This week we spoke with LA based photographer and artist Lindsay Usich who discussed her inspirations, creative process, and style. Get inspired, below
Lindsay via instagram.com/LindsayUsichOfficial
You’re an amazing photographer and I find that imagery can evoke great feelings of nostalgia, is that something you think about when taking photos?
Thank you for saying that! I’m an extremely sentimental person so whether I intend to or not, I find my favorite photos over the years always incorporate a special moment in my life.
What are your greatest sources of artistic inspiration?
Music, being outside in nature and its elements, and scent.
‘Nights in White Satin’ via instagram.com/LindsayUsichOfficial
Were you always creative growing up?
I would like to think so! My sister and I would always make up plays complete with a playbill, film our our own videos of fake commercials, dance and music videos…we did a pretty solid stop-motion stuffed animal rabbit music video that still could hold up in present day. We also would create some lovely and hilarious stage designs for the lizards we captured and released. We were very much into creating an alternate narrative through images or film, albeit a little demented and through the eyes of a child.
Some people might not know that you have a twin, do you get to work together often?
Yes! I love working with my twin sister Ashley for her clothing line Cete. Editorial fashion/lookbook photography isn’t normally my route and is still fairly new to me but what that’s what I enjoy about it. Getting out of your artistic comfort zone is so important. I really like imagining different worlds and characters to suit different outfits or color stories. Ashley gives me a lot of creative room, we even are working on a holiday Lindsay Dress in a few colorways, so it’s been quite fun.
Ashley photographed by Lindsay for Cete - via instagram.com/lindsayusichofficial
A lot of your photography seems very spontaneous, is that the case? Or are you very planned out with your work?
I used to be spontaneous about a decade ago, now I’m semi-spontaneous. I like to have a little planning in what sort of imagery or idea I want to invoke. There’s something to be said for elaborately staged photography like Tim Walker, which are absolute works of art - but I find what works best for my vision is pulling something from the exact moment. Since I do usually shoot with 35mm cameras there is an element of surprise each time I develop the film. Sometimes those last shots I’ve taken impatiently trying to finish off a roll are the very best!
More of Lindsay’s work for Cete (www.shopcete.com) via instagram.com/LindsayUsichOfficial
Do you have favorite photographers that you admire and have inspired you?
I’m very big into collecting all sorts of art & photography books from all genres, but my favorites almost always are Guy Bourdin, Bettina Rheims, Man Ray, Steven Klein, vintage Ellen von Unwerth, Cecil Beaton and Helmut Newton.
You’ve travelled the world on tour with your significant other, Marilyn Manson, if it has, how has traveling informed your creativity?
I’ve been traveling as much as I was able since I was 18 and have always found being around different cultures and customs extremely humbling and enlightening. I’m from South Florida and even as a teenager I knew if I didn’t see the world there was no chance in understanding the issues and beauty that one can’t really grasp from textbooks or websites. I’m lucky enough to be able to travel quite often still, and while the time spent in each city is more condensed, I love it nonetheless. Traveling always sort of unlocks little parts of myself creatively that I didn’t realize existed.
via instagram.com/LindsayUischOfficial
To talk about style, you are very chic and have a classic elegance to your look…
How would you describe your personal style?
Most of the time my style is quite feminine and romantic…I love long dresses that have lots of movement at the bottom and I almost always never wear a heel under 4.5 inches tall. I also am completely comfortable in an oversized jersey dress with some Stella McCartney sneakers. I think some of living in LA has rubbed off on me, also being comfortable and able to do my daily routines is very important to me. In terms of style, I also I believe a person should have a signature perfume. My friend Marissa and I have been working on refining a classic of mine, so no matter what clothes you’re wearing ( or not wearing ) you always feel present with yourself.
That being said, If you could raid the closet of one woman in the world who would It be?
Tilda Swinton, hands down. That answer never changes.
Where are your favorite places to shop/favorite designers of the moment?
My favorite designers have a little bit of humor in them…Charlotte Olympia, Olympia Le-Tan, The Vampire's Wife, Sretsis. I really love to shop independent designers nowadays. Also, one of my friends kind of opened my eyes to designer resale sites which I adore because of the sustainability aspect.
And lastly, what’s one trend from the past you’d love to see come back to Fashion?
More bows, more exaggerated collars!
via instagram.com/lindsayusichofficial