FEATURING: Hyesu Lee

What do the words "Creative Community" bring to mind for you? How do you feel is the best way to utilize members in a Creative Community?

For me it's a group of people who got my back and understand where I'm coming from. When I think of the words 'Creative Community', on a smaller scale, it makes me think of my studio mates who I've been sharing a studio with for a long time in Brooklyn. We met each other back in school days at SVA. Since then, we've been sticking around helping each other to go though rough times, also sharing sweet times. On a larger scale, I'd like to say all my clients, ADs and CDs who I've connected with through work!

How did you discover your creativity?

To be honest… I'm STILL discovering! :)

Name the biggest challenge you have had in your career to date. How did you solve it?

There's been a lot of ups and downs in my career just like any other profession, I guess. Honestly, I still experience my downs from time to time but it’s also good to know ups are coming right after!

On a personal level, the biggest challenge was to overcome the fear of not knowing how things will work out as a freelance illustrator and keep creating and putting stuff out there and hoping someone will see it and like it enough to hire me… which can be so uncertain that it made me want to give up a lot of time. However, wanting it so bad made me keep moving forward to this date, and of course I want it MORE!

What was your first “Big Break” in your profession?

Hmm... may I say I'm still looking forward to the "Big Break"? :)
This may not be considered as the "Big Break," but I still vividly remember my first advertising job from CD Mitch at BVK when I just got out of school, still a bit unrefined and new to this business. He was one of the coolest creatives I've ever worked with to date because he made feel confident at what I was doing - I'm sure I wasn't the best at it back then - and helped me build trust in myself. And the coolest job I've done is a project for Apple and I might have to say they are one of THE coolest clients so far.

What's in your backpack/handbag/tote right now?

I have my dog 'Dutch'... I'm just kidding. I do take him in a tote bag to the studio though.
I have two different sizes of sketchbooks, a pencil case, colored pencils, water colors, markers, the comic book 'Mouse', a diary, ruler, water bottle, a banana, oranges, wallet...

Top 3 Tips you would give someone starting out in your creative profession:

Practical Top 3:

1. A great consistent volume of work 2. Website 3. Promotion

Pretentious Top 3:

1. Passion 2. Stubbornness 3. Patience

What are some of your favorite places/books/blogs/websites for inspiration?

One of my favorite places is actually a subway - not to commute but to draw - it's the best place to draw people. I love to go Natural History Museum hiding in a dark corner and draw things. Strand book store, sites like illustration Mundo and Pikaland. Also, I'm super into checking out the Instagrams of my favorite artists these days.

What would be your DREAM ASSIGNMENT?

My DREAM assignment keeps changing… actually it's expanding as I age. At the moment, I'd love to work on my own book and have it published.
Books need a lot of dedication from you for a long period of time and I regularly get distracted by all the other projects that actually pay my bills - no complaints at all though - so I sort of have to put my book project on the side for my priority projects.

 But I honestly appreciate all the jobs that are given to me and they've all been my dream assignments pretty much.

Who are the people that have been instrumental in your success as a creative professional? 

I would say my mum for sure. She is a harsh critic and the best supporter in so many different ways. And again I have to say my creative community - my illustrator friends who understand what I go through and keep me inspired every single day.

What would be your last supper?

I am a huge food lover… I actually eat more than my husband does. :)
 And my favorite food on the planet is Korean food so I'd say it'd be a full on Korean dinner.

What would be your Networking Do's & Dont's?

I must say I'm not best at mingle and networking, however what I'd like to do's are:
Research on your cup of tea... It's important to know who would be a possible client and personalize the promotions for them. Let people know you're out there to work for them regularly. And be honest and show off what you can possibly offer but be humble at the same time and do NOT be an asshole or fake because no one likes those people. :)

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Full Name: Hyesu Lee

Profession: Illustrator

Industry: Illustration/Commercial Art/Fine Art/Graphic Design

Website: www.heyheysu.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heyheysu

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyheysu/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/heyhyesu

Blog: http://heyheysu.tumblr.com/

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FEATURING: Chad Silver

What do the words "Creative Community" bring to mind for you? How do you feel is the best way to utilize members in a Creative Community?

I work for myself so I can work alone. I'm suspicious of people and collaborating.

How did you discover your creativity?

Creativity is simply problem solving. The hard part is creating a problem for yourself to solve.

