We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Vico Velez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Vico below.
Vico, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
My confidence in my work has developed over time, through both personal and creative evolution. A lot of it came from seeing how my photography made others feel and the long lasting impact it has left people that has been expressed to me even years later. When someone tells me they feel powerful or truly seen in one of my images, it affirms that my voice and perspective matter. I find a lot of comfort and joy in knowing I’ve been able to give that to people.
I also believe that real self-esteem is built with community. Connecting with people from completely different walks of life constantly shifts how I see the world and myself. It’s humbling, but it also affirms that there’s no single way to be a valid artist, beautiful, or successful. That kind of insight gave me permission to show up fully as my authentic self, and to trust in the value of my work and my vision. We all have it inside of us, since confidence is a personal choice.
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?
I’m a commercial and editorial photographer based in Los Angeles, originally from Mexico City. My work is focused on vibrant, conceptual beauty, color as a language, high gloss glamour, and a deep appreciation for individuality. I specialize in creating highly stylized images that celebrate self expression, a connection to personal identity and work closely with my subjects or clients to bring those visions to life.
My work is deeply rooted in capturing the vastness and beauty of the female experience. in all its forms, identities, and expressions. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with people across the beautifully diverse spectrum that is the rainbow, and those connections have shaped how I see the world. I genuinely love learning about the different walks of life people come from, and photography has always been my way of listening, understanding, and growing. Creating art with others has stretched my perspective and helped me move through the world with more compassion, curiosity, and purpose.
What excites me most is helping people step into their power through visual storytelling. Every shoot is a collaborative effort where my goal is always to make them feel seen, celebrated, and their message expressed. What connects all of my work together is my style, I place a high importance on color as part of my tools for expressing an emotion. I use set design and lighting techniques, alongside likeminded creatives who bring their fashion and makeup abilities to complete the final result: a strong image that resonates the intended message deeply with the viewer.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my collaborations within the music and fashion spaces, working with artists and brands who want visuals that feel iconic, expressive, and unforgettable. I’m also building out my studio space as a creative hub where community, culture, and collaboration can thrive. I want everything I create to help amplify the voices and perspectives that make this world more vibrant and connected.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been: resilience, self-belief, and curiosity.
I’ve always said that as an artist, no matter your medium, your biggest challenge will always be yourself. Your doubts, your fears, the days you don’t feel like your strongest, most empowered self. But if you can stand strong in your vision and keep showing up for your work, even when it’s hard, you’re already winning. You’re your own biggest competition, so the ability to keep going and to believe in the message you’re trying to share with the world, backed by passion and ambition is everything you need on your art journey. There will be moments when it feels like the world isn’t receiving your message. In those moments, you just have to speak louder, lean harder into your convictions, and stay the course. You’re also allowed to pivot and expand on your message when it feels like it’s constricting your growth.
Second, the technical side is important, too. I think it’s crucial to always stay a student of your craft (and of life!) But even more than that, I believe curiosity is the first sign of intelligence. If you stay curious about the world around you, about other people’s stories and new ways to create, new techniques or technologies, then your work will keep evolving. That’s how you build longevity and depth as an artist.
For anyone early in their journey: stay consistent, stay curious, and stay kind to yourself. The art and visibility will follow if you don’t give up on it or on yourself.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes! I’m always looking to collaborate with likeminded creatives across all kinds of fields, whether it’s performers, musicians, beauty/fashion brands, or other visual artists. I’m passionate about building meaningful creative relationships and I’m always open to new opportunities, new perspectives, and new ways of working. I don’t believe in limiting myself when it comes to collaboration, if there’s a strong concept and good energy, I’m in.
I’m based out of my studio in Hollywood but also work on location, so the possibilities are endless. What I love most is the process: getting to know the person I’m working with, understanding the message we want to convey together, and then assembling a dream team to bring that vision to life.
If you’re interested in working together, whether it’s a professional campaign, a passion project, or something completely experimental, you can reach out to me via email or Instagram. I’m open to pitches, work inquiries, or just conversations about art and collaboration.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vicovelez.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/vicovelezphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/vicovelezphotography
- Other: email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Farrah Moan, Shea Coulee, Lily Blanchard, Brittany Mason, Roshanay, Cosmo Armstrong, Chanel George, Autumn Brooke
