We recently connected with Rayhan Stapleton and have shared our conversation below.

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

As a creative, all your work will usually have meaning behind it. With meaningful projects come emotions and a story to tell. Finding people who relate to the stories or help your idea come to life can create long-term relationships and memories. Yes, the projects are tedious and sometimes challenging. Still, the final project and seeing how others interpret your work makes it worth it.

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?

My name is Rayhan Stapleton, and I am a college student majoring in biomedical engineering with a passion for healthcare, modeling, and photography. I got into modeling after realizing photos can tell a story. I used to edit videos in which I created my work wrapped around hard-hitting topics discussed in the community. Branching out, I picked up my first camera and started shooting in low-income areas. Seeing the beauty in areas others see as bad allows me to show others how interconnected we are as a society. Those who have met me could say my personality and visions are unique as I’m very detailed with my executions. I like to present fresh ideas that aren’t as popular on social media (especially for queer representation) and create and showcase myself and others in my community as products of our environment, that everything in my area isn’t destructive and there’s beauty everywhere.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being creative would be the relationships formed with each project developed. Creating projects takes a team, and you will get close to people as part of the journey. Seeing others support your craft has to be one of the most significant rewards a creative could receive. Seeing those impacted based on your work examples could be accepting their identity, finding self-love, and opening their minds to another point of view. It makes me feel that what I’m doing is impactful.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Two lessons I had to unlearn were about body image and limiting yourself when creating.

I grew up not accepting my body image and tried many ways to have the “ideal” body type. After my junior year, I practiced self-love techniques, the main one being not to compare myself to others, which allowed me to find my own path of discovery and to be my authentic self so opportunities and people would gravitate toward me.

The world of art is constantly changing. We grew up in an environment where everything was similar and cookie-cutter; however, now, tons of stereotypes are being broken to show that there shouldn’t be a constraint or limit to being creative. I always thought I needed to post or act like everyone else and have the same story as everyone else. Growing up, I realized that everyone has a different story to express, and with mine, I want to add a hint of realism and authenticity.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayhanstapleton/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayhan-stapleton-19006b28b/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/RayhanStapleton

Image Credits
@chuckrare @iamcurtisbryant @justatypicaldre @qualitylenz @daniellaalmona @itsgroovy_ @joshgotacanon