What was your first “Big Break” in your profession?

No ones really given me anything. I posses a lot of initiative and create my own opportunities. When I was in high school up in northern Canada, I went on student welfare & got my own place. I started my first business in that basement apartment.

What's in your backpack/handbag/tote right now?

A hammer, screw driver, Mac book air, note book, balloons & A La Croix (pamplemousse)

Top 3 Tips you would give someone starting out in your creative profession:

1) Be young and cocky.  

2) Don't talk about your ideas - do them.  

3) Write drunk, edit sober.

What are some of your favorite places/books/blogs/websites for inspiration?

I waste way too much time looking at home and design blogs. I'm a big fan of stealing designs, changing them a little and making them my own. If I see something I like I try to make it rather than buy it. It ends up costing more and coming out slightly better.

What would be your last supper?

Spatchcocked chicken with grade B maple syrup and rosemary.

What would be your Networking Do's & Dont's?

DO: Buy "Likes" for your page on Facebook.

DON'T: Buy people drinks.

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Full Name: Chad Silver

Profession: Teddy bear designer, screen printer, woodworker, illustrator

Industry: Teddy Bears

Website: loveislame.com

Facebook: Loveislame

Instagram: loveislame

Twitter: @loveislame1

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FEATURING: Cator Sparks

What do the words "Creative Community" bring to mind for you? How do you feel is the best way to utilize members in a Creative Community?

Creative Community: Fun. Energetic. Free Thinkers. Giving.

The best way to utilize the Creative Community is to bring them into all aspects of your business. From brainstorming to collaborations and mutual engagement ( i.e. Social Media, posts about each other, oh look, we are doing that right here!)

How did you discover your creativity?

I have always loved writing and kept journals since I was a wee boy but my career as a journalist blossomed on a decadent 50th birthday trip to India for my friend Philip Hewat-Jaboor. It was there under a tent, sipping a G&T where I met the iconic British fashion and art journalist Meredith Etherington-Smith and she energetically encouraged me to start my writing career immediately. Upon returning to NYC I bought a laptop and began.

Name the biggest challenge you have had in your career to date. How did you solve it?

2008 financial crisis. Half my jobs dried up and the other half slashed funding. It was also the same year I was blackballed from the New York Times because I was open and honest about taking press trips for other publications. That was a teary night in the window sill for sure! But I soldiered on and found more publications to write for. I also opened up my beat to include men's fashion, art, nightlife and interior design so I could write for more people. It worked!

What was your first “Big Break” in your profession?

It was only about a year into freelancing when I landed my first New York Times piece. Thanks to my wonderful friends there like Maura Egan and Horacio Silva who believed in me and were open to pitches. Having the Times on my resume that early on certainly opened up a plethora of doors. My other big break was landing the EIC position at TheManual.com in 2012. I really was able to pitch my own ideas about content for the site and the owners (Ian Bell and Dan Gaul of DigitalTrends.com) were very open to them. Since then it has been a total dream job working with a creative and amusing group of people in both Portland and New York.

What's in your backpack/handbag/tote right now?

Now that I spend most of my time in Charleston, SC I don't carry a bag like I did in New York! When I am traveling I always have a stack of business cards, Bose headphones, new books downloaded on Kindle, All Good hand cream, the latest issue of World of Interiors, Setton Farms snacks and a Hydroflask full of H20.

Do you have any advice for someone starting out in your creative profession?

Get. Out. There. If you want to be a journalist it is not something you do from your couch. Go to every opening you can in your city or town. Meet people, print business cards, start a blog. Also, don't be afraid of the phone. I can't tell you how many people (adults too!) who tell me nobody responded to a pitch. Did you call them? Well then...Finally, manners and being grounded will get you very far. Just because you have a blog does not mean you are a celebrity. Calm it down. Stay in your lane. I have witnessed many a sassy blogger lose their ground and their jobs because they think they can talk down to others.

What are some of your favorite places/books/blogs/websites for inspiration?

Places: Charleston is my dream world. The architecture, Lowcountry cuisine, beaches, Spanish Moss and wonderful sense of community I have here has been the best therapy/medication I could ever ask for.

