Rising Stars: Meet J “Slim” Robertson

Today we’d like to introduce you to J “Slim” Robertson.

Hi J “Slim”, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It started about four years ago when I was shooting as just another stream of income on top of my graphic design business and just for family and friends. I was literately just “taking pictures” of anything I could because I would get some extra money. No styling, no directing, no direction, just pointing and taking pics. After a while, I started to feel like things became routine and I was tired of just shooting so I got back to my artistic roots and started to actually create stories and pieces of art that people enjoy and love. I began to collaborate with other artists & creatives doing what I truly enjoyed. I became an all-around creative and not just another guy with a nice camera. I style, direct, teach, pick makeup, hair, and so much more. I got to where I am today by serving my purpose & my community, as well as staying true to myself and constantly learning what I can from others and from just creating.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to get here wasn’t exactly rough but wasn’t easy either. My biggest challenge was really figuring out what I wanted to do with photography and who I wanted to do it for. Like I said previously, I was just shooting whatever in order to make some side income. I didn’t really have a purpose outside of that, but to be honest it just wasn’t making me happy. Also at this time, I was still a graphic designer and was losing interest in that as well. So at that point, I really needed to find my way. I did this by talking with other creatives that I looked up to and was close with. I would talk to them about their love, fears, and just what drives them. What I realized was that it’s about serving not only what makes you happy but also others as well.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I currently would say that I am a creative director with a focus in photography. A creative photographer of sorts. I also do some videography as well. What I do as a creative photographer is put together teams of creatives from make up artists to florists to put together an experience that makes clients feel like they are deserving of all-star treatment whether they are a brand owner or a model. I have found my purpose and specialty in this creative lane and it is to show my black Queens & Kings in a beautiful authentic light. No filter, no body modifications, just blackness in all its melanin glory. I truly believe we don’t have enough representation in the media in a natural way and I’m doing my part to change that one frame at a time. What I am most proud of is that I am able to do this, make my clients happy, and make a living from it. What sets me apart from others is the passion and consistency I bring to every session, no matter the client’s need for the session. And most importantly, I really love what I do and love to share the knowledge I have with others.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are plenty that deserves some credit in my success story and to where I am at today. First and foremost, I have to thank God for bringing me through many failures and by doing so showing me that I am truly walking in my purpose. Of course, I have to shout out the black women in my life, specifically my mother and my wife because besides every great black man are quite a few great black women. Also, very very special dedication to my daughter River who motivates me to keep going even when I feel tired or stressed for her sake and our future. Finally, I have to give love to my family, friends, and supporters across all platforms that give me love without asking and spread my work to the masses.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.theslimcreative.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theslimcreative/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theslimcreative
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheSlimCreative