
In the world of creatives, collaboration is almost inevitable. Based on that prospect, Canon recently launched its 5-episode series titled, ‘Co-Lab’. The series brings together young creatives from different fields — ranging from dance, to fashion, photography, magic and art — in order to create a functional, yet fashionable camera bag ahead of the launch at ComplexCon.
Speaking with a couple of these creatives, we discuss their contributions to the Canon Co-Lab series, their experience working with other seasoned creatives, interpreting cultural trends, and more.
RAVEN. B VARONA
For members of the hive, Raven. B Varona hardly needs any introductions. Raven or “Ravie B” began her photography journey shooting culturally significant events, and eventually shooting for the biggest names in the entertainment industry.
You’re definitely no stranger to being a collaborator. What would you say is the most important part of collaboration?
I found it most exciting that all of us are extremely different. We all do different things in different fields with completely different perspectives. Even with Dexter and I both being photographers, our styles are very different. It was really cool to be brought together and see how we all use the same medium in different ways. I truly enjoyed it.
Was there any difference between your past experiences as a collaborator and this experience? If so, what is(are) the difference(s)?
On the smallest scale I thought of like group projects in school. Except with the Canon Co Lab, all of the creatives wanted to do the group work. This experience was truly unique. You don’t often see this kind of collaboration.
What was your favorite part of the Canon Co-Lab experience?
I was very vocal haha. I’ve always wanted to make a camera bag. So going into this, I knew I wanted the bag to be bold. And even though it was unisex, I wanted it to have some femininity to it. Its was very important to me being a woman photographer that I showed up for the women.
Each time you collaborate, do you ever deal with silent pressure to seamlessly deliver or do you embrace trial and error?
To be honest, it is something that I have learned to be better at. I’m not going to lie, its not easy. Normally when I have a vision for something, it’s because I strongly believe in it. And because of that, it can be hard to compromise that vision. However, I’ve learned that I am someone who truly enjoys building off of other people’s ideas and making their visions come to life. I’ve also learned that compromising doesn’t necessarily mean I’m losing something from that vision. A lot of times the compromise can give a new layer to that idea. We don’t live on the planet alone and we can’t do everything by ourselves. That’s why it’s so important to learn how to compromise.
At the beginning of the series, the main question was fashion, form or functionality. What would you say is the answer to that?
Personally for me, fashion and functionality were the most important to me in this challenge. I wanted to create something that was functional but that I also could wear out and make a fashion statement with. Often times, when it comes to camera bags, they tend to be very bulky and masculine and not something you can use or want to use everyday. I love that our bag hit all of those targets.
ALEALI MAY
In the fashion world, Aleali May (pronounced uh-lay-lee) is one to be reckoned with. Her repertoire includes; a stint with Louis Vuitton and Virgil Abloh’s RSVP Gallery as well as being the first female collaborator to design Air Jordans for both men and women. While working with global brands such as Calvin Klein and Chanel May’s styling expertise has been tapped by the likes of Wiz Khalifa, 21 Savage, Tinashe, and Kendrick Lamar.
You’re definitely no stranger to being a collaborator. What would you say is the most important part of collaboration?
Collaboration is all about coming together as equals. Understanding the person you’re working with and how to find ways to incorporate both ideas to create something special and unique, but still represents both parties’ stories.
Was there any difference between your past experiences as a collaborator and this experience? If so, what is(are) the difference(s)?
Collectively, our group of creatives have expertise in art, photography, design, illusion (magic), and dance. I’ve never worked with so many creatives from different genres and it’s refreshing!
What was your favorite part of the Canon Co-Lab experience?
My favorite part of the co-lab experience will have to be what we’re unveiling at Complex Con. Sue Tsai, an amazing New York artist and I are prepping for an installation to unveil for both days. I’m excited because we will be bringing people to our universe, and I hope you can get inspired to create. I love that it doesn’t have anything to do with what people usually associate me with — clothing — and taps into another world of my imagination and the unknown.
Each time you collaborate, do you ever deal with silent pressure to seamlessly deliver or do you embrace trial and error?
You always have to embrace trial and error, I think that’s when you’re most creative self kicks in. Canon’s Co-Lab is a 5-episode series following myself and 5 other creatives as we work together to meet creative challenges and interpret cultural trends. As we created a camera bag. Following episodes will see us paired off to work through creative ideas using Canon’s resources to bring our ideas to life. that dialogue is so important and even outside of the internet, you’re engaging and creating something new, fun, and original!
At the beginning of the series, the main question was fashion, form or functionality. What would you say is the answer to that?
The beginning of the series we talk a lot about gaging different consumers and working with the way consumers work. Trying to incorporate functionality but still let you have a personal touch to your own things. That’s what I think helps design evolve and is what this generation and generations to come are looking for. Leading up to the fifth and final episode will be filmed live during ComplexCon, November 2–3. Our full team of creators will be onsite and reveal our collaborative photo experience and reinvention of the camera bag, which attendees can interact with.
SUE TSAI
Sue Tsai is a visual artist and designer whose bold work reflects an impressive crossover of fine art, fashion, and pop culture. Tsai has been featured in worldwide exhibits, and earned her partnerships with global brands such as Puma, and collaborations within the music industry.
You’re definitely no stranger to being a collaborator. What would you say is the most important part of collaboration?
I was really excited to be able to be a part of this series. Photography is an integral part of my creative process from capturing inspiration anytime anywhere, to reference photos for paintings, to photographing all my artwork. It felt like a very organic collaboration and to be selected by Canon was an honor. I was also excited to be able to work with other talented creatives that aren’t necessarily in my field but have so much to contribute in different ways.
Was there any difference between your past experiences as a collaborator and this experience? If so, what is(are) the difference(s)?
I think the most important thing about working with five other people, who are also creatives is to be open minded. I’m used to working alone when it comes to design but it was a breath of fresh air to be able to collaborate with people who have very different ideas. We did clash on ideas however we all had a mutual respect for one another’s visions and we ended up being able to pull the best contribution from each individual in order to render some amazing end results.
What was your favorite part of the Canon Co-Lab experience?
The starting point for taking on a collaborative assignment is definitely hearing out everybody’s ideas, visions, and needs. Then seeing where those visions overlap, and ideas compliment one another. Usually once I hear someone’s plan, it can inspire me to revamp mine, and we just build off one another continuously.
Each time you collaborate, do you ever deal with silent pressure to seamlessly deliver or do you embrace trial and error?
The Canon Co-Lab experience was very inspiring. As a painter, I’m always working alone and I think the challenges that Canon gave us really opened me up to see the value in being able to work with other individuals like-minded or not. I’m really excited to see the end results of what we’ve created at ComplexCon, and to be able to share it with everyone. I can’t wait to see what people think of our camera bag and photo installation while I’m there.
At the beginning of the series, the main question was fashion, form or functionality. What would you say is the answer to that?
I would say it can definitely be all three. While each of us individually went into the series wanting one over the other, we ended up being able to have it all.
