilizing any apps that can help me stay organized and on track. My favorites at the moment are Asana and Notion."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/megan-nixon/megan-nixon_design_work_06.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Megan Nixon"},{type:"interview",question:"What has been one of your favorite projects to work on so far? What would be a dream project?",answer:"One of my favorite projects I've worked on so far has been rebranding an Airbnb in Kauai. I actually got to travel to Kauai and stay in the Airbnb and it was so fun to be immersed in the environment and get a true feel for the experience before designing the branding. I would love to rebrand more Airbnbs in the future!"},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/megan-nixon/megan-nixon_design_work_07.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Megan Nixon"},{type:"interview",question:"What are some of your favorite tools and resources?",answer:"I primarily use Adobe programs for most designs and I love using my iPad and Procreate app to create custom illustrations! I usually look to Creative Market if I need fonts or other assets to assist my designs, and recently have been using Manaken for beautiful realistic mockups. I also highly recommend Found for business banking, sending out invoices, and keeping track of your taxes."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/megan-nixon/megan-nixon_design_work_08.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Megan Nixon"},{type:"interview",question:"Where do you find creative inspiration?",answer:"I find creative inspiration from my San Diego surroundings. I love the beach, plants, and gardening and so I think that's where a lot of my inspiration comes from naturally. I also love the design/creative culture here and there's so much opportunity to see beautiful designs everywhere â from restaurant interiors to coffee packaging there's always new beauty to be inspired by."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/megan-nixon/megan-nixon_design_work_09.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Megan Nixon"},{type:"interview",question:"What's been one of the biggest career lessons you've learned so far?",answer:"I'd say one of the biggest career lessons I've learned so far has been you will never feel fully ready or prepared for a big next step. Every time I've landed a big client or job, I think to myself \"Can I really do this?\" And the answer is YES! If you waited to start things until you felt ready, you would never start â so trust yourself and just go for it!"},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/megan-nixon/megan-nixon_design_work_10.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Megan Nixon"},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to designers who are just starting out in their careers?",answer:"I always tell new designers to post their work! It's so important to get your name out there and be proud of the designs y
2ou create. I struggled with this at first because I wanted all my work to be absolutely perfect before I ever posted it, but you are your own biggest critic and don't let that stop you from getting your work out there. When you post your work, that's how clients find you and can see if they resonate with your signature style!"},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/megan-nixon/megan-nixon_design_work_11.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Megan Nixon"},{type:"interview",question:"What are you working on now and what's up next for you?",answer:"I currently just finished up a rebrand for a cafe in Australia that I really loved working on. In addition to a new brand for them, I redesigned their menu and created a custom icon pattern that they can use as a mural on the wall and as packaging. I have a few more small businesses that I will be working on rebranding this summer!"},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"To view more of Megan's work, view her"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.mnixoncreative.com/"},"Portfolio"),","," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://dribbble.com/MeganNixon"},"Dribbble")," ","profile, or"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/nixon_design/"},"Instagram"),"."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Megan was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://drbl.in/k/2025_NP_Dribbble"},"Dribbble"),". All artwork courtesy of Megan Nixon.")]}],q=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/james-olstein/james-olstein_design_work_01.jpg",alt:"Artwork by James Olstein"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://jamesolstein.com/"},"James Olstein")," ","is an illustrator and author from Philadelphia specializing in creating digital art that retains an old-school look and feel. James uses grainy textures and overlapping vibrant colors to give modern subjects an analogue feel. James works in the fields of editorial, brand, packaging, and book illustration. His hobbies include drinking coffee, listening to records, and getting messy from screen printing. Much to the dismay of his neighbors, he also plays the drums. He has never met a donut he didn't like.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi James! Tell us about yourself - how did you get to where you are today?",answer:'Hello! I got started going to school for graphic design. After many years of working at sandwich shops and grocery stores, I got my first design job as a web designer. After a few years I transitioned into working for ad agencies. In 2012 the agency I worked at was hiring a lot of illustrators for projects and when they needed additional illustrations, I said "I can do that!" I really enjoyed the work and when I saw the difference in my day-to-day compared to the illustrators we hired I decided to make a plan to go freelance. In 2016, I quit my day job and have been doing this ever since.'},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/james-olstein/james-olstein_portrait.jpg",alt:"Portrait of illustrator James Olstein",quote:"I'm partial to something that helps tell a story in a clever way or humorous way. I rarely remember really beautiful detailed illustrations compared to more simple bold work with a sense of humor."},{type:"interview",question:"When did you first become interested in art and design?",answer:"I became interested in art the first time I saw a Spider-Man comic in my local drug store. I was obsessed with trying to copy the art from Spider-Man and Star Wars comics. When I was older I discovered punk music and the DIY aspects of it. After seeing homemade zines and album art I wanted to get into graphic design."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/james-olstein/james-olstein_design_work_03.jpg",alt:"Artwork by James Olstein"},{type:"interview",question:"How would you describe your design style and how has it changed over time?",answer:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"I think my work started out pretty basic. It looked like a lot of other illustrators using heavy textures at the time. Although I still use a lot of textures, I've gone for a more comic approach to how I draw people and animals. I was very influenced by the Ligne Claire art style after a trip to France, although my art looks nothing like it. David Mazzucchelli's book"," ",i.createElement(n.Em,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asterios_Polyp"},"Asterios Polyp"))," ","was a big influence on the way I try to tell a story within a single illustration. I also stopped buying texture brush sets from other designers and created my own.")},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/james-olstein/james-olstein_design_work_04.jpg",alt:"Artwork by James Olstein"},{type:"interview",question:"You work in the fields of editorial, brand, packaging, and book illustration - what's your creative process like? How do you take an idea from concept to delivery?",answer:"My process is pretty basic. I'm normally commissioned by an Art Director via email. They tell me what they are looking for or we do a call and discuss ideas. I then do a bunch of pencil sketches until we find one that fits. After that I take the sketch right into Adobe Illustrator and finish it up. I only work in vector, so any revisions are normally pretty fast. Once that's approved I send the Art Director a hi-res file and hope they hire me again."},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/james-olstein/james-olstein_design_work_05.jpg",alt:"Artwork by James Olstein"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/james-olstein/james-olstein_design_work_06.jpg",alt:"Artwork by James Olstein"}]},{type:"interview",question:"You've worked with a variety of editorial clients including Penguin, Highlights, Sony Music, the LA Times, MIT Technology Review, and Scientific American. When you're designing for a publication, what are some of the unique considerations you have to take into account?",answer:"The biggest things to consider are the size of the illustration within the layout and if it's going to be in print, what the colors will look like in real life as opposed to on screen."},{type:"interview",question:"How do you approach creative collaboration with your clients?",answer:"I love to talk on the phone; I think this is a byproduct of being a freelancer and working by myself most days. Sometimes I think I talk too much on a call, I just get excited to share ideas sometimes. I'll talk your ear off."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/james-olstein/james-olstein_design_work_07.jpg",alt:"Artwork by James Olstein"},{type:"interview",question:"In your opinion, what makes a truly memorable piece of design work?",answer:"I'm partial to something that helps tell a story in a clever way or humorous way. I rarely remember really beautiful detailed illustrations compared to simpler, bold work with a sense of humor."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/james-olstein/james-olstein_design_work_08.jpg",alt:"Artwork by James Olstein"},{type:"interview",question:"Do you have any favorite tools or resources? Where do you find inspiration?",answer:"I like Blackwing pencil
