Meet Edwin Vargas

We were lucky to catch up with Edwin Vargas recently and have shared our conversation below.

Edwin, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

I keep my creativity alive by visiting museums and photography shows where I am able to connect with the artworks and sometimes directly with the artist. Living in such a cultural city like San Francisco, I keep inspired everyday I walk around by the architecture and the beautiful landscapes.

I consider myself a book collector, where I find alot of inspiration to keep my creativity alive. I love specific artists and photographers that keep me inspired to continue creating new and exciting work.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My work revolves around creating vibrant, surreal, and visually captivating scenes that merge elements of fantasy, nature, and high fashion. I specialize in building intricate worlds full of vivid colors, otherworldly figures, and lush, dreamlike settings. By blending sculpture, photography, and set design, I craft immersive visual narratives that invite viewers to explore deeper into the scene and enter a realm of imagination and wonder.

What excites me most is the opportunity to combine these different art forms into cohesive stories that feel alive. Each piece I create is designed with meticulous detail, aiming to transport people to a world where reality and fantasy blur. I’m currently expanding my work into larger installations and collaborating with other artists to bring these immersive experiences to life on an even grander scale, with a vision of creating interactive art that engages audiences in a multi-sensory way.

In addition to my artistic career, I am passionate about advancing the photography community. As the chairman of the non-profit American Photographic Artists (APA) in San Francisco, I developed and launched a program called “Level Up.” This initiative is focused on uplifting and supporting underrepresented artists by providing them with the tools and resources needed to create professional photo campaigns. These campaigns are designed to help them elevate their portfolios, gain visibility, and secure work with brands.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey as a photographer and director who emigrated from Costa Rican, I believe three qualities were most impactful: creativity, resilience, and mentorship.

1. Creativity has always been the driving force behind my work. The ability to think outside the box, experiment with different mediums, and push the boundaries of traditional photography allowed me to create something unique. For those early in their journey, I encourage you to embrace your individuality and let your creative voice shine. Don’t be afraid to take risks and explore new ideas.

2. Resilience is key in any artistic career. The path can be unpredictable, full of challenges, and often requires you to navigate rejection or creative roadblocks. I learned early on to stay persistent, trusting the process and continuing to push forward. My advice for newcomers is to view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Stay committed to your vision, and remember that each challenge brings you closer to your goals.

3. Mentorship and community involvement have been crucial in my journey. As someone who teaches and guides aspiring photographers, I’ve seen firsthand how valuable it is to have support and guidance. This is why I developed the “Level Up” program, to uplift underrepresented artists and provide them with the resources to succeed. For those starting out, seek mentors who can offer advice and support, but also find ways to give back to the community when you can.

To those early in their careers, I recommend focusing on these areas—nurturing your creativity, building resilience, and seeking both mentorship and community. The combination of these will help you grow both as an artist and as a professional.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to a few strategies that help me reconnect with myself and recharge. Listening to jazz and piano music is one of my go-to methods for calming my mind. Walking in nature also helps me reset, as it offers peace and inspiration. I often visit museums to immerse myself in art and disconnect from the usual pressures, allowing my creativity to flow freely again.

Another hobby that keeps me motivated and happy is antique shopping. There’s something about discovering unique, historic pieces that brings me joy and sparks my imagination.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed, my advice is to find activities that allow your mind to relax and refocus. Whether it’s music, nature, or a creative outlet, having a few go-to rituals can help you stay grounded and inspired.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.edwinvargas.net
• Instagram: @edvvinvargas
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwinvargas001?

Image Credits

For the first still life images:

Hand model and assistant Josh Perez

For the fairytale image:

Creative director: @edvvinvargas
Models: @aleufit@dwaynesays @_musclemermaid_ @gagekalamaf @fabi_alvarezsf
Producer: @fabi_alvarezsf
HMUA: @stormalex
Designs: @mr.g415
Digitech: @jar808
Poem: @swayze_415
Assistant: @heavenzjpg
#edwinvargas #fairytaleworld