Books:

DV

Wigs on the Green

Happier than God

Empire of the Summer Moon

Too Close to the Sun

Blogs:

http://www.acontinuouslean.com/ - MW always has great content

http://www.mansionsofthegildedage.com/ - I'm a geek

https://huckberry.com/journal- Great pieces and TheManual has a store too!

http://www.learnhorserescue.org/ - just because I volunteer here and love them

What would be your DREAM ASSIGNMENT?

One I am currently working on- a press trip to the Hebrides to check out the Scottish mills first hand. To go to Harris Tweed would be a real pilgrimage!

Who are the people that have been instrumental in your success as a creative professional?

I already mentioned them above!

And of course shouts out to my soul mates, Jeweler Justin Giunta, Milliner Rod Keenan and my husband to be, the Gentleman Gardener Paul Saylors!

http://www.justingiunta.com/

http://rodkeenannewyork.com/

http://www.paulsaylors.com/

What would be your last supper?

A fancy dress ball in the great hall of Castle Howard!

No food, just fizz...

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Full Name: Cator Sparks

Profession: Editor-in-Chief of TheManual.com

Industry: Media

Website: www.TheManual.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themanualguide/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themanualstyle/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/themanualguide

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-manual?trk=top_nav_home

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FEATURING: Davi Leventhal

What do the words "Creative Community" bring to mind for you? How do you feel is the best way to utilize members in a Creative Community?

The idea of a “creative community” makes me think of the Renaissance and the way that artists and other intelligentsia worked together and shared their discoveries. Basically, it makes me think of a group of creative people who inspire and support each other.

Name the biggest challenge you have had in your career to date. How did you solve it?

The biggest challenge for me has been my “outsider” status: I am a first-generation immigrant from Brazil, and the first in my family to try to “make it” as a visual artist. Luckily, I received a lot of encouragement when I was young, and in the past few years, have actively been building a network of creatives whose work I really believe in. Having a strong community is really important!

What was your first “Big Break” in your profession?

I think that forming my company, pillowtalk | fine art (www.pillowtalkfineart.com), was the best thing I could have done as an artist. These days, it can be really difficult for emerging artists to navigate the so-called “art world”, and it has been an incredible learning opportunity for me. We offer a variety of services to support artists, and working with our team of museum and gallery professionals is a constant source of inspiration.

What's in your backpack/handbag/tote right now?

Right now, I’m carrying a sketchbook, pens, pencils, an eraser, and 'The Society of the Spectacle' by Guy Debord. I still do sketches of people on the subways while riding underground.

Do you have any advice for someone starting out in your creative profession?

Study business in school, even just one class. Don't only be an artist--teach yourself the business angle, too. Not enough art schools teach the business end of things, leaving artists lost in a sea of marketing and advertising.

What are some of your favorite places/books/blogs/websites for inspiration?

Whenever I’m in a creative rut, I go to museums! I think the American Museum of Natural History is the best place to think in the whole of New York City. While I am working, I also love to listen to Ted Talks or put on a good documentary.

What would be your DREAM ASSIGNMENT?

I love projects with elements of public engagement and social consciousness, like Vik Muniz’s 'WASTE LAND' or JR’s 'Inside Out'. I believe that artists have a responsibility to help those who have no voice.

What would be your last supper?

I would have to go to Tokyo to enjoy some of the finest sushi in the world at Sukiyabashi Jiro.

Davi will be having an exhibition of his works in May 2016. See www.daylightfactory.nyc for more details. 

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Full Name: Davi Leventhal

Profession: Artist

Industry: Fine Art

Website: www.davileventhal.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/davileventhal

Instagram: www.instagram.com/davileventhal

Twitter: www.twitter.com/davileventhal

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FEATURING: Tony Gale

What do the words "Creative Community" bring to mind for you? How do you feel is the best way to utilize members in a Creative Community?

A Creative Community to me, is a any group of open, helpful and creative people. The more I share and am open with other photographers, with photo assistants and with creatives of all kinds, the better my career has been and the happier my life has been. Being a part of a community, like Adhesive, or APA helps the industry as a whole, which makes our creative world so much better.

What's in your backpack/handbag/tote right now?

In my backpack right now, I have... Sony RX100 III camera, Manfrotto Pixi mini-tripod, iPad, business cards, three notebooks, a tuna sandwich, promo cards, the Communication Arts Typography annual and the Trail Runner Dirt issue.

Do you have any advice for someone starting out in your creative profession?