2s for sketching. Sponsor me. I don't use a ton of tools. I work in Adobe Illustrator for almost every project. For inspiration my best ideas come from times where I'm ignoring the internet. I have a lot of ideas while working out. Camping and fishing are big ones for me as far as clearing my head. I get a lot of silly ideas while playing with my son Jimmy who is really imaginative. Things get really ridiculous and detailed."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/james-olstein/james-olstein_design_work_09.jpg",alt:"Artwork by James Olstein"},{type:"interview",question:"What's one of the biggest career lessons you've learned so far?",answer:"Always be pitching your work/cold emailing. No matter what. Find the time each work day to reach out and introduce yourself/share your work. It may feel like you're bothering people, but no one actually knows that you exist."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/james-olstein/james-olstein_design_work_10.jpg",alt:"Artwork by James Olstein"},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to designers who are just starting out in their careers?",answer:"No joke, get a bank account and save your money. If you're like me, you probably haveâor hadâstudent loans. If you put yourself through school, the sooner you pay those off the more free you will be. Also graphic design and illustration can be a pricey career. Computers, supplies and app subscriptions are super expensive now. Having a financial safety net makes a huge difference. Especially if you want to do work that you enjoy and it may not be the most high-paying job."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/james-olstein/james-olstein_design_work_11.jpg",alt:"Artwork by James Olstein"},{type:"interview",question:"What are you working on now and what's up next for you?",answer:"I am doing some illustrations of different rodeo sports and working on a children's book about a giraffe named Captain Jasper with author Ryan Buynak. No one knows how he became a captain. Yes, he wears a captain's hat."},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"To view more of James' work, visit his"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://jamesolstein.com/"},"Portfolio")," ","or"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://dribbble.com/jamesolstein"},"Dribbble")," ","page."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"James was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://drbl.in/k/2025_NP_Dribbble"},"Dribbble"),". All artwork courtesy of James Olstein.")]}],P=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/sam-perkins/sam-perkins_design_work_01.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Sam Perkins"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/niceandserious/"},"Sam Perkins")," ","is a purpose-led designer working across branding, digital, campaign and print. He firmly believes that good creative can change the world for the better and has spent the last decade at Nice and Serious, shining a light on issues ranging from education and equality to community and clean energy. Clients have included WWF, Innocent Drinks, Ben & Jerry's, Matchbox, and IKEA, and he aims to make thoughtful and compelling work that is always grounded in solid research and experimentation. He's based in the sunny seaside town of Hastings, England.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Sam! Tell us about yourself - how did you get to where you are today?",answer:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Hey! I'm Sam, a purpose-led designer from the UK with a focus on environmental and social issues. I grew up in the countryside in southwest England, a beautiful green corner of the world where I spent every waking moment either outdoors or making things. Looking back, those two things have combined somewhat in my current role as Design Lead at"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://niceandserious.com/"},"Nice and Serious"),". I studied Graphic Design at Nottingham Trent University where I began to lock down my style and process before heading out to freelance and hunt for that elusive first studio role. Nice and Serious took a punt and hired me as their first designer in 2014 and I lost my mind, it was so exciting.")},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/sam-perkins/sam-perkins_portrait.jpg",alt:"Portrait of designer Sam Perkins",quote:"I get to wake up each morning and know that the work I create is making a difference, and that feels really good."},{type:"interview",question:"When did you first become interested in art and design?",answer:"It sounds super clich\xe9, but there's never really been a time when I haven't had an interest in art and design. My earliest memories are drawing and crafting and as I grew up I got obsessed with optical art, skate visuals, and vinyl toys, all quite clean and graphic in style which I guess led me down the design path. I've always had a clear idea of what I like and don't like too, which has been helpful in both refining concepts and the design process itself."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/sam-perkins/sam-perkins_design_work_03.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Sam Perkins"}
2,{type:"interview",question:"What led you to join the Nice & Serious team, and what's been your favorite part of working there? What makes it unique as a company?",answer:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"I think it's pretty rare in an industry where people tend to jump between jobs, but Nice and Serious is the only creative agency I've worked at since graduating in 2012. Their ethos and purpose-driven mentality were a massive draw for me, and the people I get to work with are incredibly passionate about the causes they create for. My favorite part of working here is the same as what makes us unique as a company: our approach. We only work on projects that make the world a better place, it's as simple as that. I get to wake up each morning and know that the work I create is making a difference, and that feels really good. Everyone at Nice and Serious gets the chance to vote on new briefs too, via our platform"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://moralcompass.app/"},"The Moral Compass"),", so we collectively decide whether to respond â or politely decline. It's our way of making sure our principles are always pointing in the right direction.")},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/sam-perkins/sam-perkins_design_work_04.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Sam Perkins"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/sam-perkins/sam-perkins_design_work_05.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Sam Perkins"}]},{type:"interview",question:"How did you discover Noun Project and what led y
2ou to start designing icons?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"It was ",i.createElement(n.Em,null,"ages")," ago that I stumbled upon Noun Project, looking for a UI set to build a series of wireframes from when it struck me - we could be a part of this. I wanted to create a really refined set of icons that others could stumble upon in the same way I did, and so we set the grids up and created around a hundred classic UI icons in two different weights to release on Noun Project."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"It was a proper buzz to see others download them and spot them dotted around the internet, but we wanted to take things a step further and design purpose-led icons that could help visualize some of the world's less icon-ified issues."," ",i.createElement(n.Em,{bold:!0},"Icons for Good")," was born, and we designed sets that helped people talk about refugees and displacement, climate change, gender equality and endangered species. It was a way of stamping our ethos on the world of icons and having a positive impact at the same time.")]},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/sam-perkins/sam-perkins_design_work_06.jpg",alt:"Icons and illustrations from the Nice and Serious Noun Project profile",caption:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Icons and illustrations from the"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://thenounproject.com/creator/niceandserious/"},"Nice and Serious Noun Project profile"))},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/sam-perkins/sam-perkins_design_work_07.jpg",alt:"Icons and illustrations from the Nice and Serious Noun Project profile",caption:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Icons and illustrations from the"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://thenounproject.com/creator/niceandserious/"},"Nice and Serious Noun Project profile"))}]},{type:"interview",question:"What's your creative process like? How do you typically take an idea from concept to delivery?",answer:"The great thing about being part of a team is the breadth of perspectives we get access to when we're starting to throw ideas around. At the beginning of a project we collectively cast the net as wide as we can and bounce ideas off each other. It means we don't focus on a concept too early and we can push and stretch the brief, all before we put pen to paper. Our strategy team is a big part of this too; they pull out and explore key areas of the brief and look at how we can best interpret it for the audience and the outcomes. Then we get our hands on some concepts in the design team (shout out to Matt Jefferies and Georgia Chambers) when we get to work visualizing. After that it's short, snappy design sprints, so we keep things focused and iterate and refine until we're happy."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/sam-perkins/sam-perkins_design_work_08.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Sam Perkins"},{type:"interview",question:"How do you approach creative collaboration with your clients?",answer:"We don't just want our clients to be part of the creative process, we need them to be. Their insights and knowledge help us understand the issue at hand so we often run workshops to break the brief down with them and find out where they see the project heading visually. Throughout the process we want them to be part of our team - it leads to a more natural relationship and a better outcome."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/sam-perkins/sam-perkins_design_work_09.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Sam Perkins"},{type:"interview",question:"What's been one of your favorite projects to work on so far? What would be a dream project?",answer:"In the UK we have a beautiful network of environments called National Landscapes. Synonymous with the great outdoors but quite varied in style, we were tasked with uniting the network of 38 areas under a new identity and help people connect with these amazing places. I'm at home in the great outdoors so this project was an absolute dream, and exploring which flora, fauna and landmarks made each part of the UK unique was really special. We learned so much as a team and translated it into a vibrant patchwork identity that can be seen in nearly every corner of the UK. One landscape manager even got the logo tattooed on his arm, definitely a career highlight for me right there."},{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/sam-perkins/sam-perkins_design_work_10.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Sam Perkins"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/sam-perkins/sam-perkins_design_work_11.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Sam Perkins"}]},{type:"interview",question:"Where do you find creative inspiration? Do you have any favorite tools, resources, or communities?",answer:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"In the design team we lean on each other for inspiration and constantly share our findings. We each have our own interests and that means we pull from a wider pool of inspiration, which means we don't operate in our own little bubbles. Having a studio in London means there are always galleries and exhibitions on our doorstep,"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://the-brandidentity.com/features"},"The Brand Identity"),", ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://visuelle.co.uk/"},"Visuelle")," ","are great for contemporary identity and design, and"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.dezeen.com/"},"Dezeen")," ","is a great place to look at the wider world of architecture, interiors and technology. Your taste in inspiration can meander as your career progresses too. Right now I'm really into British folklore, it's pretty weird and wonderful and I love that.")},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/sam-perkins/sam-perkins_design_work_12.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Sam Perkins"},{type:"interview",question:"What's one of the biggest career lessons you've learned so far?",answer:"Diplomacy. As designers, we're always proud of our work from an individual viewpoint and early in my career I took feedback quite personally. It totally sucked to have your work taken apart and thrown on the rubbish heap, or at least that's how I viewed it. As I've grown I've learned to look at the wider context that this feedback sits within and the angle it's coming from. We get better by being challenged by our peers, and learning how to reframe feedback in a constructive light was a huge turning point in my career."},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to new designers and illustrators starting out in their careers?",answer:"There's one piece of advice that I always preach when we do talks or have students visit the studio: \"What's the worst that could happen?\" It sounds a bit careless without context, but it's another way of saying \"don't hold back.\" It's such a competitive (
