Hear Our VSN: Neida Aguilar Embraces the Flow
Neida photographed by Evan Fent (2022)
When it comes to being a creative, we all know what it’s like to feel as equally passionate as we do discouraged about the art we create. However, there’s always a product that comes from our highs and low and Neida Aguilar is no stranger to these feelings & the outcomes. Official VSN had the honor of getting to know more about the model & photographer and learn more insight on what it means to be a creative in her eyes.
Introduction:
Hi! My name is Neida Adriana Aguilar and I am a Chicago based photographer, model, and creative.
Neida Aguilar shot on polaroid film by @ambercita (2022)
What about your art do you think captivates people the most:
I believe it is the simplicity at first glance and then the complexity of its meaning and interpretation. Also, its conceptual compositions I think are very enticing to the viewer. I like to create stories in my photos that people can interpreted based on their own experiences.
When did you first realize you wanted to pursue art & what do you think keeps that drive going:
I have always been drawn to the creative world, but it wasn’t until highschool when I took my first photography class that I decided that art was the best expressive outlet for me. Now the older I get, the deeper I fall into this whirlwind of art and beauty… I fall in love with it every day. Going to art school and collaborating with so many different amazing artists and working with them fuels my passion for the arts in general. Photography was the start but now I want to get into all genres of art.
Neida walking for a runway show (2022)
What’s your favorite photography style:
My favorite photography style has got to be editorial/highfashion/conceptual. I get most of my inspiration from this style of photography and I love how open this style is in terms of creativity and storytelling.
When are the times you feel most & least creative:
I do not know how to answer this question. It flows just like my moods and emotions. I have learned to not push it either when I am in a rut and to simply let that feeling flow. And when I am feeling creative I always make sure to write down all my thoughts and ideas so they can come into fruition.
Representation plays a big role in the art we create, when you are creating your pieces/projects, who or what do you generally try to represent:
Since the very beginning of my photography career, I have always strived to represent POC, more specifically women of color. I am constantly using black and hispanic models because I feel that they deserve so much more recognition when it comes to editorial/conceptual photography. As a mexican women, I strive to showcase a lot of mexican/chicano culture which most comes from my own personal experiences. Lastly, I always strive to work with all body types, all genders, all races, all religions, and all sexualities.
Neida self photographed (2022)
If you could work on a project with any artist in the world who would that be:
I would love to work with bella hadid and duckythot. I think they are great models. I would also love to work with Tim Walker, his photography has always inspired me.
Describe your creative process when approaching new work:
Most of my work comes from class assignments to be honest… but regardless of that I start with a concept, with a question that I want to tackle. From there I let my creative juices take over and think of the best and most authentic way to go about the project. I create a mood board, gather inspiration photos and write an artist statement that I am able to go back to. From there I scout models, find a location and do the shoot!
What’s the best part about being an artist:
The best part has got to be the end product, how much pride I feel for creating something that I am happy with and proud of. Also the collaboration is amazing. I love working with others to create a great piece.
Neida photographed by @cakefacecait (2022)
As someone who’s in front of & behind the camera often, is there one you feel more drawn towards? What’s the balance of both like:
I have been behind the camera for so long that at the moment I am a little more drawn to being in front of it but there is a good balance. With the modeling group that I am in at the moment, I always find myself wanting to take photos of them but I am not shying away from the camera. I am glad that I pushed myself to start modeling because it has helped my photography and also my confidence and creativity.
Goals for the near future
My near future goals are to continue modeling, get paid gigs (runways and photoshoots), I also want to start designing clothes as well as finish my personal project that I have been working on for a while now…
Goals for the far future:
My far future goals are to being a creative director for a fashion magazine, still model but for high fashion brands, break boundaries in the fashion industry with both modeling and my own photography.
Photography work by Neida (2022)