“I’m an advocate for minimalism and support living a meaningful life.” -Justin Sisson
No one has a creative vision quite like that of visual composer Justin Sisson.
Based in Brooklyn, New York, Justin seamlessly weaves together art, fashion and photography. His style is rooted in a sophisticated minimalism and tasteful subtlety that speaks to your every sense. These characteristics coupled with his dedication to his own Brilliant Aesthetic have led him to work as a creative visionary with a host of prominent companies and brands. Whether a winsome model or top shelf scotch, whatever passes in front of his camera blooms with authenticity and visual appeal. I recently spoke with Justin about life, light and why change is necessary for growth.
“It’s not about finding what is easy, it’s about finding what’s worth it.” -Justin Sisson
The Brilliant Aesthetic: Tell me about your childhood, your artistry roots, and how those things led you to become a visual artist…
Justin Sisson: Growing up I was constantly surrounded by music. My grandmother often played the blues while cooking meals at home. My uncle built his own personal studio and collected vinyl records. These influences lead me to picking up the trumpet in third grade. Music was my first love and provided the canvas to express myself. My own personal and more intimate relationship with art came once my brother and myself created an apparel brand. Working with patterns and fabrics allowed me to tell a very different story from what music provided. Our company took me overseas for the first time ever in my life. This work sent me to places I’d only witnessed on the internet at the time. I started to take pictures everywhere with my phone to document my trip. Since then I’ve been determined to tell my own narrative of places and spaces I’ve visited, both physically and mentally.
The Brilliant Aesthetic: Your work has a lot to do with light and shadow, and your shooting style is really unique…what or who inspires you when you’re creating?
Justin Sisson: I’m inspired by life itself. Through my work I try to remind one of how beautiful simple moments are. Even as you’re reading this, this is time you won’t ever get back and I hope with my work to highlight just how precious every moment truly is.
The Brilliant Aesthetic: Life is always influenced by our work in some way. What life lessons has your career taught you?
Justin Sisson: Time is the only real luxury we have in life. That being said, it’s vital to be present in your day to day. It’s equally important to be intentional with your time. I say no to a lot of things, so I can yes to the things I care most about. I’m an advocate for minimalism and support living a meaningful life. I use my work to tell the story of my time spent in this world.
The Brilliant Aesthetic: What do you want people to feel when they look at your work?
Justin Sisson: Something. Anything. I’ve accepted we live in what I will call “A six second society”. You only have someone’s attention for a short period of time. If you can make even the smallest impact in that short period of time, the job is done in my eyes.
I’m inspired by life itself.” -Justin Sisson
The Brilliant Aesthetic: Our industry is full of ups and downs…What motivates you to keep going?
Justin Sisson: My motives drive from purpose and passion. These two get me out of the bed on days when it might be more difficult than others. The idea of “If you do what you love it’s not work” is simply incorrect. However, when your passion and purpose align with your values, it makes it much easier to push through. It’s not about finding what is easy, it’s about finding what’s worth it.
The Brilliant Aesthetic: You and I have worked together so many times, and I love how you treat every person in the room. How do you think the dynamic of a creative team has an impact on the overall result?
Justin Sisson: I understand the value of true collaboration. I often use the very cliché line “team work makes the dream work”. I do believe you can get so much more accomplished with amazing individuals around you. Different perspectives are gold and should be celebrated as such. We can all learn something new from everyone we encounter. I just try to be a sponge because the people around me with different perspectives help craft my own personal narrative, thus impacting my work as well.
” I do believe you can get so much more accomplished with amazing individuals around you.” -Justin Sisson
The Brilliant Aesthetic: What makes you feel alive?
Justin Sisson: Recently, I didn’t feel alive at all. I felt I was only existing and not truly living. I was uninspired and emotionally exhausted. Once I reached this space, I went to Joshua Tree to be alone with my thoughts. I spent a week just reading, writing, and photographing Yucca Valley. It’s there I found my answers for what made me feel alive. I made a vow to myself to travel more often. As a visual artist, it’s important to constantly be in spaces that speak to your soul. That being said, I came to the realization that Phoenix was no longer speaking to my soul. I don’t speak ill of Phoenix, but I did know that the time was coming for the graduation. If I stayed too long it would turn into a divorce. With that idea weighing heavy on my heart, I did what any logical person would do… I got rid of 90% of my personal items and relocated to New York (ha, not logical at all). I told a handful of people because this move was so personal to me. I still have friends in Phoenix who think I’m currently on vacation. Hell, I wouldn’t even argue against that because life itself is temporary so this is just where I’m at creatively at this time. I craved culture because people make me feel alive. I take portraits to get honest images of individuals. When I take a person’s portrait, my goal is for their grandchildren to say, “That’s grandma/grandpa”. Human connection is what I crave, and that interaction is what lead me to taking portraits. As a visual person, I realized that places and spaces impact me on many different levels. That being said, New York has a certain energy that makes me feel alive. I didn’t realize how far gone I was until arriving in the city. This is now my home, I feel alive again.
” As a visual person, I realized that places and spaces impact me on many different levels. ” -Justin Sisson
Book Justin to capture the vision of your business or product by contacting him.
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View more of Justin’s incredible work in the gallery below!
