We recently connected with Jerry-yänn Beniakrou and have shared our conversation below.
Jerry-Yänn, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I keep my creativity alive by constantly drawing inspiration from the world around me, especially from my roots in the Ivory Coast, where the vibrant culture and rhythms of life deeply influence my work. Growing up, music was always a central part of my experience, from the traditional beats of West Africa to global sounds I’ve explored over the years. The music I listen to from different corners of the world acts as a well of inspiration, sparking new ideas and emotional tones that I channel into my work as a photographer, videographer, and graphic designer.
When I’m creating mood boards for a new concept or visualizing a project, I often start with the sounds that resonate with me at that moment—whether it’s the soulful rhythms of Afrobeats, the intricate melodies of jazz, or the raw energy of hip-hop. These sounds help me frame the emotions and aesthetic I want to capture in my visuals. For example, when working on a campaign for *Sons of Swords*, the clothing brand my brother Papa Louche and I are launching, I let the music guide the storytelling, helping me create imagery that feels alive and deeply connected to our vision.
Creating mood boards is a ritual that allows me to blend colors, textures, and themes, crafting a narrative that feels cohesive and expressive. It’s like building a puzzle—each piece, whether visual or auditory, fits together to create something unique. It’s through this process that I push my boundaries, overcome creative blocks, and continually evolve. My connection to the Ivory Coast, the music I love, and the collaborative energy with my brother all fuel this journey, keeping my creativity fresh and alive.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a photographer, videographer, and graphic designer, my work revolves around visual storytelling. What excites me most about what I do is the power to capture moments, emotions, and ideas in ways that connect deeply with people. Whether through a single photograph or a complete visual campaign, I’m always striving to evoke something genuine—an experience, a feeling, a story that resonates.
Right now, my brother Papa Louche and I are launching a clothing brand called *Sons of Swords*. This brand is incredibly special to us because it’s more than just apparel—it’s a reflection of our personal journey, our heritage, and our creative vision. We’re blending streetwear with a unique narrative that speaks to strength, unity, and culture. Each piece in the collection is designed to tell a story, drawing from our experiences, the artistry we’ve developed, and the rich cultural influence of the Ivory Coast and Ghana, where we were born.
We’ve been working hard on some exciting upcoming launches, creating visuals and concepts that really capture the essence of *Sons of Swords*. Expect to see powerful visuals that blend our passion for music, art, and fashion. From bold graphic designs to captivating video content, our goal is to create a brand that resonates deeply with our audience. We want to inspire people to not just wear our clothing, but to feel part of a larger movement that celebrates individuality and the power of shared roots.
There’s so much more in the works—new product drops, potential collaborations, and exclusive events where we plan to showcase our art, vision, and brand. It’s an exciting journey, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been creativity, adaptability, and perseverance. Creativity has driven everything I do, from photography and videography to designing visuals for *Sons of Swords*. It’s something I nurture by exploring new ideas, experimenting with different forms of art, and constantly challenging myself. Adaptability has been equally essential, helping me stay ahead of trends, embrace new technology, and pivot when needed. For anyone starting out, I’d recommend cultivating a mindset that welcomes change and views challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
Perseverance has kept me going through setbacks and obstacles. Building a brand and refining your craft takes time and resilience. There will be tough moments, but staying committed to your vision and consistently pushing through those difficulties is key. My advice for those early in their journey is to stay curious, be open to learning, and believe in your vision even when things don’t go as planned. Trust that every step forward, no matter how small, is part of your growth.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
In the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been learning how to balance creativity with the strategic aspects of running a business. As a photographer, videographer, and designer, my focus was always on the artistic side of things. However, working on *Sons of Swords* has pushed me to step into a more entrepreneurial mindset. I’ve had to learn about branding, marketing, and business management, which has been a major shift from my usual creative processes.
This experience has expanded my skill set, helping me understand that creativity and business strategy go hand-in-hand when building a brand. It’s been a challenge but also incredibly rewarding, as it’s given me a deeper understanding of how to bring ideas to life in a way that not only resonates artistically but also connects with an audience on a broader scale.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vogue.com/photovogue/photographers/275507
- Instagram: @ivory.colors, @ivorycolorsstudios @swords.us
- Other: Booking info at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SX4cpqNnLqPAQ9AR9tPvfSn68KnaYWDby4bVAmXSy0E/prefill
Image Credits
First black and white picture of me taken by @PapaLouche
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