Go to as many events and meet as many people as possible. Go to Adhesive, go to APA events, ASMP events. Go to any event you can. The more people you know the better. But don't concentrate on people who can help you, look for people you can help as well. And take mor epictures, however many you take now, take more.

What are some of your favorite places/books/blogs/websites for inspiration?

Some of my favorite sources for inspiration

It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be, by Paul Arden

MoMA

Luerzersarchive.com

Any forest, anywhere

Communication Arts Photo Annual

PDN Photo Annual

American Photography Annual

APA Awards

TED Talks

The Accidental Creative, podcast

What would be your DREAM ASSIGNMENT?

I would love to get the chance to photograph some of my favorite creative people in the world, John Patrick Shanley, Richard E Grant, Edgar Wright, Sarah Silverman, after seeing the new Star Wars- Daisy Ridley, Hillary Swank because we are from the same town.

What would be your last supper?

My last supper would be... Homemade rigatoni with fresh pesto, Roasted fingerling potatoes with rosemary, garlic, sea salt and black pepper, Sauteed asparagus with a balsamic glaze, Cedar plank, white king salmon, and Italian strawberry gelato

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Full Name: Tony Gale

Profession: photographer

Industry: Advertisng/Corporate/Editorial

Website: www.tonygale.com

Facebook: tonygalephotography

Instagram: tonygalephoto

Twitter: tonygale

LinkedIn: tonygalephoto

Blog: amissive.com

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FEATURING: Shabnam & Brian of ADHESIVE&CO

What do the words "Creative Community" bring to mind for you? How do you feel is the best way to utilize members in a Creative Community?

As community builders, ADHESIVE&CO initiated events to stick like-minded creatives together in a casual environment for the last 8+ years. We provide a unique approach to industry functions, reviving face-to-face social networking (over drinks, of course)! The NYC branch was established in August of 2007, the West Coast branch of San Francisco was launched in the fall of 2014 and Boston and LA were born in 2015. Our Member Base extends to a wide range of creatives: consisting of photographers, photo assistants, directors, retouchers, graphic designers, stylists, producers, agents, writers, developers and their assorted creative friends. We believe that putting all these creatives in a room together fosters new relationships and comradery around issues that creatives struggle with every day. And for us, it is vital for our business to know so many talented creatives for future work!

How did you discover your creativity?

SHABNAM: My move to the Big Apple was instrumental to fueling my creativity. Could not have been done without my Mom. Even though she didn't quite understand the creative world, she was my biggest supporter.

BRIAN: I credit my third grade teacher, Mrs. Nelson, and my parents for supporting my creativity very early on. Currently being inspired by my pet project...beekeeping.

Name the biggest challenge you have had in your career to date. How did you solve it?

Kicking off ADHESIVE&CO as a full-on creative agency has been a big challenge in itself. At most of our events, members would ask us advice on their business and needing help with a visual identity or consulting. We realized there was a true need for this consulting within our ADHESIVE community. Leveraging our strengths in branding and marketing in our separate lives, we joined forces and heeded the call of transforming the events-driven organization to creative agency! 

What was your first “Big Break” in your profession?

For ADHESIVE&CO, working for PARS EQUALITY CENTER was our first major project. We loved working with a fellow community builder on their online strategies for web and social. Their challenges of voicing the message to their audience and gaining awareness echoed ADHESIVE&CO when we first started out in the industry. Working with them to broadcast their new design and vision was an inspiring collaboration.

What's in your backpack/handbag/tote right now?

SHABNAM: I live out of my Fjallraven backpack; containing my laptop, notebook, a copy of Lean In, by Sheryl Sandberg, and of course, business cards....I met so many creatives in my daily interactions that are trying to launch their business but need a visual identity or consultation. We are there to help!

BRIAN: The current book I am reading Hellbent by Benjamin Lorr, business cards, a phone charger, a fortune I received on a trip to Mt Fuji, sunglasses, a sketchbook, and a couple of sharpies (you never know when you will need to write a name tag : )

Do you have any advice for someone starting out in your creative profession?

Work hard to create a solid portfolio. Work equally as hard on developing your network. Relationships are the key to any successful business. Get a beautifully designed website with an established voice straightaway. A defined Elevator Pitch works for any type of creative and elevates you and your brand from the get go.

What are some of your favorite places/books/blogs/websites for inspiration?

