Create to Inspire
Travis Matthews is a self-taught fashion and portrait Photographer based between NYC and Miami. His new photo book, Create To Inspire, published by Snap Collective, is an ode to one of the main themes he explores with his work, the image of a black woman. His approach is to photograph the natural beauty and narrate
an authentic, raw story in an emotional and inspirational way that allows sparking the creativity of others. With his portrait work, Travis touches on innate beauty, a deeper layer of personality that emerges in the photographs. His fashion projects leave space for character creation, playfulness, and powerful images.
In our previous conversation with Travis, he shared, “I would really like for my work to inspire others to go out and create.” With this interview, we dive deep into the motivation behind publishing the book of his favorite work. Travis explains that for him, a physical copy is connected to the experience, “seeing the colors of the print and feeling the texture of the paper puts you back in the moment of capturing the photo.”
We speak about Travis’ desire to tell his story of developing different styles throughout the years. Another important part is to create this critical moment that will allow others to take a step towards self-acceptance and see beauty in their natural state. We close our dialogue with Travis speaking about his next step and a vision to work with video format during his traveling.
Get your copy at travismatthews.co
Publication Details
Hard Cover
100 pages
8.5 x 11 inches
Photography by Travis Matthews
Publisher Snap Collective Publishing
Editor Charlotte Müller
Design by Travis Matthews & Yana Geruk
Studio & Creative Agency Town Studio
‘The inspiration sparked when I started appreciating photography coffee table books. I had the desire to have my work in people's spaces rather than only digitally, where there are algorithms to worry about and getting lost amidst all the work on the web.’
Create to Inspire
Hi Travis, it’s great to have you in WÜL again with your new book — Create to Inspire. Congratulations on this publication with Snap Collective Publishing!
In our last interview, you said your goal is “to inspire others to go out and create, first for themselves, and second for a cause that's dear to their hearts…” This motto became the title of your first book. What was the motivation to start working on the book or the initial idea that became a drive to launch the process?
I think at some point, as a photographer, the idea of publishing a book arrives. For me, the inspiration sparked when I started appreciating photography coffee table books. I had the desire to have my work in people's spaces rather than only digitally, where there are algorithms to worry about and getting lost amidst all the work on the web. People really have to feel a genuine connection with your work and take an extra step to procure a physical book. There is something organic and nostalgic about holding and interacting with a book. For me, seeing the colors of the print and feeling the texture of the paper puts you back in the moment of capturing the photo. This book is compiled of my favorite photos I have made so far in my journey, so starting the process when the opportunity presented itself was a no-brainer.
‘I wanted to tell a story and take the viewer through all the different types of styles I have, from up close and personal portraits, indoor and outdoor scenery, travels through the Caribbean and celebrities who I have fortunately had the opportunity to photograph.’
The Experience
Let’s discuss the process of editing and design in more detail. You were working on the design of the book together with Yana Geruk. What was critical for you in terms of constructing the narrative, the order of images, and the layout you wanted to create in the book?
I took full control of the editing and design process with the help of my girlfriend Manisha, who gave me some structure tips and ideas for taking the picture around the entire book to give it a street feel. I felt like it spoke to the area where I created most so far in my journey, which was in New York City. As far as the content and the way I laid it out, I wanted to tell a story and take the viewer through all the different types of styles I have, from up close and personal portraits, indoor and outdoor scenery, travels through the Caribbean and celebrities who I have fortunately had the opportunity to photograph. I wanted the viewers to go through the different chapters of my creative life so far through this book. It is a philosophy of mine that every creative person should be credited for their work on productions, so I made it a point to credit everyone who has worked with me on shoots because I feel like I needed everyone’s talent equally to bring my visions to life.
‘I learned to appreciate life and the gift I have of creating. Working with different people and presenting their strengths and beauty has taught me to stay grounded from the exchanges of stories, wisdom, ideas, and good vibes with my subjects.’
The Theme
Representation of black women through emotional and honest portraiture is one of the main themes you touch on in the book. With raw and strong portraits, you successfully bring the personality of the model to the story you create. In some instances, you work with two models, creating inspiring images. What did you learn about yourself or your technique from working with different women, presenting their strengths and beauty?
I learned to appreciate life and the gift I have of creating. Working with different people and presenting their strengths and beauty has taught me to stay grounded from the exchanges of stories, wisdom, ideas, and good vibes with my subjects. I learned to remain humble because, at the end of the day, we are all still human beings coming together to do what makes us happy, and that is creating; to inspire. One thing I learned about myself is that I love to make people embrace and fall in love/accept a flaw or insecurity they find within themselves. I often capture people in their natural state, in which they come to find self-acceptance in.
‘Getting to watch a perfectionist like Beyoncé in her creative zone on set inspired and motivated me to always aim big, seeing her also create space to have fun during the process has inspired my way of working as well.’
Models
Speaking about inspiration, beauty, and an image of an independent woman, I cannot leave this topic behind. You worked with Beyoncé Knowles, and one of her images appears in Create to Inspire. How was the photoshoot different from the others, and what are the main learnings you can share with us?
That photo shoot was different from others because it was my first time being on a set of that magnitude as well as the type of project, which was a musical film. There was a lot more going on than just a regular photoshoot production. Getting to watch a perfectionist like Beyoncé in her creative zone on set inspired and motivated me to always aim big, seeing her also create space to have fun during the process has inspired my way of working as well.
Next Steps?
So as the book is published and you had the book signing in your studio, Town Studio, in NYC, what are you planning to do next? What will your next project focus on?
The next project I want to focus on is capturing the essence of the Caribbean, traveling to different countries, and telling stories from the rawness of each country, whether it’s by capturing the landscapes, people, or editorial stories. I’m getting into motion, so I’m looking for the videography journey to be as blissful as the photography was.