2and sometimes ruthless) world for young designers that you've got to take every chance you get. If you want to ask a famous artist or designer a question, send them a DM. If you want to work for a specific studio but they're not hiring, send them your portfolio anyway and tell them how much you want it. The worst that could possibly happen is that they don't reply â which costs you nothing, but at best it could be the role of your dreams."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/sam-perkins/sam-perkins_design_work_13.jpg",alt:"Artwork by Sam Perkins"},{type:"interview",question:"When you look to the future, what makes you hopeful?",answer:"What's heartening is that I'm seeing more and more designers and creative studios taking a moral standpoint when it comes to the work they choose to do. They want to create work that matters and they want to make a difference. It's the idea that you'll do better work if you believe in the cause and feel fulfilled by the outcome, and that makes me hopeful."},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"To view more of Sam's work, visit his"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/porkins.jpg/"},"Instagram")," ","or explore more of Nice and Serious' work through their"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://niceandserious.com/"},"website")," ","or"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/niceandserious/"},"Instagram"),"."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Sam was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"http://nounproject.com"},"Noun Project"),". All artwork courtesy of Sam Perkins and Nice & Serious.")]}],W=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/muti/muti_image_01.jpg",alt:"MUTI creative work showcase"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://studiomuti.co.za/"},"MUTI")," ","is a creative studio founded in 2011 in Cape Town, South Africa, by Brad Hodgkiss, Clinton Campbell, and Min\xe9 Day. They're a passionate team of illustrators and designers dedicated to creating original, inspiring artwork â ranging from lettering and icons to digital painting and animation. In recent years, they've had the opportunity to present talks and lead workshops at conferences across the United States, and have also been privileged to collaborate with leading global brands, including Google, Facebook, Uber, Airbnb, Nike, Apple, and many others.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi! Tell us about MUTI â who's on the team and what was the catalyst that led you to create the studio? How did you get to where you are today?",answer:"Howzit! We're currently a team of 18, including our producer, two full-time animators, and a crew of illustrators who somehow manage to be both hugely talented and genuinely good humans. When we started MUTI, the goal was always to grow into a proper studio â we loved the energy and collaboration that comes from working side-by-side with like-minded creatives. We didn't set out to build something this big, but the journey's been a good one so far. It's all down to the team â loads of talent, no egos, and a shared love of the craft."},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/muti/muti_image_02.jpg",alt:"MUTI studio founders and team members",quote:"Authenticity and passion are the driving forces behind memorable work. When you believe in the work you're creating it will shine through and the result will resonate with the audience."},{type:"interview",question:"How would you describe your design style and how has it changed over time?",answer:"MUTI started with a mix of styles from the three founders, and that variety has always been part of our approach. As more illustrators have joined the team, we've leaned into that even more â encouraging everyone to explore and develop styles that resonate with them. Exploration is a big part of the culture here. It keeps the work fresh and allows us to adapt and evolve. As the team grows, so does the range of our portfolio â we're always looking for new ways to approach a brief and create work that stands out."},{type:"video",src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/muti/muti_image_03.mp4",alt:"MUTI animation showcasing creative work"},{type:"interview",question:"MUTI is based in Cape Town, South Africa - can you tell us about the local design community?",answer:"Cape Town has a strong creative scene â from advertising and film to art and design, there's no shortage of talent here. That's definitely played a part in how our team has grown. When you've got that kind of skill on your doorstep, growing a studio happens fairly naturally."},{type:"interview",question:"Your team has worked on projects from lettering to icons, animation, and illustration for a wide range of clients including Google, Airbnb, Nike, Apple, and Redbull. What makes a memorable, impactful design?",answer:"Authenticity and passion are the driving forces behind memorable work. When you believe in the work you're creating it will shine through and the result will resonate with the audience."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/muti/muti_image_04.jpg",alt:"MUTI studio artwork showcase"},{type:"interview",question:"What's your creative process like? How do you take an idea from concept to delivery?",answer:"Depending on the scope of the project, it may be an individual or a team of artists working together. It always starts with pencil and paper: brainstorming, jotting down ideas, small sketches. From there we'll put together a mood board to guide the style and aesthetic. Next we'll work on digital sketches and a style test which we'll get approved by the client. Then we get stuck into the rendering and will typically share around three rounds of progress with the client before the final artwork is signed off."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/muti/muti_image_05.jpg",alt:"MUTI studio artwork showcase"},{type:"interview",question:"How does your team approach creative collaboration with each other? With clients?",answer:["What's great about a team is we're able to discu
2ss work and bounce ideas off each other. It's really valuable and saves so much time when you can just grab a few people and get some feedback or opinions on a design. It also develops your confidence as a designer, to hold opinions on someone's work and to be confident to voice your ideas.","As far as clients go, we share work all through the development so they are part of the process and can give feedback early on. Clients get a bad reputation but if you manage the process well everyone can be happy with the end result."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/muti/muti_image_06.jpg",alt:"MUTI studio artwork showcase"},{type:"interview",question:"Do you have any favorite tools or resources? Where do you find creative inspiration?",answer:["It might sound silly but a sketchbook and clutch pencil are pretty underrated tools these days. It's where you can be free to experiment without being precious, where you come up with concepts and solve compositions. Every designer needs them!","We're incredibly lucky to be in a studio of talented creatives and ideas are constantly sparking; you're surrounded by people developing visuals in a myriad of styles. It's inspiring to see this on a weekly basis and it gives you the drive to push your work and inspire others in turn. We all get to feed off each other's creative energy."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/muti/muti_image_07.jpg",alt:"MUTI studio artwork showcase"},{type:"interview",question:"What's been one of your favorite projects to work on so far?",answer:"We always enjoy self-initiated projects because they give us the freedom to explore new styles and creative directions without limitations. That said, we also love seeing our work applied to real-world products. One of our favorite recent projects is a Tarot deck we're currently illustrating for a client. It's a huge undertakingâ78 highly detailed cardsâbut incredibly rewarding, and we can't wait to see the final product in print."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/muti/muti_image_08.jpg",alt:"MUTI studio artwork showcase"},{type:"interview",question:"What's one of the biggest career lessons you've learned as a team?",answer:"One of the biggest lessons we've learned as a team running a creative studio is that communication is just as important as creativity. In the beginning, we focused heavily on perfecting our craft, but we quickly realized that even the best ideas can fall flat without clear and timely communicationâwith clients and our own team. We've learned to manage expectations, and treat every project as a partnership rather than just a service. That shift has made our creative process more collaborative and our studio much stronger."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/muti/muti_image_09.jpg",alt:"MUTI studio artwork showcase"},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to new designers just starting out on their own career journeys?",answer:["Your best asset will always be strong workâso invest most of your time and energy into building a standout portfolio.","Quality matters far more than quantity; it's always better to showcase a small selection of your strongest pieces.","Be persistent. If you don't hear back after reaching out to a company, don't be discouraged. Follow up, be creative, and tailor each message specifically to the company you're contactingâit shows genuine interest and sets you apart.","Make it easy for people to view your work. Present yourself professionally with a clean, accessible online presenceâwhether that's a personal website or a Dribbble profile. People are more likely to engage with a portfolio that's easy to navigate and quick to access."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/muti/muti_image_10.jpg",alt:"MUTI studio artwork showcase"},{type:"interview",question:"What are you working on now and what's up next for you?",answer:"Over the past few years, we've been traveling to the U.S. for creative conferences, leading workshops and giving talks. It's been an incredibly inspiring way to connect with clients and fellow creatives. Right now, we're preparing for the Creative Works Conference in New York this Octoberâan event we're really looking forward to, as it keeps us closely connected to the industry and sparks fresh ideas for our studio."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/muti/muti_image_11.jpg",alt:"MUTI studio artwork showcase"},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"To view more of Studio MUTI's work, visit their"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://studiomuti.co.za/"},"website")," ","or"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://dribbble.com/studioMUTI"},"Dribbble profile"),"."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"MUTI was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://drbl.in/k/2025_NP_Dribbble"},"Dribbble"),". All artwork courtesy of MUTI.")]}],S=[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/danyel-maxin-santos/danyel-maxin-santos_image_01.jpg",alt:"Danyel Maxin S