We personally love our Sticky Sundays blog, that features a different creative each week. We find inspiration in the diversity of creative folks out there and enjoy celebrating their achievements! Interested in being featured? Send us an email: hello@helloadhesive.com

Who are the people that have been instrumental in your success as a creative professional?

ADHESIVE&CO: We would not be here without our event leads: Jenna Teeson, Zack Brown, Korin Thorig, Lauren Jones & Sam Comen. Thanks to our social lead Danielle Gray for spreading the word to our creative community.

SHABNAM: Goes without saying my family; they still don't really understand what it is that I do, but still brag to all their friends! The key peeps that have helped me blossom: Krista Prestek (GQ) who nudged my high heel into the fashion door, and Kate Ryan (Kate Ryan Inc) who as been instrumental in who I am today; both professionally and personally. My list has endless influencers and I am extremely grateful to everyone, especially to our ADHESIVE members.

BRIAN: My family has been an incredible support over the years, and my many mentors over the years have all had a major influence on who I am today: Roger DeMuth & Cora Lynn Deibler (Syracuse University), Charlayne Murrell-Smith (Boston Children’s Museum), Bonnie Mackay, Kathy Thornton-Bias, Mike Abbink and James Gara (MoMA), Jerry Helling (Bernhardt) and Marco Beghin have all been inspirations! Not to mention all the people I have worked with over the years and our ADHESIVE members!

What would be your last supper?

SHABNAM: Endless amounts of sushi, sake and wine accompanied by great conversation with all the amazing people in my life.

BRIAN: Fitting, as I have a “Last Supper” art reproduction collection… Some combination of a venison steak (medium rare), lobster (somehow), arugula with goat cheese, a fine Malbec, plenty of french bread and butter with honey, and a flat white at the end.  

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Full Names: Shabnam Azadeh & Brian Bergeron    

Profession: Founders of Branding Agency    

Industry: Branding

Website: www.HelloAdhesive.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adhesiveandco

Instagram: @Hello.Adhesive

Twitter: @HelloAdhesive

Blog: www.HelloAdhesive.com/blog

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FEATURING: Jérôme Chery

How did you discover your creativity?

When I was 6 years old, I asked my mom if I could join my sister in the local modern jazz studio and she said yes. I guess early on, for me creativity meant a physical engagement in what I wanted to create. It certainly still is the case today. Through my years in high school and college, part of the curriculum was botany, involving drawing plants in lab, which I really liked. It’s not something I do on a regular basis, but it certainly helps you being very focus on details which is critical in my job.

Name the biggest challenge you have had in your career to date. How did you solve it?

Working as a freelance winemaker. It was always something I had in mind and I really enjoy it right now. Networking was key to find the two projects I am involved in. And self motivation is always a constant one.

What was your first “Big Break” in your profession?

When I became the winemaker at Saintsbury in 2004. It really opened a lot of door and opportunities once you get that title.

What's in your backpack/handbag/tote right now?

A calculator, a ruler, a laptop, a pen, a chapstick, two notebooks, always some magazine. I am old school in some ways so notebooks are always welcome. Also, somehow, I always find myself drawing things to explain vineyard blocks or winemaking procedures. During certain time of the season, you can also find some pruning shears and also a cell counter.

Do you have any advice for someone starting out in your creative profession?

You really need to start at the bottom of the ladder, be ok with that and develop early on a sense of taste and place. Highly recommended to go overseas and at least spend one harvest there, be in in Europe or in the Southern Hemisphere.

What would be your DREAM ASSIGNMENT?

Making Sherry in Spain. I love sherry.

Who are the people that have been instrumental in your success as a creative professional?

John Kongsgaard and Ted Lemon. Both of them have been very generous to me in many shape and forms and have always been very encouraging and supportive.

What would be your last supper?

HANDS DOWN pan seared foie gras with a glass of Sauternes. On toasted bread. No brioche. and many friends!

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Full Name: Jérôme Chery

Profession: Winemaker

Industry: Wine industry

Website: www.FogCrestVineyard.com   www.QuellWines.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jerome.chery.9

Instagram: @JeromeChery

LinkedIn: Jerome Chery

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FEATURING: Maren Rossman

What do the words "Creative Community" bring to mind for you? How do you feel is the best way to utilize members in a Creative Community?

