Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeffery Matthews.
Jeffery, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Born in Germany and raised in Fayetteville, NC, I grew up in a military household and town where I was not exposed to the idea of pursuing a creative career. The mindset of my hometown was to go to school, get a stable job, get married, and start a family. When I produced my first track for Master P as a teen in high school, I knew from a young age that I wanted to pursue a different route. It wasn’t until my sophomore year at NC State where I first picked up a camera and took my creative talents seriously. Starting with random photos to later shooting graduation portraits, I realized I loved working with people and capturing their personal moments and story. As I began shooting more abstract concepts with friends, my personal style and aesthetic began to develop.
After moving to California shortly after graduation, I transitioned from working in corporate America to a full-time creative. It took years of refining my work before I made the leap, but once I did, everything changed. As I continue to develop my craft in photography, I’m gaining experience with directing, design, and more recently, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies to express my ideas. This allows me to work with modeling agencies, labels, brands, and individuals from all over the world as a multifaceted creative.
I’ve been fortunate to have a diverse background and experience many walks of life. From sports to creative outlets such as music production and design, I’ve explored and will continue to indulge in many creative activities to express myself. Most extracurricular activities I picked up were new and fun for me but diving into the process and understanding its technicalities is the most rewarding.
Has it been a smooth road?
My creative journey has been everything short of smooth and a lot of experimenting was needed to develop my creative identity. The transition from a small town to a big city such as Los Angeles was also different for me. Despite it all, I appreciate all the struggles I’ve faced because it helped mold me into the artist I am today.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Currently, I am a visual artist and creative director that spans various mediums including short films, fashion editorials, commercials, content management, and much more. I’ve been working on a special project that I’ve directed and produced with a talented team and new VR technology. I’m excited to release it and share it with the world soon. Although I specialize in photography, I do not limit myself strictly to shooting because I want to continually push my ceiling of creativity. I am proud to wear many different hats to produce and manifest artistic visions.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Los Angeles is one of the best cities to operate as a creative. You can walk into a coffee shop and be exposed to creatives striving for the same goals and desires or stand next to a film executive in line at the grocery store. The possibilities are endless. I would recommend that someone establishes who they are as a creative before starting out in LA. It’s easy to get lost in the pace and lifestyle of the city if the foundation isn’t strong before starting a career here.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thisisjeffery.com
- Email: info@thisisjeffery.com
- Instagram: jeffery.jpeg
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jefferyjpeg
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