Mackenzie Heslin-Scott

photographer & illustrator

Yorktown Heights, NY

Favorite musical artists of all time?

1. Khalid

2. Ella Mai

3. Jason Derulo

4. H.E.R

5. Kid Kudi

How do you keep your creative drip going? 

To stay creative, I go on a walk with UK Afro beats or R&B/Acoustic music playing in my ears. Nothing like fresh air, no commitments, and no pressure to get the creative juices going.

If you could talk to your favorite creative for an hour, who would it be and why? 

Khalid. I would love to hear about what drives him as a creative.

What is the last thing you learned?

The last thing I learned most recently was that an avocado is a fruit (who woulda thought!?). Artistically, I learned how watercolor pencils are both a godsend and a curse.

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Its not going to go as you plan, you’re going to deal with people who boil your blood but you can’t let them fig your creative eye. Just finish their project and move on. You have the power to create and they don’t, that’s why they came to you.

What advice would you give to creatives of color looking to pursue their passion full-time?

As cliche as this sounds don’t give up. Do what you have to do, like get a regular 9-5, but keep doing what you love to do in your free time, don’t let corporate culture suck you’re creativity out of you

What do you do?

I am a photographer who prefers candids over posed shots. I like to catch the moments that get lost in between the poses. I am an illustrator in both old media, pens, paper, pencils, paint, new media, adobe illustrator, etc. I also create marketing graphics for social media, email flyers, and promotional adverts.

What are you working on right now?

I am working on a photographic study of what makes PoC unique. The photos are taken in a studio style, the subject holds an object they feel represents them best. Then, the objects are illustrated on using the sketchbook app to show how they differ from others. Some have cultural patterns on them, while others have illustrations of their other passions, and some are illustrations of places where they are from.

What inspires you?

The raw unsolicited expression of someone’s personality when you catch them doing something they genuinely love to do.

Describe your dream job. 

Art Director/founder for an influential media group that promotes the positive aspects of being human.

What skill(s) would you develop if you had more time?

My digital illustration skills and my videography skills, I have yet to really master a steady camera shot.

What industry blogs/websites/podcasts do you enjoy?

Colossal.com, Julie adenugas radio show on beats one Apple Music, buzzfeed

What do you think the future holds for people of color in creative industries? 

It’s looking bright for PoC in the creative industry. Every day people are showcasing their talents, making statements and bringing awareness to the hidden talents that PoC possess that gets shoved under stereotypes and bad publicity.