To me, a creative community is a group of industry professionals who are here to support one another regardless of their shared/competing professions or different artistic points of view. Monthly Adhesive meetings help to reduce the pretentiousness that is so often associated with the photo industry. I am grateful that this is being brought to Boston!

How did you discover your creativity?

I discovered my creativity at an early age. My mother was a clothing designer, she exposed me to the fashion industry and all the nuances the business presents. After this introduction, the fashion and styling industries were really the only place that inspired the same level of creativity and made me feel more at ease.

Name the biggest challenge you have had in your career to date. How did you solve it?

My largest challenge was leaving my former company of 20+ years and starting fresh with Anchor Artists. I left everything behind and launched with no artists, no clients or database but I moved forward with my vision and a promise of what Anchor would be to those who joined.

What was your first “Big Break” in your profession?

My family industry connections enabled my introduction into this industry. I left college after freshman year, clueless but determined to make the best of whatever might happen next. Within two months, I was offered a freelance job as a stylist assistant at Filene’s. Less than a year later, the stylist I assisted suggested me for her position. Looking back, if there is a recipe for my ‘big break’ the ingredients would be: being passionate about your profession, luck, hard work, listening, learning and always trying to help both clients and artists to succeed. Also, grit when your luck isn’t good!

What's in your backpack/handbag/tote right now?

A boarding pass from my last holiday (to remind me there are more destinations awaiting), lip-gloss, business cards, credit cards and snacks for desperate times.

Do you have any advice for someone starting out in your creative profession?

Research and understand your area of interest, send strong but brief introductory letters to people who are in a position to help. Maintain a good work ethic and keep yourself open to opportunities. Network and be kind to everyone. Above all, remain ethical and loyal.

What are some of your favorite places/books/blogs/websites for inspiration?

I adore photography and fashion, however cookbooks and food sites are my guilty pleasure. I do my best planning/thinking while preparing meals. And who isn’t inspired after a savory meal? Favorite cookbooks: Comptoir Libanais, Ballaboosta, Zahav, Jerusalem, Genius Recipes, My Paris Kitchen, The book of New Israeli Food. Sites: amychaplin.com, 101cookbooks.com, food52.com, smittenkitchen.com, instagram, pinterest to name a few.

What would be your DREAM ASSIGNMENT?

I am absolutely living my dream assignment today and every day since launching Anchor Artists.

Who are the people that have been instrumental in your success as a creative professional?

I have been very fortunate to have incredible mentors who challenged and helped nurture my growth. However, my artists and director (Jen Walsh) have been instrumental in my present success. They risked their livelihood and believed in my vision. If not for them, Anchor would not be here today.

What would be your last supper?

No last meal would be complete without family and close friends. We would begin the evening with rosemary pear martini’s and dine on aged rib-eye steak, perfectly grilled by my vegetarian husband. The meal would also consist of Mediterranean style sides cooked by our dear friend Amir. I would also probably indulge in anything from Taim (my favorite falafel takeout in New York) or Sofra Bakery in Cambridge.

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Full Name: Maren Rossman

Profession: Owner, Anchor Artists

Industry: Photo Support Services

Website: anchorartists.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnchorArtists/

Instagram: @anchorartists

Twitter: @anchorartists

LinkedIn: Maren Rossman

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FEATURING: Joshua Greene

What do the words "Creative Community" bring to mind for you? How do you feel is the best way to utilize members in a Creative Community?

Many of my friends are architects and designers. Some are older and very successful while others are building their businesses like I am. What I have noticed is that everyone has the same problems, at least in my industry. Problems with vendors, delicate situations with clients - everyone has dealt with similar issues at some point in their career. And they still do! This builds camaraderie and support.

How did you discover your creativity?

It's always been there. But the biggest challenge I faced was figuring out that I could do it as a career when I was in my mid Twenties. I wish I had figured that out in high school and gone to architecture or design school. I started out in the fashion industry, which I loved because it was also creative. So I still started in a creative place, it just took a few years to get in to the right industry.

Name the biggest challenge you have had in your career to date. How did you solve it?

The biggest challenge was gathering the courage to start my own firm. I solved it by getting as much top notch experience as I could and doing freelance projects on the side because it was important that I start my own firm with a body of work that was entirely my own. I also found the right business partner, which was a surprise and a huge gift. It made taking the plunge much less scary.

