Phillip Loken
photographer
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA
Contact: contact@kingphill.us
5 favorite musical artists of all time?
Curtis Mayfield
The Undisputed Truth
$BlackProfit$
Rastaa
Austin Royale
What inspires you?
Colors, whether it be full-color schemes or singular colors, moods/emotions, and the combination of the two that create their own feeling.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Trust yourself more and know that just because you don't see it, doesn't mean you can't be it.
What industry blogs/websites/podcasts do you enjoy?
I don't keep up with too much of that. I'll seek things out if I see attractive headlines, but I'm mainly consuming research on topics related to my projects and inspirations.
What do you think the future holds for people of color in creative industries?
I think black people are going to do incredible things. We always do.
“Trust yourself more and know that just because you don’t see it, doesn’t mean you can’t be it.”
What is your dream job?
A well-paid photography or marketing position somewhere with benefits that gives me full creative control of any project.
What skill(s) would you develop if you had more time?
I would learn how to develop my own film, strengthen my public speaking skills and get back into playing the drums. I'd definitely take up meal prepping as well.
What is the last thing you learned?
Anthony Barboza shot the artwork for some of the Ohio Players’ albums.
What are you working on right now?
I have a few ongoing projects that are my main focus right now. One is community-based and I've been planning it for a few years now. The others revolve around the topics of self-love, the many different facets of black southern identity, tracing my own personal history and ancestry.
I've got even more goals outside of what's listed above that I will achieve; it's a beautiful time.
If you could talk to your favorite creative for an hour, who would it be? Why?
This answer would definitely change, probably on a weekly basis (haha). Right now, I'd say Kerry James Marshall. I would want to talk to him because his work is incredible. A lot of his work really speaks to me. My favorite exhibition of his is Mastry and the "When Frustration Threatens Desire" piece grabs me.
What advice would you give to creatives of color looking to pursue their passion full-time?
Set up your business structure as early as you can; get that paperwork out of the way. Also, save your profits and invest it back into your passion. Never stop learning new things and growing.
How do you keep your creative drip going?
I get inspiration on a daily basis from all types of sources. I have so many articles I want to read, books I need to finish, concepts I need to explore. My list of creative possibilities is endless, it's just a matter of choosing a new one when I need a reboot in creativity.
Contact: contact@KingPhill.us