2antos studio artwork showcase"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://readymag.website/u638694359/5497715/4/"},"Danyel Maxin Santos")," ","(Dany) is a multimedia artist based in the Philippines. Driven by her many creative curiosities, she has worked on a variety of projects combining design, illustration, motion, and 3D to tell stories. Through her work, she hopes to connect with people, giving them an inspiring and heartfelt visual and narrative experience. In her free time, she makes slice-of-life comics reflecting on life and growing up with the hopes of making sense of it all.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Dany! Tell us about yourself - how did you get to where you are today?",answer:"I think I started like a lot of kids who loved watching animation and reading comics. I remember spending a lot of time coming up with all sorts of stories, drawing in my notebooks, and playing video games. And I think all of that became the foundation of my current creative pursuits."},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/danyel-maxin-santos/danyel-maxin-santos_image_02.jpg",alt:"Portrait of Danyel Maxin Santos",quote:"It's okay if you don't have it all figured out at first and it's okay if you don't have the best idea just yet. Work with your boss, work with your clients, work with your team, work with your friends, work with your community."},{type:"interview",question:"When did you first become interested in art and design?",answer:'Growing up, no one in my family pursued a creative career so I didn\'t really think it was possible for me. It was only when I had the opportunity to study multimedia arts in college that it all felt real. That the things that interested me as a kid could actually become a career. I liked looking at art and design, but I didn\'t really understand it as "art" and "design", only as something that I felt connected to. It was only when I started studying that it made a little bit more sense to me.'},{type:"video",src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/danyel-maxin-santos/danyel-maxin-santos_image_03.mp4",alt:"Danyel Maxin Santos animation showcasing creative work"},{type:"interview",question:"How would you describe your design style and how has it changed over time?",answer:"I'm not sure yet if there's a distinctive style to my work but I've always gravitated towards stylized, cartoon-y things. Sometimes I do suffer from an identity crisis, because my personal style leans more stylized, but for my day job I have to lean a bit more towards a sharper look. I feel like it's still evolving as I discover more so I honestly don't know yet. I'd like to think there's some bit of growth there in terms of technique but there's still so much to learn!"},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/danyel-maxin-santos/danyel-maxin-santos_image_04.jpg",alt:"Danyel Maxin Santos studio artwork showcase"},{type:"interview",question:"What's your creative process like? How do you typically take an idea from concept to delivery?",answer:["I typically start it off by overthinking and doubting myself, haha!","Kidding aside, it starts with idea-dumping, where I just write or sketch out everything that comes to mind, and then, arranging those ideas into something a little bit more concrete. I try to get feedback early on, so I can get an idea of what's working or not, narrowing it all down to a solution as quickly as possible. From here on, it's refining the work until we reach our goal."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/danyel-maxin-santos/danyel-maxin-santos_image_05.jpg",alt:"Danyel Maxin Santos studio artwork showcase"},{type:"interview",question:"What inspired you to branch out into multimedia design, including animation and 3D? What is your favorite medium to work in and why?",answer:["I honestly just went with what I was curious about at the moment. I guess it could also be because I'm indecisive and wanted to do a lot of things, so I tried to learn and do as much as I can. I'm quite blessed to have been shown kindness by a lot of people, who have given me a chance to work on projects despite my inexperience. And it was through those projects that opened doors of opportunities for me that allowed me to pursue more of what I felt happy with.","I'd say these days, illustration and 3D are my favorites as that's where I'm able to feel a sense of play the most."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/danyel-maxin-santos/danyel-maxin-santos_image_06.jpg",alt:"Danyel Maxin S
2antos studio artwork showcase"},{type:"interview",question:"How were you introduced to Canva and what's your favorite part of working with the Canva team?",answer:["I knew of Canva when I first started working as a graphic designer. Aside from the platform, I remember they ran a blog that discussed various design principles and concepts. I would read those blog entries all the time even now whenever I needed a refresher. Fast-forward to around 2021, a friend of mine who was then working with Canva told me about an illustration opportunity. To be honest, I wasn't very confident that I'd get in, but I applied anyway and thankfully, I got in!","I think that's the very foundation of why I like working with the team at Canva. Because of the openness and collaborative spirit, I was able to develop my style and my creative self over time with the help of the leads and my fellow illustrators. Every project became a space to grow and discover new things."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/danyel-maxin-santos/danyel-maxin-santos_image_07.jpg",alt:"Danyel Maxin Santos studio artwork showcase"},{type:"interview",question:"What's been one of your favorite projects to work on so far? What would be a dream project?",answer:"There was this motion comic series we did back in 2020. Through that project, I was able to combine all the skills I have learned so far in my creative journey, from storytelling and illustration, to motion and 3D. I was just so happy to have worked on a project where I got to do all the things that I love!"},{type:"video",src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/danyel-maxin-santos/danyel-maxin-santos_image_08.mp4",alt:"Danyel Maxin Santos animation showcasing creative work"},{type:"intro",content:"My dream project would be to make an animated music video for the artists that I like, or maybe an animated short film. I don't know when such an opportunity will happen, but hopefully someday!"},{type:"video",src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/danyel-maxin-santos/danyel-maxin-santos_image_09.mp4",alt:"Danyel Maxin Santos animation showcasing creative work"},{type:"interview",question:"Do you have any favorite tools or resources? Where do you find creative inspiration?",answer:["Procreate has been a game-changer for me. Most of my illustration and comics work were created there. After Effects has always been my go-to motion tool, and if you're into plugins, my most used are Overlord and Multiplane. For 3D, it's Cinema 4D.","In terms of creative inspiration, lately I've been following Instagram accounts of design, illustration, and animation collectives. I mostly look over there simply because I'm sadly chronically online anyway so I might as well add some inspiration to my social media brainrot. Books are also a great resource! My company has lent me a bunch of references along with my own set of books I've gathered over time.","Having friends who are also in the creative field is a source of inspiration as well. To have that space where I could discuss my ideas and get feedback played a huge part in my growth."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/danyel-maxin-santos/danyel-maxin-santos_image_10.jpg",alt:"Danyel Maxin Santos studio artwork showcase"},{type:"interview",question:"What's one of the biggest career lessons you've learned so far?",answer:"Start, even if you think you're not ready yet. You'll never really know where your small acts of bravery will lead you. Take a deep breath and make that leap."},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/danyel-maxin-santos/danyel-maxin-santos_image_11.jpg",alt:"Danyel Maxin Santos studio artwork showcase"},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to new designers and illustrators starting out in their careers?",answer:["Don't carry it all on your own. Creative work is collaborative. It's okay if you don't have it all figured out at first and it's okay if you don't have the best idea just yet. Work with your boss, work with your clients, work with your team, work with your friends, work with your community. Be open to feedback and try to get it as early as you can in the process; it'll help you get closer to the solution.","Also, most importantly, take care of yourself. Sleep. Eat on time. Drink water and take your vitamins. Go on walks. Spend time with your family and friends. Live your life.","It's good to pursue your work with commitment and passion, but you can't give from a body that's exhausted."]},{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/danyel-maxin-santos/danyel-maxin-santos_image_12.jpg",alt:"Danyel Maxin S
