Bryan La
Photographer / Graphic Designer / Garment Production / Founder of GALLERY STILLS
Los Angeles, CA
www.bryanla.com
instagram @_bryanla
Q What do you do?
“I’m the owner of GALLERY STILLS. ”
We're a design and garment production studio! In a nutshell, it''s a little group of friends making cool sh*t. We provide creative direction, graphic design, garment production (screen printing, heat transfers), and photo/video work. We also have experience shooting and producing music videos as well. We're a one stop shop for anyones creative needs!
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
With no college education, I'm a self taught artist. Hands down, one of the biggest steps I've taken is learning to be comfortable with failure and learning from it. With no teacher/mentor, the learning process becomes a bit more complicated and uneasy however I think thats the beauty of art itself whether it be you're a self taught artist or went to school. Another step I took was to surround myself with like minded individuals. Having a circle full of people creating art has been super beneficial, from bouncing ideas and learning from one another, it always come around full circle. Plus, you meet some cool ass people which eventually turn into your family :)
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I simply try and portray how I see the world through my work! I like to keep my work open ended so anyone viewing it can interpret it in their own way.
Q What are you working on right now?
The biggest think I'm working on right now is creating business structure for GALLERY STILLS alongside learning the business side of the creative industry. I'm always striving to learn and create some cool sh*t.
Q What’s your style?
For my photo and video work, I really enjoy creating grungy film pieces. Although I do have some more clean like photos, my joy has always come from eerie and darker open ended pieces of work. Same goes for garment designing as well, I really enjoy designing pieces that incorporate people in them. Halftones have always been something I've loved.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Even though I've dabbled into multiple creative fields, I'd like to put some more emphasis on my photo and design work. I think those are my strongest categories however I don't get as much work from them. Nevertheless, any opportunity to create some cool art is the greatest thing I can ask for.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I think one of the biggest frustrations going on right now is funding for GALLERY STILLS. I love equipment haha!
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I would have them run behind the scenes tasks such as scheduling, picking up equipment/film, and run everyday shop tasks. Nothing too crazy!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
One thing I would've told my younger self would be to simply enjoy the ride and don't stress over the little things.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
It would be on how to keep a consistent mental through the lowest and highest times of life.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I would love to create some cool campaigns for clothing brands alongside creating photo books as well.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal client would be someone who has the same interests and aesthetic as me while also having their own unique vision as well. Someone who can communicate and trust my perspective would be great!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
I'm always down for a text or an email! Lets schedule a meeting and have some brunch!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Some of my biggest influences are Gunner Stahl, Kid Studio, Basketcase Gallery, and Matty Peacock!
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Friends. Movies. Family. Memories.
This member profile was originally published in September 2021.