Meet Darrian Jones: Photographer & Abstract Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Darrian Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darrian, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am truly inspired by life and the people that I interact with, including strangers. I always say, “everyone’s world is different.” This means that while we all exist on the same planet, we can only view it from our perspective. It is through communication that we express what we see. Whether it’s through something as complex as technology or things a minute and simple as body language or facial expressions, we are constantly sharing information. Combining this information with my imagination to figure out what could be and what is reality, is what creates my world and perspective. In turn, I try to show these details in my work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My artwork currently consists of photography and abstract designs. What sets my work apart from others is literally my perspective. It is unique to me. In photography, I try to capture the hidden pieces within the subject. Whether it is their inner personality, confidence, or potential, I want to show people (especially the subject), details that they are capable of.

For my abstract art, it sits as a reflection of one’s mind. I don’t exert too much control when creating the pieces. From the start to finish, the process is almost entirely guided by instinct. There is in fact only one piece that is an actual picture of something, and that was just to see if I was capable of making an actual picture using that style. Everything else are just shapes. What you see and what you get out of each image is entirely up to the viewer.

I think my photography houses my internal excitement for things I’ve done while my abstract art houses my excitement for the reactions it gets. There are pictures that I’ve taken in which I feel a sense of pride an encouragement from because it reminds me of my potential and life events. Meanwhile, I am always curious to hear what people see when they view my abstract art. I am almost always surprised because it is always something different.

I remember the one I answered asked me about what excites me about my work, my challenges, and what I want the world to know about my brand):
– Though artwork and photography are my side hustles, they definitely came with challenges……well, a challenge, myself. If there is one thing that I have learned, it is that I have to get over myself. Even as I look back and see all the things I’ve made, I rarely feel like I’m good enough. It’s a very strong sense of imposter syndrome coupled with a hidden sense of social anxiety. To combat it, I have learned to just grit my teeth and just keep making art. This meant just jumping head first into things like walking up to random people to network or making solid plans for a photoshoot and holding myself accountable for it. Yes, I will not always be in the mood to be creative, but sometimes when I just push through, kicking, screaming, and having mini heart attacks, I’m usually content with the work I’ve made in the end.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that I am capable of making anything. Do not look at me and place my creativity into a box because I don’t. I do not know what I’m going to attempt to make next until the idea pops into my head. So when you see my jump from photography to making socks, do not be surprised. We are on the same ride. I may be in the driver’s seat but my imagination is on autopilot.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to the people who truly pushed me to do better and keep creating. That is my mother, and my friends Kyle, Justin, Nic, Matthew, and Squad, the friend group that consists of my bros Wade, Juwan, and I.

Website: www.darrianjones.com

Instagram: djones_photos

Yelp: Darrian J.

Other: Etsy: DJonesPosters Twitch: www.twitch.tv/myguyjones

Image Credits
Models instagram handles: @bleuettenico, @keeana.amari, @adjoaburrs