We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Parker Korpak a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Parker thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?
When I was 20, I asked a friend to shoot some photos of me at a creek. I was just starting to publicly experiment with androgyny in my wardrobe, and I wanted pictures. I was a student studying business in the conservative south, and I was working up the confidence to show a new part of me to the world. The photos came out wonderfully, and I felt so confident. When I graduated school, I took a job far away from home in Michigan. I had to discover who I was again and redefine my identity. During this, I lost sight of this passion.
I always loved being around cameras, whether I was the one operating the camera or the subject facing the lens. I enjoyed filming videos and capturing still-photography portraits of people. I wanted to make them feel beautiful, and I longed for exploring beauty with a camera. Four years later, thanks to my hobby of collecting vintage clothing, I dove back into being the subject in front of the camera. I had acquired a unique vintage 80s green olive suit and a black v-neck ACT III jumpsuit, I decided that these pieces were to good to not be shot on a camera, so I asked a photographer friend to shoot pictures of me in the jumpsuit.
Timing-wise, I think it was the right time for me. It would have been nice to have started modeling as a kid, but truthfully, I was extremely picky about the clothing I would wear. I only wore matching sets & camouflage with red or blue crocs. At the time I didn’t realize how stylish that would be by today’s terms.. Nonetheless, I think a crucial part of being a model is adaptability, and that wasn’t something I had much practice in when I was younger. I needed the time to bake in the oven.
Parker, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
By day, I have a career job in a field completely unrelated to art or fashion, but during the evenings and weekends, I find the most fulfillment in modeling. I seek out modeling for creative concepts, walking the runway, and working with businesses and brands to bring their vision and products to life. Recently, I’ve taken up acting in videos as well.
I think my adaptability, look, and positive disposition sets me apart. I have a distinct day-to-day style and can model a variety of styles and looks; My work tends to blur the lines between masculine and feminine.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Currently, I am working to continue developing my portfolio, refine my skills as a model, and get signed with a modeling agency where I will get the opportunity to travel for work. My ideal vision is to be signed with an agency in New York City, and move there.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
On one part, I want to say seeing the photos come out and viewing them in print or on a big screen. However, I think the process and act of creating is much more fulfilling. In no other areas of my life do I tend to find myself truly engaging and being enamored with the work than when I’m planning it and on set doing it. I think the collaboration with others to fulfill a goal and vision is the most exciting part; When ideas transform and you get to play with them in real time – I think that’s the most interesting part about it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Parker.Korpak
Image Credits
Olivia Easterday (red dress & angel shoot), Kristen Gravlin (red coat), Rachel Vogtman (white collar), Julia Becker (red lips white pants), Joshua Johnson (yoga & green suit), and Leigh Ann Cobb (red & white jacket).