We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Savion Perkins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Savion below.
Alright, Savion thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I’ve always known since I was a child that I wanted to pursue something creative, or artistic in nature professionally. As I was growing up, I was always very interested in video games and technology. I also loved cartoons, movies, and just visual media in general. I remember playing the Nintendo 64, using a Joystick, getting my first Xbox, and GameCube, etc. As I grew older and became more aware of the options available to me, that led me to computers, and somehow by the grace of God, I just ended up having a knack for editing images. I would use this website called Picnik and I would edit my pictures and my friends. I was obsessed with it naturally, and it never felt like work. During my time in middle school, by this point, I felt the pressure to begin to pick a career. As I did more research, I came into Graphic Design, and that seemed to be the more formal career path I should pursue. I never considered Photography as a career at this point as cellphones and cameras existed but were also in transition of becoming better. As my knack for editing images began to evolve over time and Picnik eventually went away, I was forced to start creating my own digital media. I did that through learning new programs such as Gimp and eventually Photoshop. Some of my earlier digital media is very inspired by this game I used to play a lot with friends and leisurely; it was called Meez, and it helped a lot with me becoming proficient in Photoshop as someone who was 12 or 13 at the time. When I entered high school, my creations evolved, and I became hyper-focused on Graphic Design and becoming a Graphic Designer, still never considering Photography as a career path as by this point, you could say I abandoned editing photographs; I was purely creating Graphics on Photoshop by this point. As I geared up for college, I was so excited to be around individuals who shared my creative ambitions in an academic setting, which is something I feel lacked in my more formative years. As I progressed in school, I began to lose the passion I had grown for Graphic Design over the years due to pressure to conform to certain rules and standards that present themselves in creative fields, namely Graphic Design. Although I loved Graphic Design and still do, I felt once I learned the ins and outs of how the industry truly works, I felt like it truly was stifling my creativity. On a whim, I took a Photography course in college with no DSLR camera in sight, and I truly had to make things work during that semester and time in college, and that was when my passion for Photography was re-ignited and elevated. My Professor for that course ended up being like a mentor for me, and she affirmed something in me that I feel I just never accepted within myself. She knew I was passionate about Photography, given that I’d ended up taking more and more courses to refine my skills. She truly is an inspiration for why I take my Photography so seriously now, and I am eternally in reverence for the wisdom she has given me.
Savion, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Savion Perkins. I am 26 years old and I am from Austin, TX. I am a Fine Art Photographer and Digital Artist. As a child, I was drawn to creative and artistic pursuits, with a particular interest in video games, technology, and visual media. This fascination continued into my adolescent years, during which I developed a strong affinity for editing images. Initially, I used online platforms such as Picnik to edit photographs, which I found both enjoyable and rewarding. As I progressed through middle school, I began to research potential career paths and discovered Graphic Design, which seemed to be a natural fit for my skills and interests. Although I was familiar with photography, I did not initially consider it as a career option, as the technology was still evolving. However, my passion for image editing continued to grow, and I began to explore new software, including GIMP and Adobe Photoshop. One of my earliest inspirations was the online game Meez, which I played frequently with friends. This experience helped me develop my skills in Photoshop and laid the foundation for my future work. As I entered high school, my focus shifted to Graphic Design, and I became increasingly proficient in creating visual graphics using Photoshop. While I had previously experimented with editing photographs, I now focused on developing my skills in Graphic Design, and photography was not a primary consideration. As I progressed through college, my passion for Graphic Design began to wane. I found that the formal standards and technical requirements of the field stifled my creativity, making me feel like I was losing control over my artistic expression. This realization prompted me to reassess my interests and explore alternative creative outlets. I decided to take a Photography course, despite not having a camera at the time, and it proved to be a pivotal decision. The Photography course not only reignited my passion for visual art but also introduced me to a supportive and guiding mentor, my professor. Her wisdom and encouragement helped me understand that photography could be a viable career path and that my unique artistic voice was valuable. Her influence was instrumental in shaping my journey, and I am deeply grateful for the guidance she provided me during a very desolate time in my life. As a photographer, I aim to provide individuals with a unique opportunity to be their authentic selves, unencumbered by the constraints of the physical world. Through my lens, I strive to transcend the ordinary and capture moments that are both timeless and ephemeral. What sets me apart is my firm conviction that art serves as a bridge between the spiritual and the physical realms, and I believe that my photographs demonstrate this connection. I am proud to have the privilege of creating art that inspires and connects with others who share my passion for the medium. My goal is to use photography as a means of bridging the gap between individuals and fostering a sense of community through the shared experience of art. Ultimately, I hope that my work conveys the importance of following one’s passion and staying committed to one’s goals, even in the face of adversity. By doing so, I believe that individuals can unlock their full potential and achieve their aspirations.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A valuable lesson I had to unlearn so I could relearn is that not everyone needs to appreciate or even like my art. It is important to recognize that not everyone will be as deeply moved or influenced by my work as I intend. I had to recognize that my creative process is primarily for my own enjoyment and fulfillment, not for the sake of others. When creating art about someone or something else, it can be easy to feel as though you are losing touch with the subject matter. However, this is not the case. While my photography may not explicitly feature me, it is still evident that the images are taken by me. No one else possesses my unique perception and signature, and the images capture a moment in time that is distinct from anyone else’s. Over time, I have come to understand that the power of photography lies in its ability to evoke specific emotions and create lasting impressions. The more time I spend with an image, the more it reinterprets itself and adapts to different contexts. The tone of the feeling can change, and the concept may resonate more or less strongly over time. The ability of images to evoke diverse emotions and experiences throughout life is the essence of photography. I am grateful for the continuous learning and unlearning that accompany my artistic journey. Each new experience and discovery adds depth and richness to my understanding of photography.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most gratifying aspect of being an artist is the liberating freedom it entails. The boundless potential it holds. The transformative power of art in guiding individuals through various phases of their lives, its evolution and elevation over time. Its ability to shape, influence, and impact culture. My particular fascination lies in the captivating nature of mystery and its seamless integration into art through symbolism, narrative, and visual communication. A notable example of this is the surrealist artist René Magritte’s work, who I feel effectively conveys this concept.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: noivas.lp
Image Credits
First Image: (Athlete/Model) Brian
Second Image: (Artist/Painter) Barby
Third Image: (Model) Harry
Fourth Image: (Model) Lauren
Fifth Image: (Model) Quentin