We recently connected with Dylan Newton and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dylan, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

In February of this year, I had an amazing opportunity to fly out to New York City and visit my best friend and creative partner, Hannah Brower. Whenever we reunite, we become an unstoppable force of nature, fueling each other’s creativity. That’s why I try to make this trip at least once a year. Weeks before I arrive in New York, we would meticulously plan and craft our ideas. Our collaboration blends Hannah’s passion for editorial fashion with my love for cyberpunk and futurism. When it comes to shooting, we share an uncanny ability to understand and communicate with each other, ensuring that we capture the perfect shots.

During this trip, we teamed up with the talented designer, Javier Tabarés, who generously allowed us to use his incredible pieces for our photo shoots. We also had the pleasure of working with Bianca Nguyen, a remarkable model and creative. Our adventure began in the bustling Times Square, where finding a suitable location amidst the throngs of people proved to be a daunting task. Directing a photo shoot in such a chaotic environment was challenging. The noise, smells, and my anxiety levels skyrocketed. However, once we found our rhythm and positioned ourselves, we commenced shooting. Steam rose from the manholes, ads illuminated the surroundings, and a light misty rain added a touch of ambiance. These atmospheric conditions were perfect for our cyberpunk-themed shoot. After an hour and a half of capturing stunning images, we celebrated our success with sushi and cocktails at a speakeasy in the East Village.

Later that week, Hannah and I took a train to Bridgeport, Connecticut to meet our friend Emily Swift. Emily, an incredible artist, operates her film lab in a historic 1800s manufacturing factory. I exclusively entrust Emily with the development and scanning of my film due to her passion, expertise, and meticulous attention to detail. Whenever I’m in New York, I make it a point to visit Emily, allowing us to schedule an extensive photo session. Our day was dedicated to photographing Hannah in Javier’s designs, experimenting with various lighting techniques, backdrops, and concepts. By the end of the shoot, we were utterly exhausted, having spent six straight hours capturing stunning photos of Hannah. We indulged in delicious fried chicken sandwiches before I dropped off my ten to fifteen rolls of film at Emily’s lab. We then hastily packed our belongings and raced to catch our train back to Grand Central.

This project holds immense significance to me as it revolves around these extraordinary friends and artists who mean the world to me. In moments of reflection, I realize that these memories will accompany me throughout my life, and the plethora of photos we captured will forever serve as a reminder of our shared experiences. These moments make my life truly remarkable, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to live it to the fullest.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Dylan Newton, a Texan artist born and raised in Beaumont in 1995. Growing up, I was surrounded by my father’s guitar-making and tinkering, which fueled my love for building and creativity. It wasn’t until I was studying for my B.B.A. in marketing at Lamar University that my fascination with portrait photography took hold. It was a Christmas gift from my father—a 35mm film camera—that truly sparked my passion for the craft.

During my time at university, I had the opportunity to watch films like Ghost in the Shell and Bladerunner as part of a philosophy class. Their neon aesthetics and thought-provoking exploration of transhumanism in a dystopian society deeply resonated with me. I was captivated by the blending of futuristic elements with philosophical concepts, and I knew I had found my artistic muse.

After completing my degree, I immersed myself even further into my photographic practice and my love for cyberpunk. I began constructing futuristic props and masks, transforming ordinary individuals into characters that seemingly exist within a grim and mesmerizing dystopian future. The bustling city streets of Houston, Dallas, Austin, and New York City served as the perfect backdrop for my visionary creations. My photos strive to strike a delicate balance between alluring aesthetics and a sense of danger, capturing the stylistic glamour of the future while also delving into its darker themes.

To breathe life into my imagery, I also delve into storytelling. I write short stories that build my own cyberpunk universe, each character I photograph having their own unique story within this captivating world. It adds depth and context to my visuals, giving viewers a glimpse into the lives and struggles of these enigmatic figures.

While pursuing my artistic passions, I also work as a digital production designer for a marketing agency in Austin, Texas. It allows me to further explore my creative skills and contribute to the visual landscape in various domains.

In June 2022, I had the honor of showcasing my artwork at the Superchief CYBERPUNK Volume 4 gallery in New York City, an experience that solidified my commitment to my craft. Additionally, I had the surreal experience of having my images displayed on the billboards of Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan—an achievement that still feels like a dream.

For me, it’s not just about taking captivating photos; it’s about immersing myself and others in a world where art, technology, and the human spirit intertwine. I invite you to join me on this visual journey, where the boundaries of reality blur, and the possibilities of our collective future unfold before our eyes. Welcome to the mesmerizing world of cyberpunk portrait photography.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I understand that the topic of NFTs can be polarizing, so I’ll share my personal experience with them. While I find it absurd that people are willing to spend thousands of dollars on a 2D portrait of a whimsical animal with a funny hat, I cannot ignore the positive impact entering the NFT space has had on my career. Allow me to explain.

For me, NFTs are just another avenue to sell and exhibit my art, similar to creating physical prints of my photographs. Thanks to the NFT space, I had the opportunity to showcase my work in a prestigious gallery in New York City, have my photos displayed on the billboards of Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan, and soon I’ll be exhibiting my art in Rome, Italy later this year. I hesitate to label myself as exclusively part of the NFT community; rather, I see myself as a member of a large artistic community that encompasses diverse mediums such as photography, painting, 3D rendering, and animation.

I acknowledge the frustrations and absurdities associated with NFTs, but I cannot deny the transformative effect they have had on my life as an artist. NFTs have provided me with unprecedented opportunities and a platform to share my creativity with a global audience.

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

Being an artist is a struggle in many ways. Avoiding burnout from creating art can be challenging, but there have been countless moments that reignited my passion for creativity. I’ve had friends approach me, saying, “Because of your love for photography, I’m inspired to take up photography as well.” This is one of the most uplifting forms of encouragement I could ever receive, reinforcing the impact my work has on others. It’s truly an honor that someone would want to pursue a craft because of something I’ve done.

Another immensely rewarding aspect is witnessing your art in different mediums. In 2021, as I prepared for my first gallery exhibition at the Jefferson Theater in Beaumont, Texas, I had to start printing my pieces. Opting for twenty-four by thirty-six pearlescent metallic paper, I aimed to enhance the neon colors and vibrant tones of my photos. When I collected the prints from the printers and unveiled the final product, I was overcome with awe. It felt as if I were seeing my own work for the first time, encountering a level of detail that was truly remarkable. This experience solidified the importance of artists physically printing their work.

Later that year, I traveled to New York City for an exhibition featuring some of my artwork. Since the theme revolved around digital cyberpunk art, the pieces were either projected onto a wall in a dimly lit room or displayed on digital screens. As I descended a spiral staircase on the ground floor, I turned to the right and came face-to-face with a wide-open giant metal bank vault door, inviting anyone to enter. Stepping into the dark and crowded bank vault, I noticed empty deposit boxes mounted on each wall. Illuminated solely by the projections of the displayed artwork at the far end, the atmosphere was surreal. After a few minutes of cycling through various art pieces, I witnessed my own name and photo illuminate the wall. It was an unforgettable moment, surrounded by people, seeing my work showcased in such a unique setting. The crowd inside the vault erupted in cheer as my friends and I celebrated. All of this serves to highlight the incredible encouragement that arises when witnessing one’s work in diverse settings and mediums beyond desktop or phone screens.     

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.picklefigphoto.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/picklefigphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010141594275
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-newton-104b4a162/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/picklefigphoto
• Foundation: https://foundation.app/@Picklefigphoto

Image Credits
Kylie, Dillion, Colby, Natasha, Vanesza, Bianca, Kristen, Hannah