Good morning, Wednesday. It's a beautiful day in my lovely town and looks like Fall has finally fallen. I couldn't be happier- bring on the chilly weather and beautiful colors.
So it's been about a month since I've announced the next generation of my Maven world and I've spent some time thinking about what that could look like. I've always seen my business as hyper collaborative- the chance to work with some of the best talent and my favorite people and like minded minstrels who want to get down the way I like to get down. At a time when branding and ad folks are feeling a little unstable, it's more important than ever to find your tribe- the people who inspire you, who push you, and who motivate you to get out from under the duvet each day and make you want to fight the great fight. Oh, and also- fun people. Only fun people allowed.
So I'm thrilled to announce Maven's first real collaboration- I'm now representing Brian Finke, one of my favorite photographers, who is immensely talented, warm hearted, and whose work speaks to my vision of cultural relevance and documentation. Whether he's shooting hip hop honeys or cheerleaders and football players, Brian's work has a real currency in culture today, as the best photography should and often does. And as someone who has worked as an art producer all of these years, I know what I like and I know what's relevant and good. And I love that Brian is the rare breed of photographer that can shoot anything and it always has his POV- whether it's a portrait, still life, or environment. He's amazing- that photo at the top of the post is a favorite because he gifted it to me when we first started working together and it's hanging proudly in my apartment.
I met Brian a few years ago when I was freelancing at Wieden + Kennedy on Delta Airlines. It was an interesting time for the brand as they were looking for a refresh and I was brought in to help them find some new talent that felt authentic and new. I've been a fan of Brian's work for years now and he was the perfect fit for Delta, and the rest is history. We immediately connected and had a blast running around to Mexico City and Palm Springs, as well as spending many hours in airport hangars in the middle of the night. Brian is my kind of people- he's warm, hilarious, and incredibly creative. If you're not familiar with his work, you should go to the link above and check it out. He's got much skin in the game when it comes to shooting in a very documentary, never staged style but often manages to make that real moment surreal and conceptual.
From the minute I met him, I knew we would be great pals, and my Maven mind always knew somehow there would be more work for us to do together, beyond those freezing cold hangars and strange mystery meat sandwiches in Mexico. Oh, yea. Meat. Brian loves meat. And lots of it. His BBQ game is strong. Texan.
I know we're going to make great things together- Brian's work fits perfectly with this editorial/commercial/content frenzy we're currently embracing, and I look forward to reaching out to all of my good friends in the industry and beyond to collaborate. I suspect many coffee dates in the very near future. I couldn't be happier. I'll be sending out a newsletter shortly this morning- if you're not signed up, please go to my site and get yourself onboard.
Cause that's what's up this new day in Maven land kind of Wednesday in the 718. Yours, in taking names, making pictures, and having a wonderful time. XO