GET TO KNOW THE MULTIFACETED, CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHER, DAVID JAELIN
TALENT, ART DIRECTION, PHOTO EDITS BY DAVID JAELIN ★ PHOTOS BY CAIRO ★ WARDROBE STYLING BY GREG EMMANUEL ★ INTERVIEW BY FATIMA TURAY
Going through the different images of David’s work takes you on a ride that has you venturing to different worlds, all set way in the future. Meticulously detailed graphics, while paired with stunning subjects that complement David’s grand vision, his work simply put is breathtaking. Anything that makes the eye marvel, is more than just eye candy: that’s real art.
From the ethereal, galactic-esque portraits, to the fashionably innovative editorial shoots that leave you wondering “how sway?” Not to mention working with recording artist Doechii on “The Scarlet Tour” to close out 2023, David is constantly moving and shaking. An extremely well rounded, definitely not one dimensional artist that has the sole ability to Picasso the hell out of something; and I had the honor of perusing his mind! Only thing that could have made it even better if it came with a VR headset!!
Fatima: When was that pivotal moment in your life when you chose to dedicate your time and energy towards pursuing your craft?
David: It’s funny, there wasn’t really any one specific moment. I didn’t even find the camera, it found me. When I was 15, I had to take an art class in my high school to graduate. I just picked photography because it seemed easy and I had no intention of taking it seriously at the time. I’ve always loved films and video games; and photography gave me an outlet to create still versions of worlds that I would have wanted to see in a game or movie. I can’t really explain it, but in the moments of executing all of those ideas at a young age, I just knew that I didn’t want to stop.
How has it been navigating different trials of being an independent creative?
It’s different every day. I’ve been an independent artist since I was 15 and some days are easier than others. It takes a lot of mental strength to be here. There are those days where you feel on top of the world, and you have all these ideas flowing, you’re ready to go. Then, some days you won’t feel inspired, or you’ll feel like everything you’re making is subpar. There’s a lot of navigating through different types of egos and temperaments as well. So it’s definitely about finding your balance and staying grounded when those elements start to bother you. Creating for yourself is important too and not only creating when it’s for someone else.
Can you name 3 artists/ entertainers/ or creatives that you have always admired.
Hayao Miyazaki, David LaChapelle, Hype Williams
What is it that makes you continue to commit to your grind?
The perpetual need to outdo myself. I always want the next project I create to be noticeably bigger and more improved than the last one.
Where would you want to be in the next decade?
I definitely want to be shooting and directing more films and music visuals. I’m in the process of writing a few concepts now and I’ll be releasing them throughout this next year.
Your Instagram bio says artist, but what does the title really mean to you?
If you have ever willingly sacrificed part of yourself or your comfort for the growth of your craft; and I mean, empty bank account, going to bed hungry, couch surfing, whatever that means for you… If you have ever chosen to have less because you want to see your art have more, that is an artist to me.
Name 3 films that you wish you could have worked on creatively.
Batman: The Dark Knight, Suckerpunch, Fight Club
As a creative that uses graphics to create wardrobe, do you think that is shifting the way editorial photography is perceived?
I think so, in a positive way. I think that creates more space for photographers and graphic artists to really add their own unique signature to the look or idea. I know for me, someone who is inspired by science fiction, incorporating graphics allows me to fully tell the story that I’m going for, with the editorial; At least the way I would want to tell it.
In these times of nostalgic living, for instance, currently everything Y2K is in: do you think originality is a thing of the past?
I wouldn’t say that originality is a thing of the past; but it is becoming more difficult to find. The nostalgic trend has been going for some years now; to the point where artists are just recycling similar concepts, but putting their name on it. It’s been a while since we’ve seen an image that was particularly unique or shocking. Even when I see moldboards for projects that I’m working on; I’m always seeing the same reference images shared over and over. You can have references and still be original; you just have to add your own flare to it.
What is it about your craft that keeps you inspired to commit to it?
I love being able to see my version of this world brought into reality. Which is why I’m really excited to tap more into directing because I feel like that will really showcase my creative mind more so than photography does.
How do you realistically view competition when it comes to what you do? Do you think everyone really is in a league of their own or is that just a bluff?
There is definitely competition within this industry; both spoken and unspoken. But that doesn’t necessarily mean anything particularly negative. Within every industry, be it fashion, technology, or even fast food; there’s a level of competitive energy. But each company is still able to exist and thrive without worrying about what the competition next to them is doing. It’s the same with artists; we may have similar audiences or styles, but there’s so much work available in different avenues that everyone can have something of their own.
Here’s a silly question, what era are you in right now and why?
I’m in my Fallen Angel era. If you know, you know.
Make it stand out
Do you usually make your content with friends or do you source models from elsewhere?
I create my art with other like minded creatives, models, designers and music artists. It’s a combination of people approaching me when they need a certain concept executed, and me reaching out to others if I need something specific for a project. I don’t really like referring to my work as content.
What is your distinction between what makes someone a real photographer, or overall someone who takes their craft seriously?
I don’t think it’s really my place to determine what a real photographer is. But to anyone aspiring to be in this world, I would ask; If there was no money in this, or opportunities to work with people who have large platforms, would you still pull out your camera and shoot? If your answer is an honest yes, then you really love the craft.
Why NYC?
I’m someone who needs constant stimulation and changes of pace to stay inspired or interested. I love NYC because this city is a never ending itinerary of places to go for new experiences. Everytime I leave my home, I stumble across something in the city that inspires elements of my next project.
I remember my first year in NYC being a trial and error situation: what was it like your first year living in the city?
I’m originally from Michigan and I chose to leave because I felt like creatively, I reached my limit as far as places to grow. I learned everything that I know about my craft from my years of working throughout Detroit. My first year in NYC was a mixture of highs and lows; all of the challenges that come with getting your footing in a city like this. But I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by loved ones who continue to keep me grounded and motivated to keep pushing during times that I wanted to quit.
Would you say that you being a Sagittarius as well as being a creative director/photographer is coincidence?
I don’t think so. I’m not sure what one has to do with the other… So, I'm going to say no? *laughs*
Is this what you always wanted to do when you were a kid, and if not what was your dream job?
I actually wanted to pursue acting when I was younger, along with screenwriting and directing. So no, not completely, but definitely some parts of what I do now correlate with what I wanted to do as a kid.
Existing as a young black man has many trials, but what do you say is the best part about the experience?
The older I get the more I realize that being a black man means that I’m resilient enough to withstand any and all negativity or bulls*** that is thrown at me. That’s a pretty major part I would say.
