We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tiana Jackson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tiana, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
To start, my mission is love, connection, and expression. To live art and to invite art into the lives of others. And, it all started in my head to be completely honest. For a very long time, my mind was a place of discomfort and confusion for me. I found that peace came with creation, even in the slightest of ways. Getting my hands moving, whether it be writing, drawing, or taking photos made me feel safe, and love poured out of me when I did it. Personally, when I find something that opens my heart, I seek it out by all means. Eventually, creating art was less of the goal and letting my life be the art, became it. Love, connection, and expression came from the process of internal freedom and self-exploration and it has allowed me so many opportunities to create daily.
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 Tiana Lanai and I’m a photographer + model from Chicago, IL. I came to California to pursue my education, but I’ve found that I’ve learned lessons that extend beyond a classroom through my creative pursuits. I like to believe that photography found me! I’ve always been so amused by the capturing of moments, self, and others through photography. I see this in the slightest ways throughout my story. Whether it be the flip phones I had growing up or my Ipod, I was always taking photos. I’m so proud of my journey as an artist. I’ve spent a lot of time honing my skills, exploring possibilities, and freeing myself from any and all boundaries. As a creative, I am multidisciplinary, and my crafts hold beautiful intersections/discoveries. To put it plainly, my services are magic. From engagement with clients to the beautiful outcomes, everything about the process of creating with me is a lightshow, magic. In my line of work, I make it a point to craft an atmosphere that is full of love and highlights the beauty of the world, of us as people. My main mode is portrait photography, and I enjoy working with people who want to explore themselves and their capabilities! This all applies so directly to my modeling as well. As I begin this journey as a model, I am constantly reminded by the person that I am behind the camera to find safety and security in the process. I look forward to learning, exploring, and doing so many more things. If you didn’t know me before and/or if the things I embody light you up inside, I encourage you to stay tuned with me on this journey of shining bright.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Honestly, running my business hasn’t been a walk in the park. I started my photography journey as a sophomore in high school, and at the time I was just exploring the possibilities of my creativity. It all came so naturally to me to be honest! As I put myself out there and continued doing what I love, organically, I gained attention from potential clients. At the time, I didn’t know a thing about running a business or working with people who weren’t my friends. I struggled with the complexities of creating for money, and honestly I still do now. I didn’t know how to position myself as a businesswoman. I struggled establishing the flow required for working with clients, and I constantly grappled with finding time to create for myself. With people telling me creating for free was a waste of time, I lost touch with the part of me that started it all. My pivot has been centered around re-centering myself in it all. My clientele, what others had to say, and finding a balance burdened me, so I shifted my focus and slowed everything down. Now, I always give myself the space to step away when necessary and figure things out. All because I’m still learning and growing. I am blessed to have the luxury of time, patience, and discovery.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Whew, I feel like there are so many beautiful things that come with being an artist. Through it all though, I’d definitely have to say the most rewarding aspect has been the evolution of self through connection and creation with others. I am always so honored to show people the way I view them and their energy. I truly value cultivating a story with my clients that we can share together. The fact that people turn to me and my talents with intentions of bringing their ideas to life, lightens my heart up. It always fills me with love and acts as a reminder for all that is the beauty of creating. Through my photography, I have been able to discover the passion I have inside of myself for other creative endeavors like modeling, poetry, digital art, crocheting, and drawing. The beautiful thing about being an artist is that there is no beginning or end. Honestly, there is no standard that truly matters beyond my own. Don’t get me wrong, this, of course, varies when providing services. However, my clients choose me because they trust and value my point of view. This understanding has transferred into my way of living as well. I have established an internal understanding that embodies the full scope of trust, love, and value I have in myself. It’s so rewarding the transformational process art brings about from within!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @_Tshoota & @Tianalanai_
Image Credits
Chris Ticas – for the image identifying me!