What was your first “Big Break” in your profession?

To save money, we started working out of my apartment. On the first day, we had all these IT issues - our computers wouldn't work, the internet kept going down. It was a mess and my business partner started to cry. We thought, "what did we do?!" Then on the second day in business, we got a phone call that we were being hired to design a ground-up house in the Hamptons. To get the call on the second day was definitely our big break. Some months later, Architectural Digest told us they were going to feature us in their prestigious, "Ones To Watch" story which comes out every other year. We were beyond thrilled and grateful.

What would be your DREAM ASSIGNMENT?

I love Japan. The design, colors, textures and spirit of the way they live is completely inspiring. My dream assignment would be to design a house or apartment in Tokyo. Or Paris!

Who are the people that have been instrumental in your success as a creative professional?

Firstly, my business partner, Katrina Hernandez. What we've accomplished as a team these last two years wouldn't be possible without her creative and business collaboration. Other influential people include my former bosses: David Mann of MR Architecture + Decor; the talented people at Ralph Lauren who taught me the foundation for project management, styling and luxury: Alfredo Paredes, Dennis Adler, Stacy Garrett, Cristina Sonneman and Perry Smith; the incredibly talented designer and businessman Michael Smith; and John Berson and Brian Sawyer of Sawyer Berson who are both brilliant. Not to mention all the colleagues and friends I've collaborated with over the years.

What would be your last supper?

As my dear friend William Clukies would say about me: a cheeseburger or fish tacos.

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Full Name: Joshua Greene

Profession: Interior Designer

Industry: Interior Design, Architecture

Website: www.hernandezgreene.com

Facebook: Hernandez Greene

Instagram: @hernandezgreene

Twitter: @greenehernandez

LinkedIn: Joshua Greene

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FEATURING: Greg Sorenson

What do the words "Creative Community" bring to mind for you? How do you feel is the best way to utilize members in a Creative Community?

The creative community to me is a constantly moving thing. Every day we find ourselves in new and creative challenges. On different shoots and assignments with an ever changing cast of creatives is what drives what I do.

How did you discover your creativity?

Creativity has been with me my entire life, since I was a child I loved to draw and paint and create. Even in high school I would eat my lunch in the art room so I could maximize my creative time. I later rebelled and tried to be an academic in college to prove a point I guess, but I eventually came to the conclusion that at the end of the day the most important thing to me was to be creative.

Name the biggest challenge you have had in your career to date. How did you solve it?

I suppose the biggest challenge has been to accept who I am and how I create. I has taken a long time but I know now that I am completely confident in my abilities and my eye and that I can walk into any situation be it challenging or familiar and come away with a good outcome.

What was your first “Big Break” in your profession?

There were many big breaks I suppose. You keep chasing the next thing and that is what keeps driving me.

What's in your backpack/handbag/tote right now?

I love bags. Period. I have a problem. I change my bag based on my mood and my needs. I have bags from companies like Filson, Fjallraven, and M. Carter and a bunch of others.

Do you have any advice for someone starting out in your creative profession?

If it's what you want to do then nothing will stop you, but you've got to be all in.

What are some of your favorite places/books/blogs/websites for inspiration?

I look at the art world for inspiration. I love painting and painters, I draw a lot from there and from them. People like Edward Hopper, Jean Michel Basquiat, and Alex Katz come to mind. Also, just the real world, someone well dressed and owning it.

What would be your DREAM ASSIGNMENT?

Well my dream assignment is the one where you have the perfect team, great people working together to achieve a vision and having a smile on our faces while doing it.

Who are the people that have been instrumental in your success as a creative professional?

I'd never be anywhere without the support I have received from my agent Kate Ryan and the great people I have work with at the agency over the years. And also the creative directors, art directors, stylists and artists I have been lucky enough to form close relationships over the years. In particular, Ursula Lake, a great friend and super talented stylist and editor I have worked with for year. She has more energy than two people combined and she never ceases to

What would be your last supper?

Roast chicken, french fries, and a great bottle of wine.

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Full Name: Greg Sorensen

Profession: Photographer and Director

Industry: Photography, Fashion

Website: www.kateryaninc.com www.gregsorensenphoto.com

Instagram: @gregsorensen

Twitter: @sorensen_greg

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Please contact member directly for information about production, permission and usage. 
All images are copyrighted.

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