Meet Kassandra “KBR” Ramirez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kassandra “KBR” Ramirez.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I am an artist born and raised in Arizona, specializing in photography, film, and music. Always feeling the need to be creative, I started both photography and song-writing as a hobby at age 12. In high school, I directed musicals for my school’s choir and took up a film class. Since then, I have always been in love with music and eventually found my passion in the arts. Now, I am 22 years old (turning 23 in May) and recently graduated college with both a BS in Photography and a BS in Creative Media & Film.

While attending college at NAU, I felt the need for a platform that helps multitalented artists thrive because at the time it seems as if all platforms were only made for one medium. At the time, it seemed as if Contagion Media manifested itself inside of my mind demanding to be created. Contagion Media began as a production company offering various services in Flagstaff, AZ but has since changed immensely. Since its conception in late 2o17, Contagion Media has now evolved into a platform where artists (photographers, filmmakers, musicians, jewelers, and design) can sell their art, connect with clients, and collaborate with artists. Contagion Media is always live online at www.contagionmedia.me, but we also organize events and pop up art shops featuring artists showcased on our website.

I am best known for my nature portrait photography style, but also have a niche in experimental filmmaking and vocal performance. I currently have two short films being released soon, along with three singles just awaiting release, as I am also working on my first music album. When I am not working professionally as a photographer, I spend most of my time building my portfolios and working on growing Contagion.

Please tell us about your art.
The three mediums I specialize in include photography, film, and music. In my mind, I feel like each medium helps me channel different perspectives of the reality I am experiencing.

For me, my photography brings me to my own reality that the world is a beautiful fantasy drenching in vibrant color. For that reason, I love incorporating flowers, femininity, and bright colors in my photography. My intention when I create a photo is to capture something so beautiful in front of me that a viewer might question whether it is caught in camera or something that might have been edited or designed. I rarely use Photoshop on my photos, and most of my captures take just a few minutes to edit. My ultimate goal with my photography is to create an image so beautiful that it might be mistaken with a painting.

Videography differs for me because rather than getting lost in a fantasy world, I like to use filmmaking as a medium to bring an audience to their own mental reality. Being able to use visual elements along audio is powerful, so when it comes to making a film, my ultimate goal is to evoke intense emotion and make people think. I really like the experimental film aesthetic.

Last Spring, I made a short film titled “Ethereal.” The film is a psychological tragedy in ways, but it is truly a beautiful film aesthetically. When I first showed my mom the film, it made her cry. And while the message of the film is tragic, it is a message that deserves to be heard. To me, filmmaking is so powerful because of its potential to make someone feel.

For me, music differs from photography and film because I feel as if I am constantly experimenting. Although I have been singing and performing for years, it wasn’t until recently that I started to become more comfortable with my natural voice and sound. I feel like I have been holding back vocally until recently. However, I am currently working on my first music album and have a few tracks finished that are psychedelic pop and soulful rock. I am just barely finding my own unique sound within my music.

We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
Before I started Contagion Media, I have always kept to myself but longed to collaborate with other artists. Now, I collaborate with many artists often being a part of Contagion Media.

For artists looking to connect with the art community, I strongly recommend trying to represent yourself as an artist. While I started Contagion and always recommend that artists sign up for a profile on www.contagionemdia.me, anything an artist can do to connect with the community will help them find success and inspiration.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can view my Contagion profile at www.contagionmedia.me/kbr for my portfolio, blog, and shop. You can also follow me on Instagram @kbrofficial.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.contagionmedia.me/kbr
• Phone: 4802420520
• Email: kassandra@contagionmedia.me
• Instagram: kbrofficial
• Facebook: www.contagionmedia.me/kbrmedia

Image Credit:
1st Image (girl with projector on face): Still image from “Ethereal” Cinematography by Nikki Welch
2nd Image: Still from bts video by Michael Schuette
3rd + 4th Image: Photo by KBR
5th Image: Nada Sanchez @radnadphotography on instagram
6th Image: Photo by KBR
7th Image: KBR performing at Flagstaff Pride in 2018. Photo by Kyra Morris
8th Image (girl with black hands around her): Still from my upcoming music video for single “Evolve” Cinematography by Austin Martinez

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.