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Art & Life with Roberto Cordero Jr.

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Roberto Cordero Jr.

Roberto, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
There was always something very fascinating in being able to capture a moment and keeping that with you forever; something you can visually see again in the future to reminisce. At the age of 14, I picked up my first point & shoot camera (which was my mother’s). Before that, I used my flip phone to take images of random things and that included people, objects, landscapes, etc. I didn’t really think too much of it at the time or if I even wanted photography to be a career of mine. It was just something that happened — something that I happened to enjoy. I was very young and had no clue what I was truly doing. In the town I was residing in, there wasn’t anything available for me to learn photography. I didn’t have any mentors or friends who gravitated towards that, and my school didn’t have the option for classes. At the time, I was really into YouTube and luckily I was able to stumble across free online tutorials. I used that as my main resource. Learning from trial and error, doing google searches, and watching a lot of behind the scenes content from photographers helped me hone my craft. At the age of 16, I got my first job and was able to save up enough money to buy my first DSLR camera. That was a very pivotal time in my life. I was aligning myself with some people who were also interested in the arts and I continued to use any online resources I could find to elevate my craft. Right there and then I knew I wanted to continue this journey in photography and make something beautiful out of it. But, I never wanted to limit myself to one skill. I eventually gravitated towards cinematography and became self-taught at that as well. YouTube was my school — YouTube was my film/photography class. 6 years later, here I am, continuing this pursuit. Continuing to create because it’s a passion of mine. Many sacrifices were made along this journey, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve met amazing people along the way, traveled to beautiful destinations, worked with incredible brands and artists and I’m just looking forward to what’s to come in the near future.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Most of my photography work consists of fashion & creative portraiture. I also lean towards editorial and street work, depending on the concept of shoot. Through my journey, I made different transitions and finally developed a style that I was happy with. I love being able to capture someone’s true self with a clean and simple portrait, but what I love about the arts, is that you can be creative with it. Art is subjective – an individual preference & personal observation. What one person likes may not be what the next person likes, as long as you like it. That’s all that matters. To be able to capture someone’s true essence in a setting is beautiful to me and I want to be able to portray that in each image. With cinema, I want people to feel something within themselves when they view my work. I want the visuals to be able to move them, to be able to open their minds, and to give them an experience. Usually, the feeling I like to convey is beauty and inspiration. Because, that to me is what life’s about. Most my video work consists of moody cinematic shots. Music videos, documentaries, wedding films, short films, and travel films are main in my portfolio and that’s what I’m gravitating towards. Typically, I just like to document, not having a specific end goal — just capture what I see and work my magic in post-production.

Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
Work with what you have now. I can’t stress this enough.

Create the work you can with the limited resources you have available to you. Don’t get caught up in what your favorite artist has or the new ‘equipment’ that just came out. You, as an artist, are able to make ends meet. That’s what makes us different and creative. Stay grounded no matter the financial struggle and know that this is just a phase we must undergo. There’s always a way, keep that in mind.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You’re able to view my portfolio on my website & Instagram.
To check out any behind the scenes, vlogs, or cinematic zines; that’ll be available to watch on my YouTube channel.

Website – www.robertocorderojr.com
Instagram – www.instagram.com/robertcorderojr
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEpDeV75eEajXF2hXUA24eA

To show your support — a simple follow and acknowledgment on my work goes a long way for me.
When you see an artist’s work that you find captivating or see talent in, don’t disregard it please.
I’m not saying that for me, I speak on behalf the entire creative community. Instead, share theirs posts and show love. You have no idea how much impact that makes.

Also, for the first time ever, I will be showcasing my work at “Connect” Presented by Raw Phoenix
on THURSAY, SEP 6TH @7:00PM MST
THE PRESSROOM
Address: [441 W Madison St, Phoenix, AZ]

I’ll have my work displayed for you to check out and there will be framed prints available for sale. Some show love and support to the creative community.

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
Roberto Cordero Jr.

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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