Rising Stars: Meet Aaron Bueno of East Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Bueno

Hi Aaron, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Aaron Matthew Bueno. I’m born and raised in East Los Angeles to a Filipino mother and a Mexican-American father. Growing up and living in Los Angeles provides a unique opportunity that presents an alluringly abundant plethora of distinguishing cultural experiences all of which continues to deepen and construct the way I convey my pride for being an Angeleno. From the chicano culture, historically opulent sports franchises, and influential figures in history at large, it’s hard not to feel a sense of pride for my hometown and a sense of responsibility to enrich my life and the lives of others with remarkable experiences just as the city has before, now, and forever.
For myself as an artist, it’s of utmost importance to personally resonate with my subject and present my subject matter in a manner that resonates positively. For myself as a person, it’s of utmost importance to resonate positively with my progress in my life as a whole being sure to always strive for honesty, authenticity, and positive forward progression towards my goals all while maintaining peace, happiness, and a positive perception towards my journey in life. I’ve crafted my brand, [CSZ+], to encapsulate these values and the journey towards the best version of yourself. Just as Kobe has Mamba Mentality, Nipsey Hussle has The Marathon Continues, I have Channel Something Zen+ which encompasses and resonates the same message regarding the endless and tenacious pursuit to being the best version of yourself you can be.

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?
Of course it has not been a smooth road, but that’s what makes the journey more special and deepens the appreciation for the blessings that’s come from progressing down the road. The largest struggle I’ve faced in my life aside from living in an impoverished community and navigating the chaotic tumultuous nature of life in a metropolis, was living with my mother who battled breast cancer since I was in middle school. The largest struggle I face in my life currently is living without my mother who was my best friend and one of my main companions in my life. Without her I wouldn’t have fallen in love with photography nor had the camera that’s led me to the career and the extraordinary experiences I pursue that deepen my love and my appreciation for all life and the universe offers to me. The memories, the feeling of triumph and accomplishment, along with the bliss that comes from consistency is what continues to drive me down the road. Regardless whether the road is smooth or rough, I’ll continue to traverse down the road progressing towards the best version of myself and the experiences that coincide with that journey.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a multifaceted multimedia visual artist with an adroit approach to art, my craft, and my life. I specialize in photography and consider it my primary medium, however I curate my experiences and my images in a particular fashion that heavily represents me in my authenticity as an artist and a person. I refrain from pursuing or partaking in any projects or experiences that does not personally inspire me as to not be disingenuous to myself and force what I feel allured to. Everything I photograph I feel a deep, distinct, and distinguishing connection to; therefore, anything and everything I photograph feels like a piece of me and presents to those viewing my work a reflection of myself. What I am most proud of is being able to organically connect and work with the musical artists that I am personally fans of and that I resonate strongly with. Music has always been a way to connect deeper with myself and to be able to connect with the artist through their music as a listener is a blessing in itself, but to connect with the artist both musically and personally is an even bigger blessing. I’m proud to say I’ve photographed and worked with artists I was listening to as a day one fan and have even seen some of my favorite artists create their music in front of me as I had the privilege to photograph, document, and create alongside with them.
It’s an otherworldly experience to have the relationships and memories with artists I’m fans of and is something I could never take for granted. The best part of it all is being able to say all experiences were pursued with the genuine intention to positively impact and introduce my artistry through my appreciation by magnifying the artistry of others. [CSZ+] stands for Channel Something Zen+ but also doubles to mean Chief Steeze’s Zenith which I identify as the journey of my artist career and the best version of myself. [CSZ+] isn’t just about my journey in bringing about the best version of myself, my own happiness, and my own peace, but highlighting those that live and inspire just the same through their lives and their art. Everything has a beginning and an end but it’s up to us to fulfill the void between those two definitive points in our lives, encouraging people to opt towards positive progression for themselves and for others.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
The highest human act is to inspire and if you know you’re capable of doing something remarkable with your life you owe it to yourself and to the universe to do it. The very people you feel inspired by were once inspired to become the person they are that inspires you now. Become someone who you would feel inspired by and create a positive progressional feedback loop with yourself in order to conquer the desires you harbor in your heart and your soul. Becoming your own source of inspiration removes all ideations of limitations you set upon yourself, so be your main asset for peace, happiness, worthiness and fulfillment not your main liability that relies on external uncontrollable forces to validate your worth.

Pricing:

• $200/hr – Shooting
• Licensing fee varies*
• Deliverables rate varies*

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/chiefsteeze
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronbueno
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aaronbuenoswag

Image Credits
Chief Steeze/ [CSZ+]