Today we’d like to introduce you to Iyana Aycock.
Hi Iyana , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
i’ve always known that i was meant to be a creative. At a very young age… I didn’t have the language for it, I just knew that i wanted to be a singer, Actor, writer .. basically anything that allows me to tell a story and make people feel something. As I grew older I started realizing that creativity felt less like a hobby and more like a passion… it was just this voice that I had internally that i couldn’t grasp. For a long time I wasn’t sure what that calling looked like for me. In 2021 I went to Bella modeling school because at first i wanted to be a model. I definitely learned a lot during that time , about how the industry works, confidence and the power of image… but i also learned that wasn’t necessarily the path for me… I don’t think my dream changed but it definitely expanded. I started really becoming fascinated with storytelling, creating concepts, aesthetics and the way that people can connect to an image. I like to think that every version of myself lead me to that same internal voice “I was always meant to create” now I am learning to trust it and build a career that reflects who i am and what I can do.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely was not a smooth road at all. I went through so many personal transformations…. ego deaths…. lots of negative self image and more rejection than i can count. I use to tie my worth to external validation. I definitely feel like me being in this industry allowed me to face a lot of internal pressure and insecurities that I sometimes still struggle with. There were moments when I questioned whether i was talented enough, capable enough, worthy enough to pursue the career i dreamed of. I also wrestled with the fact that not everyone is going to understand this path.. I think choosing creativity feels lonely, especially when the people around you don’t always see the visions before it comes to life.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Creative Director/ Storyteller and I do a little bit of modeling. I specialize in visual storytelling rooted in personal experiences, emotions, transformations, Sexuality and Identity. I’m drawn into creating work that feels intimate, I like to play around with gender identity and I create work that invites people to see themselves reflected in it. I think what sets me apart is that I approach my creativity from my personal perspective and also based off of curiosity. I’ve been the person in-front of the camera while also the person building up the story/ the concept behind the scenes and i think the more I do it based off of curiosity and authenticity the more it reflects in my art. I am most proud of my willingness to evolve and to learn. I feel like i’ve re invented myself many times and instead of seeing it as inconsistency i learned to see it as curiosity. I create from a place of honesty, I am interested in the messy but beautiful process of becoming and what it means to grow into yourself authentically. This is only just the beginning there’s still so much that I am willing to explore and share with everyone.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am always excited to connect with people that are just as passionate about storytelling, fashion, and creating meaningful work that ties into identity and sexuality. whether it’s collaborative creative projects or simply exchanging ideas I am open and love working with people who thinks outside of a box and create from a place of authenticity. The best way people can support me is by ..I guess… engaging with my work, sharing my work and following along on my little journey. I am still growing as a creative and i am open to collaborations that aligns with my values and visions and if my work resonates with you don’t be afraid to hit me up on instagram or my email is Iyanaaycock@gmail.com.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iyanaayck
