Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Vazquez.
Hi Natalie , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a Mexican household in a small desert town, pretty far removed from any kind of “art scene.” Because I didn’t have a lot around me, I turned to the internet really young. I’d spend hours exploring different kinds of fashion, music, and aesthetics, especially from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. My mom also played a big role in that; she would show us her favorite movies from back in her day. One that still inspires me so much is Teen Witch directed by Dorian Walker.
I bounced around a lot creatively, trying to figure out what felt most right for me. Around 2019, when I was 16, I started running a 90s/00s moodboard/archive account on Instagram. It started growing, and I hit 10k followers. That audience inspired me to start making clothes. I didn’t fully understand what it meant to run a business, but I still went for it, using my own money to get my designs printed and produced.
I wanted to create campaigns for the drops, so I started planning shoots for my pieces, and that’s when it clicked that I was really in love with photography and direction. From there, I just kept exploring that world. Discovering the work of Nadia Lee Cohen was a huge turning point, too. I went to her “Hello My Name Is” exhibit in Los Angeles, and it really pushed me to lean into bold, character-driven, cinematic imagery.
I definitely credit the 70s and 80s for a lot of my visual language; most of my favorite films are from those eras. I love doing bigger, more elaborate shoots because they allow me to fully create the world I’m going for, even though that often means working with tighter budgets. I work a full-time job to help fund my projects, and I usually plan shoots 2–3 months in advance. On top of that, I’m also a full-time psych major, so my life is this constant balance between school, work, and creating. It’s a lot, but it feels worth it because I’m building something that really reflects who I am and what I love.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Growing up in a small desert town with limited access to any kind of art scene meant I had to learn everything on my own, mostly through the internet and a lot of trial and error. When I first started making clothes at sixteen, I had no idea how to run a business. I was just figuring things out as I went, usually investing my own money and hoping for the best.
Another big challenge was that art school was never really an option for me. My parents wanted me to pursue a more stable and “mature” career path, so I ended up studying psychology. Because of that, my creative side had to exist as a hobby, something I worked on quietly and independently. Everything I know now in photography, directing, styling, and production is self-taught and built outside of a traditional creative education.
Balancing everything has also been difficult. I work full-time to fund my shoots, and I am a full-time psych major, so I am constantly juggling school, work and my creative projects. Creating bigger, more cinematic shoots on a small budget forces me to be resourceful, but it can definitely be stressful.
There have been plenty of moments of burnout, self doubt and feeling like I was not progressing fast enough. But all of those challenges shaped me. They pushed me to stay disciplined, get creative with whatever I had and trust my own process. They have also made me even more determined to eventually turn this passion into a full-time career.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a photographer, but I do not like to limit myself to a specific category or style because my work shifts depending on what inspires me. I am not a huge photographer by any means, but I create whenever I have the time and resources to bring my ideas to life. If I could, I would be shooting nonstop, because capturing intentional and beautiful images is something I genuinely love.
I am most proud of the authenticity in my work. My photos tend to hold a certain era, mood or story without feeling forced or overly staged. People can interpret my images however they want, but there is always a specific atmosphere that comes through naturally, and that is something I really value.
Something that also sets me apart is the people I choose to work with. I love bringing in different faces who fit the vibe I am going for, and I enjoy working with stylists or creatives who are also growing in their craft. Collaboration is really important to me. I love being around a team that wants to grow, learn and keep doing what they love. Sharing ideas and bringing them to life together is one of my favorite parts of creating.
On top of that, I fund all of my shoots myself, so I take my time planning and making sure each project stays true to the world I want to build. Even with limited resources, I try to give every idea my full attention. That dedication, along with the community I choose to create with, is a big part of what makes my work unique.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
If I could give advice to anyone just starting out, it would be to create because you love it, not because you’re chasing recognition. It can be hard to get your work out there, especially when you don’t have the platform or resources yet, but that shouldn’t stop you. As long as you love what you’re making and the people you’re creating with feel proud of it too, that’s already something meaningful. The rest will come with time.
I also wish someone told me that creative blockages are normal. You’re not always going to have a concept ready, and sometimes it might take days, weeks, or even months before something clicks. That doesn’t mean you’re falling behind. It just means your mind is resting until the right idea comes. Don’t let that discourage you or make you feel like you’re not “doing enough.” What matters is that when you do create, you put love, intention and effort into your craft.
Be patient with yourself, take your time to grow, and surround yourself with people who want to build something with you. And most importantly, trust your own process; it’s supposed to look different from everyone else’s.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sites.google.com/view/ihystar/work
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ihystar
Image Credits
first 3 images –
Model – Samantha flores
Stylist – Alyssa gonzales
4 & 5 images –
model – Arlene Reyes
6 image –
models – Samantha Flores & Ruby Douglas
7 image –
model – Maya Christian
8 image –
models – Bailey Cooper & Rae
