Currie Lee
Currie Lee
Photographer / Creative Director
Los Angeles, CA
www.currielee.com
instagram @cvrrielee
pinterest
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I work in fashion photography, creative direction, and styling.”
Basically, I am a part of the full campaigns and editorials for fashion brands and publications.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I studied film & video in art school. Although ultimately, the real world guided me into the field of photography, studying film and working on narrative storytelling was a big part of my development as an artist. It gave me the tools I needed to lead a creative team toward a common goal, see a big project from start finish, and juggle endless moving parts.
I go through phases with my career; sometimes I feel like I am learning and seeking out information, other times I am the one leading workshops or classes. It’s all about accepting the ebb and flow of growth in your work and career.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
Harmony in their purpose, execution, and representation. The creative market, and photography in general, is over saturated and often times the loudest go noticed more than thoughtful creations.
I think sometimes creatives are caught up in their own world of thought that they fail to see how their work fits into the bigger picture and eventually lose perspective. I’ve been victim of this myself, where the pieces of the project just weren’t connecting together or to any audience. The best way to combat it is to seek the criticism from a diverse group of people. Being aware of what your art is communicating is so important.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I have a bunch of ideas for photoshoots just floating around in my head, so I am in the process of finding the right teams for each project and checking them off of my to-do list. It’s very exciting to be in LA and surrounded by like minded people who are just as creatively hungry and ready to explore odd things together.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Most of my photography and creative endeavors tend to have a sense of place and narrative that contextualizes the subject. I gravitate toward the introspective yet spontaneous. I like my photos to feel “lived in” while also having an otherworldly quality.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I was a creative writing minor in undergrad and have written feature length scripts, novellas, and personal essays but was never focused enough to submit anything anywhere. Executing visual things is often easier because of instant gratification and all that, but I hope to change that one day!
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Getting settled and finding my place in Los Angeles. I just moved from Baltimore, and I am a little used to people knowing who I am and inherently trusting me and my expertise. Sometimes in LA, I feel a little invisible even in spaces I typically thrive in.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Someone to organize and prioritize correspondence with clients and my network. My email inbox is a bit of a mess, I get cold sweats just looking at the little red icon over the email app on my phone!
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I would buy my college self a cup of coffee and tell her to take more risks with her work. Projects don’t always have to be thought out or have meaning, especially when you are still figuring out a medium. Sometimes the best work is when you find the significance along the way and can carry that with you for future endeavors. I think my college self spent too much time listening to bad advice from the wrong people instead of her gut and heart.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Breaking down industry barriers.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I’m constantly searching for ways to express authentic emotions and narratives. You can really tell when art comes from a place of truth, I’m interested in exploring stories for brands who have something to say and a budget to really be able to commit to the message.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I would love to work for larger fashion brands to create something beyond just photography. I am very into world building and can see myself putting together an out of the box campaign that has pictures, video, and even an in-person interactive element.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
It depends on the project, I can charge a day rate, an hourly rate, or by photo. I require a retainer before I can commit to a project. Typically projects start at $1K.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Please email me at cvrrielee@gmail.com and let’s start a dialogue! An idea of a budget, mood board, and scope is always helpful but you don’t have to have all the details figured out yet. I just want to hear from you :)
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Walking around LA at night listening to music
This member profile was originally published in March 2018.