Rising Stars: Meet Abby Ramirez Alcala

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Ramirez Alcala.

Hi Abby, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m currently 28 years old and I’ve been a creative using photography as my medium for about seven years now. I started my career specializing in fine art portraiture, but slowly ventured into the fashion world. I have experienced all sides of photography from working and running a family portrait studio to now creative directing campaigns showcasing brands I only dreamt of working with such as Nike, Adidas, and so much more. I graduated with my AA in photography back in 2021 and the reality of finding a job in the creative field settled in quickly. After a little over a year, I finally got my first “creative” job as a product and social media photographer for Shiekh Shoes and Karmaloop. Since working there I have expanded my craft and have begun my career as a stylist and creative director as well. I’m so grateful for where life has taken me and I can only hope that I continue to have the opportunity and platform to share my vision with the world.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As a plus size woman of color in a male dominated field, I cannot say it has been a smooth ride. The constant feeling of imposter syndrome and having to prove the worthy of my work has been the hardest to overcome. Working in the fashion world I have been doubted every step of the way from my vision creatively to challenging my ability to manage and execute projects. Although I have the experience and the portfolio to succeed, I have slowly came to realize that some work places are only ran by favoritism and creativity tends to come last. I wish I could say I have overcame this obstacle, but it’s still a present issue that I have to manage. However, I have always allowed my work and my work ethic to speak for itself and I can only hope that one day all of these obstacles serve a higher purpose and leads me to bigger and better opportunities.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a Mexican artist from Montclair, California. I have been specializing in portraiture for about seven years now. Over the years, I have been able to grow as an artist and develop my own techniques and style when approaching photography. Originally a poet, I enjoy incorporating storytelling and symbolism in much of my work as a way to create emotional connections with the viewer. I think what sets me apart from others is that I always keep the viewer in mind when I’m developing a concept whether it’s for a new sneaker coming out or an installation I’m working on, I always try to guide the viewer through storytelling but also leave room for the viewers interpretation based on their own experiences. I am very proud and grateful for all the publications I have been a part of. Many of my portrait work can be seen in fine art magazines such as Goji issue 22, BEYONDall Vol.3, NEVER magazine Issue 7, MOB magazine Issue 13, RAAMAT magazine Issue 5, and Verses Issue 2, the book: Chaffey College Student Invitational:Then And Now, published by Curious publishing in 2020. You can also get a glimpse of my fashion work in magazines such as, 17:23 Magazine Vol. 95, 6X Magazine Vol.91, and STYLECRUZE Magazine March 2023 Issue.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Over the years, the answer to this question has changed many times. As a newly first time mom, I must say that family is what matters to me the most. Before becoming a mother like many others, I was very self-centered. Whether I failed or succeeded I knew it would only affect myself and my life. After having my daughter, failure was not an option anymore. I want to be someone my daughter is inspired by and proud of. I want her to know that her dreams are reachable no matter how big or small they may seem because with hard work and dedication anything is possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lafeaduckling.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/lafeaduckling
• Facebook: facebook.com/lafeaduckling
• Twitter: twitter.com/lafeaduckling
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lafeaduckling?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits
Eddie Garcia