WHY! Is it important for you to be creative?

I don’t think I’d know what to do with myself if I wasn’t being creative. I get enjoyment out of using my gifts. its what i was created to do.

WHY! Did you choose video as the outlet for your creativity?

Well I initially started with Photography. It wasn’t until my last semester in college that I got the chance to experiment a little with video. I haven’t done much of it but I definitely am interested in creating more pieces.

What projects are you working on at the moment?

As far as video projects, none at the moment. I’ve been hopping between working on a few personal design pieces and writing music, amongst some other things I’m involved in regularly.

Are you self-taught or formally educated?
A little of both.

We really liked your showreal video . What was the inspiration behind that?
We were given the assignment in class to make an instruction video of our creative process. So I thought it’d be neat to do a documentary style pieces highlighting my photographic process and retouching techniques.

Can you please share your creative process from the idea all the way up to the finish product?
Well that really depends on the project I guess. If its something more personal or just to exercise my creative muscles, my process is a bit more spontaneous. No solid plan usually, just kind of wing it and create something I like. If its client-based or something with a bit more purpose, I’ll research whatever it is I’m designing for. That includes brainstorming, sketching at time, looking for examples & inspiration. Depending on the project I’ll create a few comps, get feedback, revise and refine.

Your first professional work and a quick story behind it?
I can’t recall my very first, but one of the first was a poster design series I did for my youth group a few years back. I got the chance to brand a series they were doing called “Stand”. I think it was the first time I really did any pre-production for a piece. I setup my first photoshoot and designed the posters. I remember being proud of myself afterwards.

Where do you search for inspiration? any websites/ magazines/ links?
Flickr, Vimeo, Behance, other random blog sites I happen to stumble upon, Relevant Magazine, friends, life, music, The Bible.

Is there a group of artists / film makers that inspire you?
There’s a guy named Glenn Stewart from Australia who’s work I really enjoy. He has some really great stuff. kozu.tv/

What message do you try to send out through your artwork?
I just like to try and communicate that God gave us creative gifts to give glory to Him. Whether it be video, photography, graphic design, or music, thats what I hope people gain from it.

What have you learned from your previous creative projects?
That its OK to BE creative and try things you feel you’ll fail at. They help you to grow even though its hard cause as creatives we’re so insecure at times.

What keeps you focused when you hit a difficult path?
Christ

How do you spend your free time?
Free time? What’s that…ha. No really I just like to rest and hang out with friends…and eat cause I forget to do that at times lol.

Whats on you mp3 playlist today?
Well recently I’ve been listening to this Band called “Red Letter” from Mars Hill Church. They’re like a christian indie-rock band. Also another band called “Gungor”.

Whats your favorite tool to use to express your creativity?
That’s a hard one. Depends on the day…

What is your favorite piece of art that you own (not created by you)?
I don’t have much artwork sadly, but if had to choose at the moment it would be the artwork to the latest Flyleaf CD.

What was your childhood dream?
I never really had one other than I knew I wanted to be some kind of artist.

When was the last time you watched a film with subtitles?
Avatar I think..

Is there something coming up that you would like our community to be aware about?
Later this year a good friend of mines, “Nfluence” will be releasing his 3rd solo album which I was able to help with the photography, design direction, and music production. Check out more information here: derajmusic.com/nfluence-reason-to-live-coming-soon

life quote?
“To what will you look for help if you will not look to that which is stronger than yourself?” – CS Lewis