Check out Javi Perez’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Javi Perez.

Javi, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today.
Ever since I was little, I loved music and knew that somehow I wanted to be involved in it. When I was in high school, I took some photography classes, but I never thought of it as more than a hobby, shooting landscapes and flowers. While in college, I needed a creative outlet to destress, so I picked my camera back up and dove in. One of my favorite bands, Surf Curse, was playing a show at a venue that allowed cameras in so I decided to shoot the show. I had no idea what I was doing, but I edited and posted them the next morning. After my 9 am class, I get out and check my phone to see that they had reposted my photo! I definitely freaked out, but it felt so rewarding. I started shooting as many shows as possible, developing my style into what I define as a dream-like state. After a year and a half of shooting shows for publications, I got to go on my first full U.S. tour with a pop band called Cherry Pools! It was energizing to be creative 24/7; it kept me on my feet and learning new techniques. I loved every second of it, and it is what I am pursuing currently.

As a first-generation Hispanic child, my parents always taught me to dream big. I loved music, but I didn’t see myself represented in the industry, so I thought my chances of me doing anything close was minimal. I think it is important to find people you resonate with and to look up to because it gave me the confidence to start my journey. One of my biggest goals was to tour and never ever thought it was possible for me to get hired and for me to feel a part of the family I was touring with but just know anything is possible, If you are passionate about something, you can find success! I am still at the beginning of my career but after my first tour, I know my work, and I have value, and that I have a space to create in the music industry.

We’d love to hear more about your work. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I am a photographer, focused on music photography. I would describe my style as dreamy and film inspired. I think of concerts as a magical space. You get to see your favorite artists perform your favorite songs and you are surrounded by people who share that love. The thrilling part of it is the feeling of belonging that you get when you hear the music in your chest, and for a couple of minutes, you feel everything is all right. My goal is to capture that essence of shows, a place where everything is alright, and why my photos have a dreamy aesthetic. I hope that when people look at my pictures, it reminds them of how wonderful it feels being at a show and are comforted by that.

The sterotype of a starving artist scares away many potentially talented artists from pursuing art – any advice or thoughts about how to deal with the financial concerns an aspiring artist might be concerned about?
I work with a mindset of “do more, with less.” Starting music photography, I didn’t have the latest camera with the best lens, but I had a working camera and a working lens, so that is what I used. I was still able to create the images I wanted, they weren’t perfect, but it got me where I needed to be. You should never not create something because you don’t think you have the perfect equipment; there is no perfect equipment. Creativity and having a vision is the most important tool to have; everything else becomes less important.

After a year and a half, I got the opportunity to go on tour, and that is when I decided to upgrade because I had the money, but also I needed the extra range that the newer camera was going to give me. However, I bought it used off of craigslist so anyway I can save money is worth it. As artists in the digital age, it is hard to show the hustle, many artists work full time, or part-time jobs to make ends meet. I think it is important to remember you are no less of an artist if you work another job and there are many others in your position.

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
People can see my work at my website, www.lilacfilm.co.

I do post photo sets on my Instagram and Twitter, @lilacfilm.

People can support my work by engaging with my content and sharing my work. Also if anyone has a project they would like to collaborate on, definitely contact me!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lilacfilm.co
• Email: lilacfilmm@gmail.com
• Instagram: @lilacfilm
• Twitter: @lilacfilm
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuEegv8nhYV7TzeZijf2TEQ

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