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Welcome back to our Emerging Series – where we highlight emerging fashion creatives in hopes that through this series, the support of our community and ecosystem grows for Black fashion. Today, we introduce to you RJ Stephens!
Ronnie Stephens, also known as RJ, is a self-taught artist from Saint Louis, Missouri, who operates under the art brands “Daily Doses of BLC” and “Twin.Visions.” RJ’s portfolio includes self-portraits, custom rugs, graphic logos, and custom digital art, all characterized by exaggerated and unique facial features. This distinct style not only sets his work apart but also inspires him to continually explore and innovate within his craft.
Advisor.: “What initially drew you to the intersection of art and fashion, and who were your early influences?“
RJ: “I feel like my childhood was full of endless creativity everywhere. Even in television down to cartoons, sitcoms, and movies there were many styles of art and fashion in my face constantly that made me want to create it. I was in love with TeenTitans & Kim Possible growing up. Drawing each character with their set colors made me explore more with shading,color schemes and character designs. I was always creating nothing into something my whole life starting there fueled and influenced my creativity to grow & keep creating. I always wanted to design my room into different colors to represent me. I made my favorite colors to draw my name on notebook paper and put it up on my wall to decorate. It might be nothing to someone but it made me realize that I had taste and a lot of creativity where I could bring any idea to life but it’s up to you to figure out how to display it for viewers or even yourself to feel good about their environment for their own enjoyment.”
Advisor.: “How do you describe your artistic style? & how do you reflect that in your artwork?”
RJ: “I would describe my artistic style to be like a psychedelic fever dream crossed with a street art feel to it. I love painting and hand drawing dramatic facial features.It’s a wild mashup of bold,chaotic,but expressive artwork that’s either shouting at me with neon colors or trying to stare deep into your soul with unique eye colors & intense facial features. I am a visionary artist who creates based on what I see and most of the time it’s my imagination being poured out and sorted into symbolic shapes and faces with words that tell stories. Each piece of artwork I make reflects my inner thoughts and emotions where it can be bold and chaotic at times but it’s “healing” artwork to me because I can see the growth personally as I create more and more everyday. I can look back and see how much more positive I am almost like journaling would feel like but in a more artistic sense.”
Advisor.: “What role do you believe art and fashion play in cultural representation, and how do you reflect that in your work?“
RJ: “ART rules our everyday life and how you view it reflects on how you express it, whether that is clothing or in your artwork. Most people don’t realize how much their culture or upbringing impacts their way of expressing themselves artistically. For example, a portrait painting of a African American male with braided cornrows or low cut waves on a male would represent most black men cultural representation where most of us would connect and relate to it because that is a popular protective style in African culture. All in all, cultural representation plays a big role in art and fashion for others connect and feel like they belong & understood”
Advisor.: “What does a typical day look like for you as an artist who works across these mediums?”
RJ: “
A typical day for me, as an artist working across various mediums, might look something like this:
Morning Routine: I start my day with a morning routine that usually includes sketching ideas or reviewing ongoing projects. This helps set the tone and direction for the day.
Studio Time: I spend several hours in my studio, working on my art. This could involve creating self-portraits, designing custom rugs, or developing new graphic logos and digital art. I often alternate between different mediums, depending on what needs attention.
Experimentation: I dedicate time to experimenting with new techniques and materials. This might involve learning new skills or exploring different art forms to keep my work fresh and innovative.
Client and Project Work: I work on commissioned pieces or updates for clients, ensuring that their visions align with my creative approach. This might include meetings or correspondence to discuss project details.
Marketing and Engagement: I spend time promoting my brands, “Daily Doses of BLC” and “Twin.Visions,” through social media, updating my portfolio, or engaging with my audience to build my following and share my work.
Reflection and Planning: In the evening, I review my day’s work, reflect on my progress, and plan for the next day. This time is also used for inspiration, such as studying other artists or trends in the art and fashion worlds.
Personal Time: To balance my artistic endeavors, I make time for relaxation and personal activities, which can provide new perspectives and recharge my creativity.
This routine allows me to balance my diverse artistic pursuits while continually growing and evolving in my craft.”
Advisor.: “What are your long term goals and aspirations for your work in both art and fashion?”
RJ: “
To get better at my craft and understand that it’s an outlet for my mental health to improve and express those feelings into art for others to feel and understand within their inner worlds.”
Advisor.: “What are your long term goals and aspirations for your work in both art and fashion?”
RJ: “
To get better at my craft and understand that it’s an outlet for my mental health to improve and express those feelings into art for others to feel and understand within their inner worlds.”
Advisor.: “Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re excited about and can share with us?”
RJ: “I am looking forward to working with more models to do more collaborations and live portrait paintings for clients at anytime! I am happy to be working with and featured in “soupthemagazine” this coming fall season. This season, we are working on The Big Soup Initiative, a creative project to fight food insecurity in affected areas of St. Louis. I will be donating some art pieces and other small items to help donate 1000 canned food items to areas in need.”
Advisor.: “Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?”
RJ: “One piece of advice is to stay open to experimentation and new ideas. Embrace the process of exploring different mediums and techniques, as this can lead to unexpected and inspiring outcomes. Each new approach or material you try can enrich your work and help you discover unique ways to express your creativity. “
Please make sure to connect with RJ on his main Instagram and his artist account. If you have an emerging creative to nominate – submit them here.
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