Who Are You?

My name is Julian Ali and I am a 27-year-old creative in NYC. I have lived in Harlem for two years now, however I am originally from Norfolk, Virginia.

Sparing the details, my upbringing was atypical, but I do come from a creative family. Growing up I moved around a lot and attended 15 schools (between VA to Hawaii) before my HS freshman year. So, naturally overtime I learned to become extremely observant of people. This awareness has helped with how I communicate and navigate the world.

After graduating HS, I attended JMU for Fine Arts (Photo) and Media Arts & Design (Film) on a full-scholarship from the University’s Centennial Scholars Program. While being different was not new, I struggled to find my creative voice during undergrad. I instead spent a lot of time focusing on multiple creative projects – mastering none but experiencing so much. Whatever free time I had was spent traveling to NYC. Whether to take a gig, or just to escape for the weekend; every trip motivated me to become a creator in the city. However, as my luck would have it – my circumstances would limit me to moving to Washington DC after receiving my B.A.. However, It was in DC where I truly began to lean into my creativity. 

In reality, what that translated into was me leveraging whatever artistic skills I had in order to survive. So, working as a bartender and part-time creative, I made ends meet while trying to figure life out. This period of uncertainty inspired the work I’m currently doing & inevitably became the driving force that pushed me to NYC. 

In more ways than one photography has been the catalyst to many great things in my life. Whether it be the people I’ve connected with or the lessons that I have learned on my photographic journey, my work has become a huge part of my personal narrative. My ultimate dream is to create work that not just inspires but affirms for generations to come.

What inspired you to start creating art?

Genetics. Fortunately for me, I was born into an artistic family. Whether it was my grandmother’s calligraphic handwriting, my mother’s constant doodling, or my aunt’s mural painting - my family was definitely my original source of artisitic inspo. They showed me the importance of having an outlet that you could express yourself through when you words aren’t enough and as I get older the more I value that. 

What inspires your work now?

The current project I’m working on entitled ‘#BLACkkings’ is an archival photo series of (soon to be) 100 Black Men that I’ve spent nearly three years creating.

I have been motivated to create this body of work as I think it’s important for the world to see Black Men as the victors of their life story and nothing less. So far, I have been able to capture an intergenerational and intersectional cast of Black Men who are all in some way phenomenal. From taking photos of the older brother to the dearly departed Trayvon Martin, to the founder of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, and even someone who’s organized alongside MLKJ - everyone is in some way rewriting history with their Blackness. For this very reason, it's important that I show Black men not as monolithic but multifaceted. 

What mediums do you work in and experiment with?

While photography is what I have become known for, my love for art doesn’t stop there. As a freelancing artist, I’ve learned that it’s simply not enough to be good at one thing. So, I’ve found myself consistently working as a part-time graphic designer, creative-director, and even content-strategy on social. Before #BLACKkings, one of the biggest personal projects I had undertaken was co-directing/funding a music video for an artist that I inevitably ended up managing for a short stint. With no prior experience, I myself created digital assets and a promotional rollout that became the catalyst for the single and music video going viral internationally. It even sparked a #dancechallenge that was used in Taipei, China, and Paris. I’m currently working to expand my artistic story-telling in new and interesting ways including script-writing as well as the followup to my current photo project. 

Are there any particular brands of art/photography supplies you prefer using (if so why)?

I am a firm believer in creativity and vision always outweighing (having) the newest in technology, so I have learned to be resourceful in some senses artistically. The only camera brand that I’ve worked with since the very beginning of my photographic journey has been Nikon and that’s mainly because I’ve only had one camera within those ten years. For better and for worse, I have taken my time to learn my camera in and out through trial and error. 

Do you have any particular ways that you work through a creative block?

The job of the creator is to remain malleable and while the nation struggles with both unemployment and empowering African Americans, artists have continued to create despite all odds. One of the most important things I personally continue to learn throughout life is the beauty in perspective. Simply put, what could look like a setback is really a chance to redefine your focus & that is oftentimes what needs to happen in order for you to get it right. So, while social distancing has kept us separate, one could also say it has also connected us even more digitally. I choose to find a new perspective whether it be in how I approach my work or the environment I’m in.

Whereas, I don’t find it my place to document the struggle for equality on the streets, being able to virtually photograph someone became a concept out of necessity for many including myself. Since this pandemic has started, I’ve been able to digitally host and photograph men for #BLACKkings including ABC Black-ish Star, Marcus Scribner as well as a few others. While this process is far from ideal, it’s helped hone my communication and reinspired me to think out of the box.

Can you give any piece of advice to your fellow artists on what you have learned while you practiced your craft?

One thing I consistently remind myself of are the reasons I became am an artist. I think once you’ve made the decision to become such, your job should be to find your voice, refine your skillset, and continuously challenge yourself to grow. However being an artist online has made us seem like if we’re not sharing on social constantly that we’re not adequate. It’s important to reflect on not just your own journey but also on manifesting what’s yet to come. So, instead of seeking validation, look within and stop explaining yourself to people in hopes of them understanding. Just, create. 

To view more of Julian Ali’s work

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