Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Assane Sy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Assane, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

Ideas come to my mind at any moment. It can hit me while I am in an empty environment or while I am with my friends. Whenever I do have something in mind that I want to create:

I write it down first in my note.
Sleep on it and execute the whole process mentally.
I have a team that I talk to, they are my close friends by the way. I tend to present them with my ideas, and they help by adding more ideas or suggesting something that matches with the concepts I come up.
I create a mood board that I usually share with my stylist and assistants.
Based on the mood board, we select the model (s) that we think, will fit the aesthetic.
I give myself a deadline to execute the projects, thus I can scout a location, and figure out a time and the people that I want to include in the project (designer, stylist, make-up artist or hair stylist if needed, photo assistant)

I execute most of my ideas. Second doubt is not in my mentality. As a creative person, I don’t believe in thinking so deeply on a project if you are a rising artist. It is always learning as you grow into your passion.

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?

Assane, raised in Senegal is a film photographer passionate about visual arts. His style crosses between Fine Art, Portraiture, and Abstract photography.

After capturing the essence of the streets of Senegal for a few years, he has now crossed over to the Brooklyn scene. He creates unique fashion projects that are inspired by African cinemas,
and elite Senegalese cinematographers like Ousmane Sembéne and Djibril Diop Mambéty.

Assane often dreamt about photography… and the diverse ways photographs are interpreted. He dreams of pushing the culture forward through his visual expressions and compositions, which is Fine Art Portraiture. My mission is to create unique images that are reflective of Blackness.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, firstly, it’s Freedom.

The freedom to turn your ideas into reality. What an artist loves the most is his freedom. As a creative, you allow yourself to go deep, expand your brain, and try things. I free my mind from other people’s creativity, especially those close to me.

Secondly, it’s a community.
Without my art, I couldn’t see myself connecting with so many people. My photography allows me to expand my network, and meet friends that feel my vibe and energy. I tend to connect with my subjects before working with them. Thus, the bond we create will reflect on the project’s final result.

Lastly, I am a co-founder of Jollof FIlms which is a non-profit organization that aims to hold space to celebrate Africa’s elite cinematographers. It is held every last Sunday of the month.
Also, I am a co-founder of Weshhh which is a creative collective composed of photographers, videographers, musicians, sound engineers, models, poets, fashion designers, stylists, creative directors, and a hair & makeup artist.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I met my co-founder a year ago through Instagram. He is a fashion model, a poet, and a creative director. I saw his profile and I see he is a Senegalese like me. I followed him on Instagram and message him directly in “Wolof” the same day.

We happen to connect and form a great bond. We have similar mindsets and goals.
Spiritually, we are well-bonded as well. Now, we co-create two organizations that bring the community together.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://assane-portfolio.glitch.me/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/assane_gaaye/