Check out this quick look into the mind of photographer and creative, Jordan Black. Touching on his drive to turn his passion into a business, his first publication in Vogue Italia, and a short bit of advice for those pursuing unconventional goals. All social links are below.
What inspired you to take your passion for photography and creation to becoming a brand and business?
"The thing that inspired me to turn my photography and creativity into a business was simply just having freedom. In 2007/2008, I remember when a lot of my friends’ parents lost their jobs due to something that was out of their control. I always looked back at that. I want to be in control of my income. I also want to be in control of my life. I love doing what I want to do when I want to do it and not having someone put a cap on how much money I make hourly. Best decision I ever made was [turning] passions into businesses."
How did you learn to embrace your individuality and establish an artistic style of your own?
"I learned to embrace my individuality and establish an artistic style back in elementary school. I would draw cartoon characters and sell them to my classmates for $0.50 apiece. In middle school, I would do custom drawings on people’s binders. Then High School I would customize people’s shoes and bleach designs onto shirts. It’s been an ongoing thing over the years and it just progressed into photography and me making custom art pieces for people. I love it."
With your first publication, how did you feel seeing your work on Vogue Italia and what did it mean to you?
"Honestly it was a total surprise, man. I woke up one morning to a bunch of texts and a forwarded email from Tia Madison saying we made it into 'Vogue Italia'. I completely lost it. The email from them made it so official. They had our picture with their water mark, and once I went to their website and saw my name listed as one of the photographers, that was [the] icing on the cake. I immediately texted the family group chat spazzing haha. It honestly just showed me I can do this. I can become more consistent with getting bookings. Just put the work in and trust your process. Can’t have any doubts at all."
If you have any, what upcoming projects are you working on?
"Honestly, there’s so much but I’m working on pacing myself right now. I’m working on my first-ever photo book. Something that should have been birthed years ago. Along with that, I have a TV show I’ve been brainstorming and working on for the past 4 years. I honestly can’t wait for either to come out. I haven’t really given the world an inside look into my world when it comes to film and I’m really excited for the feedback when I do."
Do you have any advice for someone hoping to pursue their passion and create a business/brand?
"Just do it. As cliche as that sounds it’s just that simple. Don’t think on it too much and don’t be afraid to fail. Failing is where you perfect [the weak areas]. The reward for starting your own business/brand is amazing. Seeing others buy your art is crazy. Just don’t give up. Have a vision and don’t lose sight of it. 'If You Don’t Make It, It’s Your Fault', meaning if you don’t accomplish what you set for yourself to accomplish, you didn’t want it bad enough. Whether it’s a brand, fitness, being a better person, changing the world, etc. just go hard at it and put every emotion you have into the craft you want to pursue."
Jordan Black IG: https://www.instagram.com/byjordanblack/
"If You Don't Make It, It's Your Fault": https://www.instagram.com/iydmiiyf/
Model Tia Madison: https://www.instagram.com/tia_madison.jpeg/
Vogue Italia Profile: https://www.vogue.com/photovogue/photographers/233096