Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Stanzak.
Adam, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in Minnesota shooting concerts, skits and homies skateboarding. I migrated to LA in ’07 to pursue aspirations as a filmmaker. I’ve been fortunate to turn my passions into a career and provide stills and videos for top tier artists and brands, from Virgin to Rhymesayers Entertainment.
I head visual collective Drastic with my partner Michael Paredes. When I’m not working on a Drastic endeavor, I provide all the visuals for vaporizer/lifestyle brand G Pen, such as short docs on their ambassadors and collaborations, campaigns for special releases and R&D on new product.
Recently, I teamed up with Dec. 9th to infiltrate the art world. We’ve had a couple of shows and curated collections of my photos. From giclee canvases to prints on 100-year archival paper, some of my favorite captures are getting showcased and put into homes.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been a roller coaster, high highs, low lows. Struggles include (but aren’t limited to) boof clientele, patience and time management. But as a wise woman once told me, “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.”
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Drastic – what should we know?
Drastic specializes in documentary, commercial and music video content, along with editorial and lifestyle photography. We’ve also started designing zines, we released one with our last documentary, and I’m cookin’ up another from a trip to Barcelona. Narrative films are on the horizon.
We’re best known for our captures of talented individuals ranging all across the artistic spectrum. Some of our favorite subjects include Sahtyre, Chase Moore, Badd Wolf, Maria Isa, Alph Tha Alien, Malia and Beat Boy.
What sets us apart is the experience we bring to the project. Not just our experience with the craft, but the experience in collaborating with us. We live up to the name; it speaks to more than one generation. We use different elements to tell stories, old and new.
Whether we’re trespassing with a medium format camera or parasailing with an iPhone, we go the distance for the money shot, whatever it takes to manifest the project.
I’m proud we’ve been able to travel the globe, create with some of our favorite artists, and continue evolving. I’ve shot icons I grew up looking up to, Michael has had billboards on Sunset and Venice Blvd. With that said, we’re still just gettin’ started.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Enormous thanks and praise to my brother Tony Oberstar. If we hadn’t joined forces as menacing teenagers in MN, relocating to Los Angeles may have not happened, let alone me picking up a video camera. That man is the catalyst.
Alph tha Alien, formerly known as Alpha MC. He and VerBS were my first friends out here and introduced me to a lot of wizards that I still work with.
Cassidy Howell, aka Sahtyre, is one of those wizards. He’s been monumental in my development as an artist, and in many of the massive opportunities I’ve been blessed with.
Picture Perfect Paredes, aka Michael Paredes. My partner in crime, in Drastic and the next sunrise capture.
My family, Michelle, Farid, the whole squadnini at G Pen, Molly Waseka and Rob Shots are crucial in this odyssey.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://itisdrastic.com
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Michael Paredes & Adam Stanzak
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