Is it Prince, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Beyoncé, Tupac? Whoever it is, one thing you can be sure of is that they all share common traits that set them apart from the rest: great songs, a strong message, landmark albums, a strong identity and ‘the look’!
It is ultimately ‘the look’ that turns an artist into an icon. For example, the visual impact of Madonna as she has gone through re-invention after re-invention has been key to her iconic longevity.
So whose task is it to capture the essence of an artist and communicate the X-factor through still imagery? No, it isn’t the job of the ‘everyday’ paparazzi photographer! This job requires true skill, a connection with the intangible, a natural ability to take that one shot that takes you right there to when it happened, and leaves your body suspended in that moment. This is a job for the ‘iconographer’!
One man in particular springs to mind when I think about the term ‘iconographer’. The man whose shot captured the essence of Buju Banton on the cover of the Til Shiloh album and who has created stunning imagery for an array of the music’s finest including Lisa Maffia, Joe and Pelé to name a few. The name: Kofi Allen. Profession: iconographer!
Now, getting an ‘iconographer’ to work magic on a photo shoot is as easy as asking David Beckham to kick a ball, but unlike the Beckhams this particular ‘iconographer’ is very unwilling to have the spotlight turned on him. But here at Hot! we have our contacts, so read on and take great comfort in the knowledge that this is definitely as exclusive as it ever gets!
Photographic / Creative Director
To elevate the vision of all my clients, while challenging the so-called mundane! To select and develop with creative teams, who I have hand picked, to deliver a challenging and unique end product.
My job entails maintaining a creative regard for all members contributing to the overall vision, as I attempt to produce works of iconic proportions, that aim to serve as something that needs to be respected throughout the course of time.
Faith, commitment, and intuitive guidance. Live good and greatness shall follow you.
Word of mouth!
Creating iconic vibes for the future! Constantly evolving with the present of the future… Being able to meet so many beautiful and amazing people.
Chasing payments, book keeping and administration in general
First of there is no such thing as a day job in the world of the visual artist!!!!
I am in the proposal stage of delivering my first major public art exhibit to commemorate and celebrate the bi-centennial abolition of slavery, which I propose to launch this year, within the Lewisham Borough.
I have also just been commissioned to create a fairly large-scale installation for the Borough of Tower Hamlets, exploring the concept of town planning and community response.
Between 25K and 80K……..
Being part of a 4-person visual arts exhibition, entitled ’Look Both Ways’, held at the Stephen Lawrence gallery. A true eye opener.
The Fifa 100 was also a very great challenge.
Yes it is, and it is simply because having observed the growth within each generation of youths, and now artisans, I can truly say they are coming into their own identity, and like the stone that the builder refused, it shall become the head corner stone.
UK has one of the strongest USP’s, which is its diasporan, European, and continental dynamics…
With a vision a people shall flourish and collectively grow… I only hope that we have the correct business models to implement the wealth which we could generate, providing we cease the unnecessary back biting, and start to lend support to those trying to do the right thing, like ‘Hot In Da Biz’!
You cannot afford to move forward without looking back, the more you get ahead, the more one has to become grounded. You are still viewed to be only as good as your last project.