We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amadou Kante. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amadou below.
Amadou, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
In an era where print media is often considered a relic of the past, launching Interpubliq Photo Magazine was a significant risk. The prevailing sentiment is that print is dead, and digital media reigns supreme. However, I saw an opportunity to challenge this notion and revive the tactile experience of a print magazine for the photography community.
The risk was substantial. Investing time, resources, and creativity into a print publication in a digital age seemed counterintuitive. Yet, I believed in the unique value that a physical magazine could offer—something tangible that photographers and enthusiasts could hold, collect, and cherish.
Despite the dominance of digital platforms, we leveraged the advantage of online visibility to complement our print edition. Our goal at Interpubliq is to reignite the passion for print within the photography community, creating a demand for beautifully crafted, high-quality magazines. It’s about blending the best of both worlds—offering an online presence while championing the timeless appeal of print.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
From a young age, I was captivated by the cinematography of French film noir. However, my true passion for photography blossomed years later when a good friend gifted me a manual Argus Cosina 35mm camera. This sparked a journey that led me to pursue Business and Marketing courses in college. Despite my academic path, I always knew that my heart belonged to the creative world of visual arts.
After moving to LA, making a living solely through photography proved challenging. I fell back on my marketing education and secured a job at a marketing agency. This experience was invaluable, as it taught me how marketing and visual art can complement each other, enhancing my creative endeavors.
Driven by my love for photography, I founded Interpubliq. Today, I wear many hats—curator, editor, creative director, and more. Interpubliq is a labor of love, born from a deep-seated passion for visual storytelling.
Interpubliq Brand Identity and Core Values
Interpubliq stands out by focusing on visual storytelling that evokes emotions and inspires its audience. We celebrate diverse perspectives and unique stories from around the world, staying true to the experiences behind each photograph, regardless of race, gender, or place of origin. Our brand encourages artistic expression and continuously pushes the boundaries of traditional photography, exploring new ways to present and share visual stories.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
The moment I had to pivot my career came during the Covid pandemic. I was working from home, running ads, feeling overwhelmed, and stressed out. Each night, I would escape the confines of my home to drive through the empty streets of Los Angeles, capturing the eerie beauty of the deserted city with my camera. These solitary drives became a sanctuary, a way to reconnect with my passion for photography amidst the chaos.
In those quiet moments, I found myself reflecting deeply on my life. I wondered, “What if I leave this world without ever doing something I’m truly passionate about?” The uncertainty of the pandemic made everything feel fragile and fleeting. It was a stark reminder that nothing was guaranteed, and it pushed me to reevaluate my priorities. The stillness of the empty streets mirrored the introspection I was experiencing, and I realized that I needed to make a change.
Amid the scarcity and fear of those times, I realized that I needed to make a change. I decided to pivot my career and pour all my effort and creativity into something that truly mattered to me—creating and running a photography magazine. This decision was driven by a profound desire to accomplish something meaningful and to follow my passion for visual storytelling. It was a leap of faith, but one that felt necessary for my personal and professional fulfillment.
Currently, I’m focusing on an exciting project for the Inglewood Photo Festival, scheduled for May 2025. As the founder and president of the festival, this endeavor is a collaboration with the Fahey/Klein Gallery and the Art Center of Los Angeles. It’s a testament to my love for the art of photography and my dedication to creating meaningful visual stories. The festival will be a celebration of diverse perspectives and unique narratives, showcasing the power of photography to connect and inspire.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
I invested all my savings into the magazine, dedicating countless hours and significant capital to bring it to life. This path was a conscious choice, driven by my commitment to achieving my goals and my passion for photography.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges—exposure and sales remain my biggest hurdles. However, I am confident that with perseverance and dedication, everything will turn out alright.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://interpubliq.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/interpubliqmag
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Interpubliq
- Twitter: https://x.com/interpubliq
Image Credits
Taken by Nick Fahey at Fahey/Klein Gallery