VEMIX Interview
What qualifies someone to be the subject of the photos you edit?
Basically, I have to know who they are lol That’s about it. I do tend to use musicians mostly and of course, I favor the ones that I enjoy. Being a big name helps too because there’s a lot more material to work with
What’s the start of the process? Does it start with an idea already in mind or are you looking for good photos that will work well?
It’s kind of like a mental Venn diagram that goes on in my head. I seem to have this subconscious database that is always scanning and archiving everything I scroll past. This is weird because I can’t remember a 6 digit verification code without going back and looking 3 times [lLaughs}. I never know what will trigger it or when it’s about to happen, it just clicks. Sometimes they are reverse-engineered. The title will come first, then my brain starts to do the triangulation mutation.
Which takes longer, finding the right reference photos or the actual process of editing them?
Each process is quick, that’s why they come out not so tasty sometimes. I don’t polish or second guess, I just toss’em in the pan and fast fry. flip once, plop on a plate, and feed it to the machine.
Do you ever make up fake backstories behind your photos?
I don’t have to. The internet always takes care of that part lol never fails.
When was the first time you used photoshop? How old were you and what did you make?
I have never used photoshop. I use a different program that’s just the basics. I can’t remember the exact first time but I think it might have been for a Christmas family photo when we couldn’t get both of our dogs to look at the camera simultaneously in like, 2012 maybe. It was around 2017 that I started dabbling in the dark arts.
What’s the ideal reaction to your work?
A smile is all I’m after. You can keep all that fame and fortune for someone who thinks they need it. Although, passive income and being on the news is rather enjoyable.
Are you trying to rewrite history?
I don’t try, I do. Nah lol it’s really the folks that repackage it that are responsible for that part. I have never displayed them as anything other than what they are. I’m a blacksmith that makes decorative swords and hangs them on my wall. I’m not the one sharpening and swinging them around.
How important is the lighting of the photo? Have you become a master in identifying light sources?
Anyone that sees or considers themselves a master at something, is no true master. The journey is ever-changing and never-ending. A path to a peripheral, unachievable destination. But yeah, I’m basically a fucking master of that shit.
Do you do any design outside of VEMIX?
I do. I keep them all separated though so it’s not one big confusing mess lol. It’s a wide range of styles and mediums and I try my hardest to not cross streams.
