We were lucky to catch up with Fontaine Foxworth recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Fontaine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?
As a freelance creative director in the model and photography industry, profitability is one of the biggest challenges as a company that curates original conceptual photoshoot networking events. Producing an event in itself is very costly, let alone funding custom set design, wardrobe, MUA service, and a photo studio venue.
My niche is even more of a risk because oftentimes creatives seek to be paid to create imagery, and not the other way around. When I plan a shoot, I usually spend a lot of out of pocket funds to create something completely unique. Because it can be difficult to make sales when creatives (models & photographers) can participate in what is called a TFP (Trade for Print,) I often either break even, or lose money. Other businesses in my network offer less curated originality for a higher price, which gives the structure of my business a run for the money. It can be quite difficult to operate in a competitive environment, and if anything, what I do becomes a battle between profit and passion. Our strategy is to pivot toward marketing to companies and individuals looking to rebrand, and photographers looking to revamp their portfolios.
Fontaine , 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?
I am an independent model turned Creative Director, Set Designer, and Stylist. Making the transition from in front of the camera to behind it was a no brainer for me as visual creative and film school grad.
My company, Kickback Standout is a themed photoshoot portfolio building company & creative networking platform offering one-stop-shop creative services such as fully curated photoshoots, including set design, makeup, wardrobe styling, Powershoot events, industry mixers, pop up photo installations and more!
Our unique brand helps our clients build their portfolios and expand their creative networks, in order to flourish in their careers and gain lucrative opportunities. KBST offers one of kind exclusive photoshoot experiences that truly elevates our clients body of work. Our past clients have landed paid work and other opportunities with photos from our events and worthwhile connections with creators in our community. We are also contracted as the design team for events such as Sony’s Annual Rooftop creative mixers in NYC with Focus Camera.
What sets us apart from other collaboration photoshoot meet up brands, is that everything we create are 100% original concepts, from lighting and set design, to makeup and wardrobe styling. We are not a cookie cutter brand. We provide services that truly stand out!
My team, lighting director and photographer Lam Lai @Nowyouseemenyc, and my right hand woman, production manager and photographer, Jewelz @eyebehinddalenz labor in passion to provide the best possible experience for our clients.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
I think a lot of non-creatives wonder why we stay committed to pursuing something that doesn’t guarantee sustainability, recognition, or financial gain. I often hear the sentiment, “if it doesn’t make money, it doesn’t make sense.” The thing is, sometimes one’s dreams don’t make sense. An artist’s job is to create! Many of us creatives are driven by passion, purpose, and an unseen faith and an unwavering inexplicable belief that we can achieve things greater than ourselves. There is a saying that you must know your greatness before anyone else can. Jay-Z once said, “All I got is dreams. No one else believes. Nobody else can see. Nobody else but me.”
The most incredible feats have been achieved by people who persevered beyond the doubts of naysayers who didn’t believe in their dreams. I am a firm believer that failure only happens when you give up, and for a true creative, that is unfathomable.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
When I first started this brand, one of my key motivations was to foster unity consciousness as a core pillar of our business model. Establishing a brick and motor studio and production house to support up and coming creatives is a driving force to keep building, persevering, and becoming an invaluable staple in our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kickbackstandoutph.wixsite.com/website?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaagWob4a1e0FO4fZ7ua8zNJbaqnbgQTu35E7Gxy7S3swpV1Ql7CZg08GAM_aem_wa_B_u0mWlHo629IhAlcng
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/kickbackstandout
Image Credits
Photo 1 of Kickback Standout Creative Director and Founder, Fontaine Foxworth by @rezamirjaliliphoto
Photo 2 KBST Lighting Director & Photographer Lam Lai @Nowyouseemenyc
Photo 3 KBST Production Lead & Photographer, Jewelz @eyebehinddalenz
Photo 4 Group Photo at our Cowboy Carter Editorial Photoshoot
Photo 5 Kickback Standout MUA, Toni @Tutorialtoni applying makeup on a featured model at our Fancy Vagabond Open Studio and Photowalk
Group Photo at our Valentine’s Day Event by @eyebehinddalenz
Group Photo at our Fairy Cosplay Event By @danthony_photography
BTS of our Creative Director styling a model, photo by @Puredisobedience
Model, Sarah Ocul @Sarahocul_ at our Cowboy Carter Event, photo by @Nycdiaz_01 Styled by @Fontainefelishafoxworth