2antos studio artwork showcase"},{type:"interview",question:"What are you working on now and what's up next for you?",answer:["Right now, I'm working on a new set of projects with Canva. It's an exciting development and I'm glad to have been tapped to help. It's something new so I hope you'll look forward to it as I am.","On a personal note, I'm currently working on a graphic novel. Hopefully I get to finish it soon and share it with you all once it's published next year (maybe? Or else my publisher will be mad, haha!)"]},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"To view more of Danyel's work, visit her"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://readymag.website/u638694359/5497715/4/"},"website")," ","or"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/danyelmaxin/"},"Instagram"),"."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Danyel was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"http://canva.com"},"Canva"),". All artwork courtesy of Danyel Maxin Santos.")]}],M=[{slug:"russell-abrahams",fullName:"Russell Abrahams",pageData:f,hero:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-hero-carousel/russell-abrahams-illustration.jpg",photoAlt:"Russell Abrahams creative illustration artwork"},preview:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-previews/russell_abrahams_preview.jpg",photoAlt:"Russell Abrahams illustration work preview",blurb:"Russell Abrahams, aka Yay Abe, is a South African illustrator and muralist known for his bold lines, vibrant colors, and storytelling rooted in identity and joy. Working at the intersection of art, design, and culture, his work brings walls, packaging, and campaigns to life. His work always carries a pulse that is alive with color, culture, and craft."}},{slug:"chon-hin-au",fullName:"Chon Hin Au",pageData:b,hero:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-hero-carousel/au-chun-hin-illustration.jpg",photoAlt:"Chon Hin Au visual design work preview"},preview:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-previews/au_chun_hin_preview.jpg",photoAlt:"Chon Hin Au visual design work preview",blurb:"Chon Hin Au is the Founder/Creative Director of UNTITLED MACAO, President of Macau Designers Association, and Vice Chairman of Shenzhen Graphic Design Association (SGDA), specializing in visual communication design, visual identity design, and brand design. His works celebrate the uniqueness of Macanese culture and have won numerous international design awards."}},{slug:"timea-balo",fullName:"Timea Balo",pageData:[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/timea-balo/timea-balo_image_01.jpg",alt:"Timea balo studio artwork showcase"},{type:"intro",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.madebytimtim.co.uk/"},"TimTim (Timea Balo)")," ","is a UK-based 3D Art and Motion Designer who brings a vibrant blend of bold playfulness and vivid colors to her work, focusing on abstract forms and typography. After 8 years of navigating the graphic design landscape, TimTim found her way into the 3D motion art world â a transition sparked by a year of exploration and learning the ropes of 3D design. Her work effortlessly blends graphic design expertise with 3D magic, resulting in artworks that are fun and bold. Some of her clients include Apple, Samsung, Hoka, Pepsi, and Coach.")},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Timea! Tell us about yourself - how did you get to where you are today?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Hi! Itâs been a bit of a winding path, but Iâve always just followed what felt exciting and creatively fulfilling at the time. Iâve been around in the creative industry since 2015. I studied Illustration and Graphics at university, which set me up for a career in design. After graduating, I worked as a graphic designer in a few agencies for about eight years. At some point I moved into printmaking and had a little online shop where I sold prints. In 2023 I decided to shift gears and focus on 3D motion and illustration, which had been something I was slowly getting more excited about. I started freelancing with 3D and used Instagram as a way to share my work and connect with others. It really helped with the transition, and Iâve been lucky to collaborate with some great people since making the switch.")]},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/timea-balo/timea-balo_image_02.jpg",alt:"Portrait of designer Timea Balo",quote:"There's something really satisfying about building something from scratch and watching it come to life in a way that feels almost tangible."},{type:"interview",question:"When did you first become interested in art and design?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"I studied computer science in high school and really enjoyed it, I was good at maths and coding, and I liked the logic behind it all. But at the same time, I found myself drawn to more visual things (mainly graffiti at the time). I spent a lot of time doodling and copying other artists and eventually discovered Photoshop, which opened up a whole new w
2orld for me. Thatâs when I decided to pursue graphic design and illustration at university."),{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/timea-balo/timea-balo_image_03.jpg",alt:"Timea balo studio artwork showcase"}]},{type:"interview",question:"How would you describe your design style and how has it changed over time?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"I always describe my style as bold and playful. I've been drawn to bright colors and a lighthearted, not-too-serious tone from the beginning. Over the past ten years, the style itself has shifted and evolved, but that core sense of playfulness and visual punch has stayed consistent throughout."),{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/timea-balo/timea-balo_image_04.jpg",alt:"Timea balo studio artwork showcase"}]},{type:"interview",question:"What inspired you to go from graphic design to 3D art?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Along the way in my graphic design career I started experimenting with different mediums like visual coding, printmaking, and creative tech - just following my curiosity. Thatâs how I landed on 3D â it combined a lot of things I enjoy: the technical challenges, the constant learning, and the kind of visual output that honestly feels a bit magical. Thereâs something really satisfying about building something from scratch and watching it come to life in a way that feels almost tangible.")]},{type:"video",src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/timea-balo/timea-balo_image_10.mp4",alt:"Timea balo animation showcasing creative work"},{type:"interview",question:"Whatâs your creative process like? How do you typically take an idea from concept to delivery?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"I tend to overthink, so over time I came up with a simple method to keep myself from getting stuck in self-doubt or perfectionism. I start with the phrase,"," ",i.createElement(n.Em,null,'"Wouldnât it be cool if..."')," and as soon as something comes to mind to finish that sentence, I jump in and start creating. I usually start with one idea and end up with something slightly different â I play and experiment inside the software and let that guide my work, instead of rigidly trying to bring an idea to life. I use this approach mainly for my daily explorations â things that donât need to be overly polished or deeply conceptual, just a space to play and make without pressure."),{type:"video",src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/timea-balo/timea-balo_image_05.mp4",alt:"Timea balo animation showcasing creative work"}]},{type:"interview",question:"How do you approach creative collaboration with your clients?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"This is a bit different than my daily explorations. I start by understanding the client's vision, values, and audience, then bring my own creative lens to the table. Transparency and communication are key â I want clients to feel heard and involved throughout the process. Itâs about finding the sweet spot where their goals meet my style, and building something neither of us could have done alone."),{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/timea-balo/timea-balo_image_06.jpg",alt:"Timea balo studio artwork showcase"}]},{type:"interview",question:"Whatâs been one of your favorite projects to work on so far? What would be a dream project?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"A couple of years ago I worked with the lovely team at Canvas United on âMighty Feels,â a playful campaign for HOKAâs first kidsâ shoe line. It was such a fun project - I got to come up with the concepts to help launch the shoes, and really enjoyed collaborating with the team to bring it all to life."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"My dream project is a bit of a personal one: Iâd love to partner with Vans to design some limited edition shoes. They would definitely be colorful and fun. Iâve been wearing Vans pretty much exclusively for the past 15 years, so working with them would be a dream come true."),{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/timea-balo/timea-balo_image_07.jpg",alt:"Timea balo studio artwork showcase"}]},{type:"interview",question:"Do you have any favorite tools or resources? Where do you find creative inspiration?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"I use Cinema 4D and Redshift for 3D, along with the Adobe Suite for design and editing. Inspiration comes from everywhere: architecture, photography, nature. Sometimes just a weird shadow or color in real life will spark an idea. I also love browsing platforms like Behance, Pinterest, and Instagram to see how other artists approach storytelling and form."),{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/timea-balo/timea-balo_image_08.jpg",alt:"Timea balo studio artwork showcase"}]},{type:"style-override",content:i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.D2,null,"Whatâs one of the biggest career lessons youâve learned so far?"),i.createElement(n.Ac,null,"Itâs hard to pick one big lesson so I will bullet point a few important ones:"),i.createElement("ul",null,i.createElement("li",null,i.createElement(n.Ac,{type:"span"},"Share what you make with the world, even if itâs not âperfect.â Nobody really cares that much.")),i.createElement("li",null,i.createElement(n.Ac,{type:"span"},"Do not overestimate how much people remember. Share your work often. Itâs also ok to repeat yourself when creating/share the same thing more than once.")),i.createElement("li",null,i.createElement(n.Ac,{type:"span"},"Savings are a must! Net 90 is a thing and itâs becoming more popular by the day (that means the invoice will be paid in 3 months)")),i.createElement("li",null,i.createElement(n.Ac,{type:"span"},"Big clients will always have impossible deadlines - set boundaries and manage expectations!"))))},{type:"video",src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/timea-balo/timea-balo_image_11.mp4",alt:"Timea balo animation showcasing creative work"},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to new designers and illustrators starting out in their careers?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"This is a bit of a controversial one or so Iâve been told. My advice is quantity over quality, especially when you start out. Creating frequently and moving fast from one piece to the next helps you learn faster, experiment more, and improve your skills through experience."),{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/timea-balo/timea-balo_image_09.jpg",alt:"Timea balo studio artwork showcase"}]},{type:"interview",question:"What are you working on now and whatâs up next for you?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Iâm currently on maternity leave, so my creative work has slowed down quite a bit. When I do get time, I focus on experimenting and playing with new ideas. Iâm not entirely sure whatâs next, which is both scary and exciting. Iâm gradually evolving my style and exploring new directions so Iâll see where Iâll end up in a year or two. In the meantime, I plan to open an online print shop and sell some of my 3D work as art prints, and also continue with teaching 3D art (",i.createElement(n.Em,null,"insert shameless plug!"),") with beginner-friendly tutorials in Cinema4D and Redshift via my"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.patreon.com/madebytimtim"},"Patreon"),".")]},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"To view more of Timeaâs work, visit her"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.madebytimtim.co.uk/"},"Website,")," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.behance.net/madebytimtim"},"Behance"),", or"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.instagram.com/madebytimtim/"},"Instagram.")),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Timea was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"http://nounproject.com"},"Noun Project"),". All artwork courtesy of Timea Balo.")]}],hero:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-hero-carousel/timea-balo-illustration.jpg",photoAlt:"Timea Balo 3D art and motion design illustration"},preview:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-previews/timea_balo_preview.jpg",photoAlt:"Timea Balo 3D art and motion design work preview",blurb
