We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Arieas Woodard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Arieas , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

When I was in elementary school, I remember using up my parents disposable cameras taking photos of my dad’s cars. This was before the first iPhone, so our house was filled with photo books. On my 11th birthday, I was walking around my party taking pictures of everyone. I was extremely shy about it so I would do it discretely. It was almost like a secret. I didn’t know what photography meant, I didn’t even know what art was to mean. No designers or artist in my family.

Once I got in middle school, I began to learn about photography and other forms of creative expression and began to explore more.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a creative director, model, graphic designer, brand ambassador and athlete.

I think what sets me apart from others is my unorthodox approach to many things in my life. Since I didn’t go to university, I became a keen researcher, spending hours at the local Barnes & Nobles reading everything from economics 101 to basics of typography and photography.

I developed a skill to know what to look for. The research gave me more tools and arms to better express myself creatively in my own unique way.
I walk this earth with a magnifying glass. There’s no such thing as a creative block, you simply have to look whats in front of you.

I’m proud of my “Miles Ahead” project. It began a personal mantra. I like to use phrases to keep my mind on whatever goal or creative pathway I choose to explore.

When I say Miles Ahead, i think about how lucky I am to be here. Having the ability to run, bike, work, fall in love, make friendships, learn, fail, putting yourself and your art out into the world is a luxury.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

When you make something, you as the artist obviously think it’s amazing but when others, like complete strangers find meaning and attraction to your craft is a very sweet feeling. But you have to take the outer reactions at bay. Don’t get caught up in the likes and dislikes, your job as a creative to fully explore your creative gift the best way you know how.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I have this idea, inner voice that tells me that I haven’t tapped into my potential just yet. It’s like being an athlete; you want to see how far you can push the pace.

My goal in my athletic and creative journey to test my threshold. I’d hate to be 60 years and say “I could’ve done……”

No Wasted Potential is the phrase that drives me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ninefivve.com
• Instagram: @ninefivve
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/arieaskworks997

Image Credits
Photographers: Alexandra Sapp (@alexandra.sapp) Joe Greer (@ioegreer)