1. Give us a personal background on yourself? (Where are you from, where do you reside, what’s your preferred medium? Are you a cat or dog person? We want to know!)

Hey! My name is Juan Medina but better known as Juansvisuals. I’m based out in Miami-Dade County but I was born in Medellin, Colombia. I tend to focus on editorial/fashion photography but as a creative, I dip my feet in all types of creative photography.

2. How did you first start your journey towards becoming an artist?

My creative journey came from my mom. My mom grew up loving to paint and that’s how she expressed herself. I loved art as she did but I figured my drawing/painting skills weren’t the best. But other than painting, my mom is a full-time graphic designer which that career path always interested me, so I starting feeding off her creativity which led me into photography. Then a realization came that this was my dream all along and I wanted to pursue this as my career. I bought new equipment and using all my experience and everything I have learned to flourish my creative work for the world. I kept shooting and started to build up a portfolio were then I began to start charging for my photoshoots. In my five years of being a photographer, I never stop learning or growing.

3. When was the first time you really saw yourself as an artist?

After a couple years of learning from my craft, I started seeing my work progress into my own special style where I can differ from different creatives. Then after that realization, every shoot had a special artistic touch and that’s when I became aware that I was an artist.

4. What do you think new artists struggle with the most nowadays?

The biggest thing new artist fight and struggle with in the early days or even during your creative journey is doubt and comparison. Believe or not, there are a ton of amazing creatives around the world during the same thing you are doing and even better. So that feeling comes within and start to make you question your craft. But you have to realize everyone creates different because at the end of the day, we are all different so we have to have keep pushing ourselves.

5. How did you learn how to set a price on your art/craft?

Obviously, it being my career and all but photography was and always been a hobby. Not every time I pick up my camera is for work purposes but to really enjoy the creative process. Normally when I started taking it more seriously, I used an analysis on what other people were charging as a way not to devalue the creative craft. After more experience and working with bigger brand by expanding my portfolio, I have the backbone to continue to raise my prices based on expertise and craft.

6. What has been your favorite piece that you’ve created?

My favorite piece is always changing due to my creative portfolio always developing and growing. But it mostly is the spontaneous and more fun shoots that become my favorites.

7. Who’s one of your biggest sources of inspiration right now?

My biggest source of inspiration right now is all my fellow creative pushing their limit, reaching new heights, out there doing what they do for a living. I feed off that energy and hold myself to those actions.

8. If you could pick one of your pieces to represent you as a person, which one would it be and why?

I think the best portrait to represent me would be my portraits of myself. As photographers we tend to not really take pictures of ourselves, but is great to break that barrier as it teaches new level of understanding on the feeling of being in front of the lens.

9. What has been your happiest moment as an artist?

The happiest moment as an artist has to be the day I quick my corporate job and decided to pursue my dream full-time.

10. Have you ever made any mistakes in the industry that have taught you a valuable lesson?

Mistakes are going to happen no matter what industry your part of. The reason I’ve been able to grow in my craft is from all the different mistakes I had to go through, from bad shoots, to lack of communication, and just not doing a good job. Those mistakes are going to bring you down but will you up twice the level you were.

11. If you were a dessert, what dessert would you be and why?

If I was a dessert, I would be cookies and crème ice cream since it’s the best of the best..

12. What kind of music do you like to listen to when you work?

My music playlist touches on every single genre depending on the vibe I’m feeling except country music. I can’t grasp any creative creating some fire content with country music on.

13. What’s your least favorite trend at the moment?

I don’t really have least favorite trend.

14. If you could design a home out of literally any material, what would your house be made out of?

If I was to design a home out of a material would be marble. I absolutely love marble from a mix of white and black all around.

15. If you could leave us with one thought, what would it be?

If I was to leave you with one thought, it would be to just pursue your dreams no matter the risk or fear of failure. If you believe in yourself enough, you can climb any mountain that life puts in front of you. So if you can quit that job, say yes to that opportunity, block all haters and doubters and push yourself to achieve your dreams.