Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Freeman.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’m not sure where my story begins but I was born and raised overseas for 15 years in a country that helped me build a foundation of love, respect, and appreciation for different cultures. The music, the food, and the languages were what I was most drawn to. Having to move to the U.S. and change schools almost each semester had its ups and downs. I always had to start over, being introduced to new cities, new people, and unfortunately never being able to commit or officially join an elective in fine arts. So I internalized it all until my senior year, where I was introduced into Cosplay. I practiced sewing, attended conventions, and did few photoshoots and videos for almost 8 years. What caught my interest from there was wanting to participate and capture the art of other people’s work by learning about being behind the camera. Always dealing with change has helped me network with different cultures or just different people in different settings. I now use my cosplay for charity events in which I help organize for a group called Houston Cosplay for Charity. I host cultural and innovative photoshoot events under my photography name Black Ivy Studios, and of course on the side I model. All of these milestones have helped shaped me into the creator I am today.
Please tell us about your art.
I am a cosplayer, model, and photographer. As a cosplayer, I love the feeling of creating or recreating something from scratch inspired by the imagination and sharing it with others. Conventions are amazing to experience cosplay art appreciation and my go to themes were Disney Villains in designer outfits. I now, at request, dress up as a superhero or even a princess from time to time for charity events.
Cosplay has played a big part into my photography as well for I like to stretch the imagination when it comes to fantasy themes. As a photographer, I love seeing my themes come to life, but I’m also happy capturing my clients’ special moments. I met a young lady in cosplay at a convention and she was shocked that I had asked to take her picture, and happily allowed me to. I want to help do my part in showing others that they are beautiful, creative, and should feel included no matter where they are, what their skill level is, nationality, gender, or what have you.
My message for new creators is learn to become limitless. If you have a creative desire to express, do it, live it, share it, you won’t regret knowing that you were able to try something new and experience it.
My messages for current creators is continue your journey and don’t stop. Be inclusive to others around you, it can always lead to new innovative ways to develop your skills and open your eyes to new beginnings.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
It is lonely because it’s an individual journey, but you will find supporters and possibly even a mentor. I myself am an introvert, but I also can find my inspiration through those around me which can help open my eyes to new concepts and ideas. The way that I was broke in was through online groups were you don’t have to force yourself into direct contact with anyone, but can easily surf and explore ideas to find your right match whether it’s an event or an individual with a similar interest like you. For those who aren’t lonely, I repeat my last message of being inclusive to others. It helps your network grow.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You may follow my photography journey on:
www.instagram.com/blackivystudios
www.facebook.com/BlackIvyStudios
You may follow my cosplay & modeling journey on:
www.instagram.com/black.bellarose
www.facebook.com/TheBlack.BellaRose
You may follow our Cosplay Charity group on:
www.instagram.com/houstoncosplayforcharity
(Facebook site under construction)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blackivystudios.pixieset.com
- Email: BlackIvyStudios@outlook.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/blackivystudios
- Facebook: facebook.com/blackivystudios
- Other: instagram.com/black.bellarose
Credit: Kevin Ruge Photography and Belle Peau Artistry
Credit: Black Ivy Studios and Gemlens
Credit: Black Ivy Studios
Credit: Black Ivy Studios
Credit: Black Ivy Studios
Credit: Houston Cosplay for Charity
Credit: Black Ivy Studios
Credit: Black Ivy Studios
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