Surface Magazine’s Avant Guardian Competition

June 26, 2007

Surface Magazine, an uber slick fashion/design/lifestyle magazine, is wrapping up its call for it’s tenth annual Avant Guardian Project for emerging fashion photographers. After a first round of nearly 1000 submissions, selected photographers will be given a box of designer clothes (that must be returned, sad), the assistance of stylists and models (if needed) and must complete another fashion editorial. After that round, finalists will be selected for publication, a touring exhibition, or both.

As per the website: “When submitting entries please consider that Surface is seeking the best of the Avant Garde. Special attention will be paid to innovative portfolios that do not subscribe to existing trends. The notable criteria is a successful blend of artistic concept with market potential.”

I entered the competition two years ago with no focus or direction to my portfolio. I simply uploaded my life’s work and expected them to have fun trying to decipher everything. Only two years ago, photographers were allowed to submit up to 50 images. This time around, a max of 20 images is allowed, with 8-12 images being the norm. After a bit of growing and learning, I’ve realized that in this case, less is more.

With some wonderful advice from my friends, including Adam Grossi, Moxie the Maven, Josh Atlas, and Jennifer Murray, I’ve decided to send in a strong portfolio of 9 images. My friend, Laura, also reminded me that my submission “really hits the nail on the head for a fashion spread in something called the Avant Guardian”. To stay grounded, I need to remember that I am only 1 of 1000, and I’m pretty sure an intern will be sifting through the submissions.

Could you imagine, for a moment, if I were moved on to the next round? Yesterday, I daydreamed about the opportunity to shoot a line of Dior Homme, Gucci, or Prada. I thought about my role as an artist and as a designer. Of course, I’d like to use models who emit the clients’ image—the clients being a) the designer label and b) Surface Magazine. However, this is my one chance to showcase my artistry and ultimately push the boundaries that the Avant Guardian is clearly asking its photographers to do. Therefore, I wouldn’t subscribe to the trend of six feet tall European and South American male models modeling in a cloud of fog (literally), but rather, continue with my artistic concept of photographing myself. If they specifically tell me, “you need to use models other than yourself, because frankly, you’re not a top model,” then I have a few ideas up my sleeve to deal with the request. But if all was gravy and they didn’t specify it, then I’ve got a few concepts already in mind (I love daydreaming!)—especially knowing that the clothes will obviously be too big for me—but we’ll just have to wait and see! Cross your fingers for me!

So, in order, I present to you my official, 2007, Avant Guardian Project submission!

Fashion Editorial Concept: High/Low Fashion. Where is that line and who gets to draw it? A studio filled with clones: one is a delusional model and the others just don’t understand fashion…or do they? As model, stylist, and photographer, my documented private performances explore the coexistence of fashion and the everyday.