2:"TimTim (Timea Balo) is a UK-based 3D Art and Motion Designer who brings a vibrant blend of bold playfulness and vivid colors to her work, focusing on abstract forms and typography. Her work effortlessly blends graphic design expertise with 3D magic, resulting in artworks that are fun and bold."}},{slug:"alfrey-davilla",fullName:"Alfrey Davilla",pageData:v,hero:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-hero-carousel/alfrey-davilla-illustration.jpg",photoAlt:"Alfrey Davilla character-driven illustration artwork"},preview:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-previews/alfrey_davilla_preview.jpg",photoAlt:"Alfrey Davilla logo design and illustration work preview",blurb:"Alfrey Davilla is an Indonesian illustrator and logo designer with over 15 years of experience crafting playful, character-driven brand identities. Known for his clean vector style and cute, expressive mascots, Alfrey's work helps brands express their personality through simple, lovable visuals and emotional storytelling. His illustrations often feature joyful animal characters and charming personalities that help brands connect in ways that feel warm, human, and memorable."}},{slug:"ben-didier",fullName:"Ben Didier",pageData:k,hero:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-hero-carousel/ben-didier-illustration.jpg",photoAlt:"Ben Didier graphic design illustration artwork"},preview:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-previews/ben_didier_preview.jpg",photoAlt:"Ben Didier graphic design and illustration work preview",blurb:"Ben Didier is an independent graphic designer, Noun Project Creator, illustrator and art director based in Vancouver, BC. He specializes in branding, packaging and print projects with a focus on illustration, typography and custom lettering, with clients including The Royal Canadian Mint, The Washington Post, Old Spice, Oprah Magazine and Softball Canada."}},{slug:"khadija-el-sharawy",fullName:"Khadija El Sharawy",pageData:j,hero:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-hero-carousel/khadija-el-sharawy-illustration.jpg",photoAlt:"Khadija El Sharawy branding design illustration"},preview:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-previews/khadija_el_sharawy_preview.jpg",photoAlt:"Khadija El Sharawy branding and packaging design work preview",blurb:"Khadija El Sharawy is an independent graphic designer from Cairo, Egypt, a self-taught animator, and a Top Teacher on Skillshare with over 15,000 students. With a specialty in branding and packaging, she's passionate about creating thoughtful, expressive work that bridges strategy and storytelling."}},{slug:"ethan-fender",fullName:"Ethan Fender",pageData:I,hero:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-hero-carousel/ethan-fender-illustration.jpg",photoAlt:"Ethan Fender logo design illustration artwork"},preview:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-previews/ethan_fender_preview.jpg",photoAlt:"Ethan Fender logo design and iconography work preview",blurb:"Ethan Fender is an experimental freelance graphic designer living in Columbus, Ohio. He works within the niche specialty of logo design and iconography, with occasional packaging design, imbuing his pieces with a retro-futuristic approach influenced by nature, geometry, mid-century modern design, sci-fi, and even dark medieval fantasy/heraldry."}},{slug:"tom-froese",fullName:"Tom Froese",pageData:_,hero:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-hero-carousel/tom-froese-illustration.jpg",photoAlt:"Tom Froese colorful character illustration artwork"},preview:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-previews/tom_froese_preview.jpg",photoAlt:"Tom Froese illustration work preview",blurb:"Mr. Tom Froese is an award-winning illustrator, speaker, and Top Teacher on Skillshare. He loves making images that make people smile. Tom's is known for his lively maps, characters and scenes, created with expressive shapes, bright colors, and printmaking-inspired textures."}},{slug:"mariell-guzman",fullName:"Mariell Guzman",pageData:A,hero:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-hero-carousel/mariell-guzman-illustration.jpg",photoAlt:"Mariell Guzman mixed media art illustration"},preview:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-previews/mariell_guzman_preview.jpg",photoAlt:"Mariell Guzman mixed media art work preview",blurb
2:"Mariell Guzman is a multidisciplinary artist based in Dallas, Texas, whose work spans mixed media painting, murals, and sculpture. Inspired by nature, her bicultural upbringing, and ancestral heritage, she creates vibrant, surreal ecosystems that explore identity, transformation, and healing."}},{slug:"zabi-jose",fullName:"Zabi Jose",pageData:x,hero:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-hero-carousel/zabi-jose-illustration.jpg",photoAlt:"Zabi Jose colorful illustration artwork"},preview:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-previews/zabi_jose_preview.jpg",photoAlt:"Zabi Jose illustration and design work preview",blurb:"Zabi Jose is a Manila-based illustrator and designer who enjoys adding a colorful and childlike lens to mundane things. These translate to narrative illustrations and silly cartoons. Through these creations, she hopes to bring happiness and enjoyment to both kids and kids at heart."}},{slug:"anna-krestovskaya",fullName:"Anna Krestovskaya",pageData:E,hero:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-hero-carousel/anna-krestovskaya-illustration.jpg",photoAlt:"Anna Krestovskaya brand design illustration artwork"},preview:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-previews/anna_krestovskaya_preview.jpg",photoAlt:"Anna Krestovskaya illustration and brand design work preview",blurb:"Anna Krestovskaya is a self-taught illustrator and brand designer from Ukraine, now living in the U.S. For over a decade, she's been working at the crossroads of design and illustration â creating visuals that feel alive, honest, and rooted in nature. Her style shifts from soft, textured scenes to clean digital forms, always led by the feeling."}},{slug:"vinitha-mammen",fullName:"Vinitha Mammen",pageData:[{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/vinitha-mammen/vinitha-mammen_image_01.jpg",alt:"
2Vinitha mammen studio artwork showcase"},{type:"intro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.vinithamammen.com/"},"Vintiha Mammen")," ","is an independent illustrator, lettering artist, and educator who helps businesses and individuals express themselves through custom-illustrated projects that stand out with pretty and playful lettering, fun stylized illustrations, and bold color palettes."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"She has collaborated with clients around the world on a wide range of projects, including custom-illustrated lettering for animation, journal cover illustration, and social media campaigns. In addition to commissioned work, Vinitha licenses her artwork for use on apparel, home and lifestyle products, wallpapers, and more."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"A passionate educator, she teaches lettering and illustration both through in-person workshops and online on"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.skillshare.com/en/profile/Vinitha-Mammen/6724902?srsltid=AfmBOooKaLUg8-eaOBGhiDpQDzyDrt_MP6IOa-PsRJkhzVUi2UM5npGE"},"Skillshare"),", where she is recognized as a Top Teacher."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Through her work, Vinitha uses her artistic voice to shine a light on the issues that matter most to herâgender equality, women's rights, self-love, and body positivity.")]},{type:"interview",question:"Hi Vinitha! Tell us about yourself - how did you get to where you are today?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Hello hello! First of all, thank you so much for having me â itâs such an honor to be included in this list alongside some amazingly talented illustrators from around the world! My journey to lettering and illustration has been quite twisted. I started my career as a mechanical engineer, then switched to fashion design and finally landed as an illustrator. At least so far, who knows whatâs next? Itâs been all about finding a balance between chasing my passions and adapting to my circumstances, really. But if you think about it, Iâve always been pursuing creativity. My first-ever dream job (when I was 6) was to be an animator, and somewhere along the line it evolved into wanting to be a chef by the time I was in high school, and eventually I went into mechanical engineering with the aim of becoming an automobile designer. However, instead of designing cars, I did a masterâs in designing clothing. And then I moved to Oman, where I had to pivot during the pandemic and leaned into picking up my lettering hobby as a full-time career and here we are now!")]},{type:"bio",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/vinitha-mammen/vinitha-mammen_image_02.jpg",alt:"Vinitha mammen studio artwork showcase",quote:"I love using my art as a spark to ignite much-needed conversations around feminism, body positivity, mental health, self-love and authenticity."},{type:"interview",question:"When did you first become interested in design and specifically lettering?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Iâve always been into designing in some form or the other. My parents are both creatives and so is my sister â sheâs an architect â and my earliest memories are all about craft projects and creating stuff with our hands and minds. So, I suppose it was inevitable that I find myself in a design career. Lettering, or more accurately calligraphy at that point, was a hobby I picked up during my fashion masters as a way to destress from all the pressure and tight deadlines. I struggled to let my brain unwind after a long day of intense work and learning to create bite-sized pieces of calligraphy helped me ground myself. That led me to more hand-lettering explorations and a couple of years later when I got an iPad to mess around on, I found myself naturally being drawn to digital lettering. I explored a lot of different styles of lettering on Procreate, which sort of revealed the kind of work I enjoyed creating the most. I think what really made lettering stick for me is that it is such a powerful tool for self-expression. All art of course can be used to express oneself, but I feel lettering has this extra element of accessibility because it just lets you speak your mind, quite literally. It perfectly complemented my drive towards initiating conversations about topics I care about the most like feminism, smashing the patriarchy, destroying gender roles and promoting self-love and body positivity. And thatâs what I love the most about lettering."),{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/vinitha-mammen/vinitha-mammen_image_03.jpg",alt:"
