Meet Wenlu Guo of New York City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wenlu Guo

Hi WENLU, 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?
My enlightenment of the fashion industry probably came from the fashion magazines of my highschool calssmates. I majored in fashion design in college, but when I transferred to FIT for my third year, I discovered I had no talent in the field. I switched my attention from fashion design to fashion photography after realizing that what I liked about fashion magazines was not the clothing itself, but rather the photographers who shocased it, I had aspirations of becoming a well-known fashion photographer. After graduated, with four years or work and further education, I am fortunate enough to have the chance to work in this industry and have created some incredible works.

The most meaningful job I had was as Julian Song’s creative assistant right after I graduated, I consider myself really lucky to have the oppotunity to work with him. To be honest , when I first started out in the fashion photography profession, I had no idea what the term “creative” meant.I had no experience with photography, but I was just fascinated to these ornate and exotic photos, which is why I want to pursue a career in this industry. During this period, I received systematically trainining in how to think creatively, communicate with a variety of clients, and obtain actual work experience in this field.

I was given the opportunity to work as a set design assistant in a creative agency after my first job. In order to have more free time to apply for fashion photography schools overseas, I quite my job and started working as a freelance set designer,

I came to New York to study again because I always felt that NYC is a magical place that could inspire and energize me. After a year at SVA, I started working as a freelance set designer and photographer in NYC and keep exploring my future possiblity in the fashion photography industry and seek to put out more amazing works.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My professional life has been relatively smooth. At work, I have made a lot of friends and encountered a lot of people who have been helpful to me. However, I also stumbled in few problems.

The largest challenge I faced at work was probably that I am a very introverted person, I am not the type of person that starts up a conversation with a stranger right away. I warmed up slowly and liked to figure things out on my own; actually, it is not a good habit in group work. I started to become a freelance set designer at a young age. I was doing projects case by case, which means I work with different clients and partners in each project. As a result, I frequently lacked experience communicating with clients and coworkers, which directly led to various minor accidents that may happen during shooting.

I still struggle with attempting to be more outgoing and open to social interactions. Some valuable advice for those who have the same worries as me at work,, which is to think ahead and always have a backup plan.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work as a freelance art director and photographer. In China, I am well-known for my set design work done for different brand campaigns. I also do some installation and exhibition design. I always post my works on Chinese social media, When a lot of people enjoy my work and comment, it inspires them, and that is the moment I feel proud. I think what makes me different from others is that many people only work as photographers or art directors; being able to combine these two parts together gives me the energy that I can express my ideas better and more perfectly than others.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are two persons in particular that have been most helpful to me in my career development.

The first is Julian Song, a well-known photographer, and he also was the boss of my first job. He was quite critical of my creative ideas and taught me how to be a more creative person; his criticism constantly motivates me to produce better work.

Tianhui Yuan is the second one. As my teammates, we talk to each other a lot and exchange ideas all the time. She gave me great guidance and helped me identify my true goals when I was applying to Master. Finally found out where I wish to go and the way I want to develop.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://981006.cargo.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wenlu_guo?igsh=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg==