From Cocoon to Butterfly: My Interview with I DON'T CAMOUFLAGE

Hey everyone! It has been a long time since I posted on this side of the web. The past few weeks have been overwhelming, exciting, and scary, along with many more feelings in between. I’m going through the transition of embarking on a new phase in my life. On June 1st, 2017 I became a Free Agent – Goodbye 9-5 life! I’ll take this time to focus on building my professional and creative aesthetic by exploring new concepts, collaborating with like-minded creators, and finally getting a little of spare time for living a well-balanced life. I am excited for these upcoming months. I feel a wave of creativity, inspiration and growth heading my way. I invite you to join me on this journey and hope you’ll feel inspire to pursuit your own aspirations and those plans you always put off for the “future”, because the future is now!

I thought a great way to connect with you all is by sharing a little more about me. Luckily my formal introduction won’t be a generic one thanks to Aiko Tanaka, a super talented friend who invited me to be part of her mini-documentary series I DON’T CAMOUFLAGE “is a movement highlighting the lifestyle of those who dare to stand out via migrations and use of patterns. The mini-documentary series provides a unique opportunity to discover talent, fortify their presence, explore different lifestyles, allow the community to support the local artists, empower them, exchange stories and inspire each other.” When Aiko invited me to join I was beyond honored, and shocked 🙂 Once you check out her past features you’ll recognize the creators who have been part of this project including Bilal! Hope this beautiful piece provides you with a better sense of who I am.

Check out the full Mini-documentary below!

and don’t forget to check out more from Aiko at I DON’T CAMOUFLAGE

Aiko Tanaka used to camouflage. Hoarding her words. Shelving her thoughts. Disguising her dreams. But, luckily, this was only fuel for the fire. Born in Tokyo and raised between Toronto and her native Japan, Tanaka benefited from a childhood of cultural zig-zagging and global awareness. Split her college years between Kyoto, Japan and Rutgers University in NJ where she studied Social Sciences with focus in Race in Film. In 2005 Tanaka moved to Brooklyn NY and earned a Masters in Arts and Cultural Management from Pratt Institute. While at Pratt she worked with non-profit and facilitated educational workshops for international students using music as a tool. Upon graduation, Tanaka worked in the entertainment industry only to find out that her true passion was in documentary filmmaking. While working full-time in the music industry, she launched her series, I Don’t Camouflage in 2011. She started teaching herself how to film and edit. She wanted to get better and started working in the film/tv industry as camera assistants and editor when there was a chance. Thanks to the love and support from her mentors, peers, and collaborators, she was able to continue her pursuing her passion.

–Get The Look–

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Shot Directed & Edited By Aiko Tanaka
Art Exhibition: Victori + Mo Gallery
“Secrets Of Leaves” by Adrienne Elise Tarver
Photographer: Erica Genece
Assistant Photographer: Gevaughn Lairo
Head Piece Designer: Krystle Ansari