2Vinitha mammen studio artwork showcase"}]},{type:"interview",question:"How would you describe your design style and how has it changed over time?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Iâd say my current illustration style is bold, colorful, mostly color-blocked with hints of texture and playfulness. I say current, because I believe style is ever-evolving. Probably because I started by using a lot of watercolor paints when I picked up digital art, I was inclined to replicate that watercolor style. But as I created more work, I started leaning in to what I enjoyed creating more, which was more bold, graphic styles of illustration and lettering. Lots of flat vector-style pieces. Someone once used the word âpreciseâ to describe my work and thatâs when I realized that that was representative of what I was doing then. It was playful but there was also a sense of precision. However, Iâve found myself inclined to bring in some more textures and imperfections and a more handmade feel to my work recently. I now enjoy creating more organically while still staying true to my bold and colorful aesthetics. I believe my styleâs going to keep evolving more as I create more, and I fully intend to lean into that natural evolution."),{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/vinitha-mammen/vinitha-mammen_image_04.jpg",alt:"Vinitha mammen studio artwork showcase"}]},{type:"interview",question:"Are there particular themes you like to explore through your work?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Yes, absolutely. I enjoy creating around topics that are closest to my heart and I believe that that is an important aspect of
2keeping the passion and drive towards my work alive. My work is centered around women empowerment, mostly drawing from my own life experiences and those of other women I encounter. I love using my art as a spark to ignite much-needed conversations around feminism, body positivity, mental health, self-love and authenticity. I believe that these conversations are key to effecting small changes that will eventually smash the patriarchy and destroy gender stereotyping. It is a mission that I am committed to and I will use every opportunity to contribute to the cause in whatever little ways I can. Iâm a huge believer in women supporting women, because unless we stand up for ourselves, weâre never going to see the change that is so, so crucial to a better world."),{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/vinitha-mammen/vinitha-mammen_image_05.mp4",alt:"Vinitha mammen animation showcasing creative work"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/vinitha-mammen/vinitha-mammen_image_06.jpg",alt:"
2Vinitha mammen studio artwork showcase"}]}]},{type:"interview",question:"Whatâs your approach to creative collaboration with your clients?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"My clients are welcome to be involved in the creative process as much or as little as they like to. Some of my clients have a clear vision of what they want from me, they already love my work, give me a detailed idea of what they have in mind and then trust me to execute their ideas to satisfaction. Whereas many others just want to let me take the wheel. I personally enjoy projects with some direction and clarity in the brief versus a completely open-ended project. But like most creatives, I do not enjoy being micromanaged and think that defeats the entire purpose of hiring a creative. So thereâs always a balance but Iâm quite flexible that way, and really do enjoy approaching my design projects as collaborative endeavors. With time and experience, however, Iâve learned that it is also important to set expectations in terms of the clientâs involvement early on to have a smooth ride. So I always ask how involved theyâd like to be and ensure that my revision terms are clearly laid out."),{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/vinitha-mammen/vinitha-mammen_image_07.jpg",alt:"Vinitha mammen studio artwork showcase"}]},{type:"interview",question:"Whatâs been one of your favorite projects to work on so far? What would be a dream project?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Itâs so hard to pick favorites, but itâs probably the International Womenâs Day campaign for Audible UK that I created custom lettering for. It was a video about words that we as women want to reclaim, repurpose or scrap. It was a collaborative project where several lettering artists were assigned different words to illustrate. I had the privilege of illustrating âEmotionalâ and âDivaâ and Audibleâs in-house team animated them before including them in the video. I had so much fun and creative fulfillment from executing them. It came together so beautifully and it felt so right to be a part of such a powerful campaign."),{type:"video",src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/vinitha-mammen/vinitha-mammen_image_08.mp4",alt:"Vinitha mammen animation showcasing creative work"},i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"As for a dream project, I have so many! From designing the title lettering for an animated Disney movie on challenging gender norms to the cover design for a Penguin Random House book on smashing the patriarchy, my dreams are all around women-centric creative projects with mass impact.")]},{type:"interview",question:"In addition to your client work, youâre a Skillshare Top Teacher - what led y
2ou to start teaching Skillshare courses? Can you tell us more about the types of courses you teach? Why is this something you devote your time to?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"I received an email from Skillshare sometime in 2018 inviting me to be a teacher on the platform, which of course I just brushed aside because what would I teach, right? I didnât even think I had anything educational to offer to the creative community. So I just ignored that email. However, over the next two years I was getting requests via Instagram to create tutorials on my lettering techniques, and I started wondering if I may have something to teach other creatives after all. Come 2020 and the global pandemic, when people all over the world were looking to do something fruitful from their homes, I remembered that email from Skillshare and told myself I would give it a sincere shot. I didnât know the first thing about class production, filming, talking to the camera or video editing. I didnât even know what to teach. It was super intimidating but I took it on as a challenge and dove headfirst into
2it. After probably the most intense 45 days of my professional life, lots of learning, experimenting, discovering and of course, crying later, I published my very first Skillshare class. It was a class on negative space lettering with watercolors, and beyond my wildest dreams, it was Staff Picked and featured on Skillshare! I was over the moon. Heart-warming reviews from students who took my class came in and completely overwhelmed me. I went on to publish my second class a couple of months later, and that led to an even bigger surprise, an invite to the Top Teacher program on Skillshare, which was the cr\xe8me de la cr\xe8me of the platform! I was so honored to be among so many wonderful teachers I admired and learned from myself. The Skillshare Top Teacher badge is one that Iâve carried with pride ever since."),{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/vinitha-mammen/vinitha-mammen_image_09.jpg",alt:"Vinitha mammen studio artwork showcase"},i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"I have"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{href:"https://www.skillshare.com/en/profile/Vinitha-Mammen/6724902?srsltid=AfmBOooKaLUg8-eaOBGhiDpQDzyDrt_MP6IOa-PsRJkhzVUi2UM5npG",target:"_blank"},"11 classes up on Skillshare")," ","so far. They cover a variety of illustration and lettering topics ranging from watercolor lettering, painting gouache houseplants, fun Procreate projects like illustrating using dots, mastering the symmetry tool, drawing botanical illustrations and creating seamless repeat patterns, to lettering practice and mastering lettering compositions. While I started off completely boggled on what I could possibly teach, I now have a running list of topics to teach any time I want to create a new class. Producing a class is a lot of work, but what keeps me going is all the lovely words my students say about my classes. To know Iâm helping someone discover a new skill or break through their fears is the best feeling ever and thatâs what keeps me motivated to put the work into creating more classes.")]},{type:"interview",question:"Youâre also a fashion designer - can you share more about your work in fashion design? Why is this something you decided to pursue? Can you share some of your work?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Yes, I am a trained fashion designer. I was always fashion-conscious and designing my own clothes was something that excited me right from childhood. For some reason, when I was trying to decide on a career, fashion did not strike me at all. I suppose fashion was more about who I am, than what I wanted to do at that point. Fast-forward two years into working a corporate job in the air conditioning industry, spending all of my days in front of an excel sheet and following up with customers trying to make sales and requesting payments, I craved a career that felt more ",i.createElement(n.Em,null,"me"),". I was in Mumbai then, and the city offers so much in terms of fashion and style inspiration. The fashionista inside me was awakened and I decided to make a career switch to fashion design. That decision was what kickstarted real life for me because up until then, I was following this well laid-out, neat and predictable path where most things came easily to me. But the moment I decided to step outside of that path and shake things up for the sake of finding joy in what I do, reality hit me hard. I faced rejections for the first time, had to navigate uncertainty constantly and I felt like I was failing. But in hindsight, I wasnât, and those experiences were the foundation to my resilience, adaptability and my drive to keep chasing joy and passion. It felt like such a drastic jump from engineering to fashion but I often told my friends and family that I did a lot more actual engineering after I left engineering and stepped into fashion. My area of expertise was in pattern-making â the engineering of clothing. It was not planned that way, but crafting patterns was what I was naturally drawn towards. Something about going beyond a sketch and figuring out the actual physical execution was thrilling to me. My masterâs thesis in Scotland was about designing a collection of 3 garments that were put together with interlocking mechanisms instead of stitches- much like LEGO blocks â and could be worn in multiple ways. The wearer would be able to take it apart and reassemble it by hand, creating a different style each time, thereby increasing the wearability and life of each piece. Iâm happy to show you some images from this collection."),{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/vinitha-mammen/vinitha-mammen_image_10.jpg",alt:"
2Vinitha mammen studio artwork showcase"}]},{type:"interview",question:"Whatâs been one of the biggest career lessons youâve learned so far?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Youâve got to start before youâre ready. Perfectionism is the biggest roadblock to making things happen and although I know this first hand, itâs still a journey for me because the hold of perfectionism is so deep-rooted that itâs not easy to break out of it. But I believe the most successful people are the ones who take action. Even in my own case, with Skillshare for example, even though I sat on it for two years, I took action way before I felt ready, and while it was still super scary and thatâs why I am where I am on my Skillshare journey. Today when I look at my first class, I see so much that I could have done better. But it was truly my best effort with what I had at the time. And there would be no 11th class without that 1st class, right?"),{type:"image-carousel",images:[{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/vinitha-mammen/vinitha-mammen_image_11.jpg",alt:"
