Today we’d like to introduce you to Ricky Joey Casarez.
Hi Ricky Joey, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Ricky Joey Casarez, I’m 35 Chicano and a Creative Director, Abstract Artist, Model and Photographer based in Chino, CA. I specialize in urban and old-school aesthetics, and I run a studio space Bando Studios where I produce high-quality visuals for brands, artists, and creatives. I grew up in City of Commerce as a Graffiti Artist where I sold drugs for my father to get by. Not to glorify but that was just the environment I was around. Had a big family on both sides so I was raised with a lot of love but still was drawn to the hardknock life. Was in rehab in 2021 where I got a scholarship for a 10,000 rehab from Mike Tyson’s Team, 3 years later I self rehabbed. And been sober ever since. If I party now it’s just to Celebrate a Victory. I tell people my story to let them know it’s ok to fail not know every answer to life but to get through it and do better for yourself. Lifes far from easy but it’s brick by brick and intime it gets better each day.
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?
I lost my sister from Alcoholism when I was just 20yrs old. She had 5 kids and was 31 years old. My dad died the next year at 52. I was depressed n also almost died the following due to the same cause. Went through rehab twice from being overwhelmed with life and not knowing how to take a loss. I barely lost in life so when I did, I did not know how to take it. Especially losing the wife which was the love of my life all my 20s. I was a 9-5 working man but when I became a model I thought the grass was greener with the illusion of the cameras and lights all around. I was wrong.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in Oldschool 80s & 90s Aesthic Photography in my studio BandoStudios909. I would curate art galleries, had various art studios where I would customize my own clothing. I was a graffiti artist growing up tagging on freeways as a youngster but when Covid hit, I started doing my art on canvases while I stood home and everyone would tell me how nice they were and I should put them in galleries so I started reaching out and it started to work. What I’m most proud of is being put in fashion walks, magazines, and working with clothing brands I would wear growing up. Due to the Chicano look that I have I was in high demand and fortunate enough to get picked to model for them. Proud of the way people look at me as inspiration to do more than just the average. Known for making Models and giving them confidence they didn’t know they had. What sets me apart from others is that I’m not afraid to express myself whether I embarrass myself from not knowing what I’m doing. I just do it.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My mom n dad waking up with us on the side and just talking in bed and laughing.
Pricing:
- $250 a photoshoot
- $100 a canvas
- $1000 for music videos
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.nstywest.com
- Instagram: @nstywest