2Vinitha mammen studio artwork showcase"},{src:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/vinitha-mammen/vinitha-mammen_image_12.jpg",alt:"Vinitha mammen studio artwork showcase"}]}]},{type:"interview",question:"What advice would you give to designers who are just starting out in their careers?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"If youâre a budding creative professional, my biggest advice to you is to try and find freedom from yourself â your own fears and expectations. Every expert was once a beginner. You cannot expect yourself to pick up something and immediately be fantastic at it. You need to let yourself make bad art, or make some business mistakes â itâs part of the process. And the fun part of that is, once youâre okay with it, it will not matter anymore if anyone else is okay with it or not. And also, comparison is your biggest enemy. Every single creative person is on their own journey. Comparing yourself with anyone â your biggest art hero or your peers even â just takes away your freedom to be the artist that you have the potential to be. Itâs great to be inspired by other artists, we all need that. But, try your best to avoid comparing yourself with anyone â but a previous version of yourself."),{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/vinitha-mammen/vinitha-mammen_image_13.jpg",alt:"Vinitha mammen studio artwork showcase"}]},{type:"interview",question:"What are you working on now and whatâs up next for you?",answer:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Iâm currently in the middle of some personal challenges, so Iâm letting myself take it slow. Iâm a big advocate for self-care and my mental health is my current number one priority. So, although I am working on a new Skillshare class and some other little personal projects, this is not the season for me to move mountains with my business. Iâve recognized that and Iâve allowed myself to take that decision. That said, I feel a very strong calling towards supp
2orting other women. So that will continue to be at the center of everything I do."),{type:"photo",image:"/web-images/the-list/interview-pages/vinitha-mammen/vinitha-mammen_image_14.jpg",alt:"Vinitha mammen studio artwork showcase"},i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"A bit about A Sketchy Exchange, my ongoing passion project:"),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"A Sketchy Exchange is a passion project I started 2 years ago that explores what happens when two lettering artists work from the same composition sketch. I handpick a guest lettering artist to work with each month on a collaborative project that pushes our creativity. We exchange lettering sketches, develop them in our own styles and share them on social media. Creating together can take us through a journey of fun, unexpected twists and turns, and we often end up in unforeseen destinations!"),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Sketches are such personal parts of each artistâs creative process. When we commit to working off of another artistâs sketch, we push ourselves out of our own comfort zones and into a place where anything is possible. Having worked with about 20 artists so far on this series, I can attest to discovering new and exciting parts of my creativity each time."),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"And in the age of us human artists having to compete with AI generated imagery, A Sketchy Exchange serves as a true reminder of the power of human intelligence. When two pieces that start at the exact same point evolve into their own worlds just because they were developed by two unique human minds, thereâs no way we can ignore individuality and humanness as part of what makes a piece of art what it is. Although I did not start this project as a stand against AI-generated âart,â it has evolved into something of a protest series, where we unapologetically flaunt our very real intelligence.")]},{type:"outro",content:[i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"To view more of Vinithaâs work, visit her"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.vinithamammen.com/"},"portfolio")," ","â and check out her courses on"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.skillshare.com/en/profile/Vinitha-Mammen/6724902?srsltid=AfmBOooKaLUg8-eaOBGhiDpQDzyDrt_MP6IOa-PsRJkhzVUi2UM5npGE"},"Skillshare"),"!"),i.createElement(i.Fragment,null,"Vinitha was nominated by"," ",i.createElement(n.rU,{target:"_blank",href:"https://www.skillshare.com/en/?via=header"},"Skillshare"),". All Artwork courtesy of Vinitha Mammen.")]}],hero:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-hero-carousel/vinitha-mammen-illustration.jpg",photoAlt:"Vinitha Mammen lettering illustration artwork"},preview:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-previews/vinitha_mammen_preview.jpg",photoAlt:"Vinitha Mammen lettering and illustration work preview",blurb:"Vinitha Mammen is an independent illustrator, lettering artist, and educator who helps businesses and individuals express themselves through custom illustrated projects that stand out with pretty and playful lettering, fun stylized illustrations, and bold color palettes. A passionate educator, she teaches lettering and illustration both through in-person workshops and online on Skillshare, where she is recognized as a Top Teacher."}},{slug:"muti",fullName:"MUTI",pageData:W,hero:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-hero-carousel/muti-illustration.jpg",photoAlt:"MUTI creative studio illustration artwork"},preview:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-previews/muti_preview.jpg",photoAlt:"MUTI creative studio design work preview",blurb:"MUTI is a creative studio founded in 2011 in Cape Town, South Africa, by Brad Hodgkiss, Clinton Campbell, and Min\xe9 Day. They're a passionate team of illustrators and designers dedicated to creating original, inspiring artwork â ranging from lettering and icons to digital painting and animation."}},{slug:"megan-nixon",fullName:"Megan Nixon",pageData:T,hero:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-hero-carousel/megan-nixon-illustration.jpg",photoAlt:"Megan Nixon graphic design illustration artwork"},preview:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-previews/megan_nixon_preview.jpg",photoAlt:"Megan Nixon graphic design work preview",blurb
2:"Megan is a freelance graphic designer based in sunny San Diego, California, who loves listening to people and watching their faces light up when they talk about what they are passionate about. Bringing someone's passion to life visually, and breathing life into a brand is something Megan cherishes greatly."}},{slug:"james-olstein",fullName:"James Olstein",pageData:q,hero:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-hero-carousel/james-olstein-illustration.jpg",photoAlt:"James Olstein digital illustration artwork"},preview:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-previews/james_olstein_preview.jpg",photoAlt:"James Olstein illustration work preview",blurb:"James Olstein is an illustrator and author from Philadelphia specializing in creating digital art that retains an old-school look and feel. James uses grainy textures and overlapping vibrant colors to give modern subjects an analogue feel. James works in the fields of editorial, brand, packaging and book illustration."}},{slug:"sam-perkins",fullName:"Sam Perkins",pageData:P,hero:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-hero-carousel/sam-perkins-illustration.jpg",photoAlt:"Sam Perkins branding design illustration artwork"},preview:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-previews/sam_perkins_preview.jpg",photoAlt:"Sam Perkins branding and design work preview",blurb:"Sam Perkins is purpose-led designer working across branding, digital, campaign and print. He firmly believes that good creative can change the world for the better and has spent the last decade at Nice and Serious, shining a light on issues ranging from education and equality to community and clean energy."}},{slug:"danyel-maxin-santos",fullName:"Danyel Maxin Santos",pageData:S,hero:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-hero-carousel/danyel-santos-illustration.jpg",photoAlt:"Danyel Maxin Santos multimedia art illustration"},preview:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-previews/danyel-maxin-santos_preview.jpg",photoAlt:"Danyel Maxin Santos multimedia art work preview",blurb:"Danyel Maxin Santos (Dany) is a multimedia artist based in the Philippines who has worked on a variety of projects combining design, illustration, motion, and 3D to tell stories. She is a Canva contributor who also makes slice-of-life comics reflecting on life in her free time."}}],F=[{slug:"adaeze-okaro",fullName:"Adaeze Okaro",pageData:r,hero:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-hero-carousel/woman_shoulderless_dress.jpg",photoAlt:"Black woman in shoulderless dress looking down in blue lit room"},preview:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-previews/woman_red_dress.jpg",photoAlt:"Black woman in red dress and green headdress in yellow room",blurb:"Adaeze is a self-taught photographer based in Abuja, Nigeria, whose work explores love, introspection, and identity. Through her lens, she honors Black beauty, melancholy, and human connection, crafting stories that linger beyond the image."}},{slug:"arjun-yadav",fullName:"Arjun Yadav",pageData:s,hero:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-hero-carousel/house_in_snow.jpg",photoAlt:"Snowy trees and roofs of neighborhood houses at night with several lit up in Christmas lights"},preview:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-previews/taj_mahal.jpg",photoAlt:"Flocks of birds flying in front of the Taj Mahal in India with peach and blue hues are seen from boat in the Yamuna river",blurb:"Arjun is a Toronto-based photographer passionate about telling stories through photography. His work aims to capture the magic in lifeâs everyday moments and places. Whether through landscapes or aerial shots, he invites viewers to see the familiar world around them in a new light."}},{slug:"edwina-hay",fullName:"Edwina Hay",pageData:l,hero:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-hero-carousel/afropunk_attendee.jpg",photoAlt:"Portrait of smiling Black female Afropunk audience member dressed in blue yarn shirt"},preview:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-previews/doechii_performing.jpg",photoAlt:"Rapper Doechii performing on stage lit in red light and decorated with plants",blurb:"Edwina specializes in live music, event photography, and portraits. As an avid music fan born and raised in Brooklyn, she has captured images of musicians performing on stage for two decades."}},{slug:"grace-ekpu",fullName:"Grace Ekpu",pageData:h,hero:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-hero-carousel/man_laying_in_bed.jpg",photoAlt:"Tattooed Black man lying in white sheets with one eye looking at camera through fingers"},preview:{photo:"/web-images/the-list/landing-previews/woman_boxing.jpg",photoAlt:"Black female boxing outside in red head guard",blurb:"A self
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