AUTO - CULTURE.
I developed a great appreciation for aggressively modified wide-body cars. While studying to become an Art Director in 2013, I began following a friend who builds cars for fun, and I have come to enjoy the culture around them. After living in New York City for a few years and focusing on consumer brands and products, I realized how much I miss photographing cars. Last year, I had the opportunity to shoot for a friend who owns a Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS. My ex also had a Porsche Macan GTS, and you could say that I am a huge fan of Porsche cars. I never thought I would have the opportunity to drive one. I love how it handles, and I am grateful that I had that experience of a lifetime. Someday, I would like to save up for one, and that is my dream and goal.
During the video storytelling course at Miami Ad School, I experienced a profound shift in my perception of car shows. I realized that these gatherings offer more than just speed and flashy aesthetics; they provide a canvas for individuals to express their passion through the meticulous customization of their vehicles. Each car, from its design to its details, reflects its owner's personality and aspirations. I've delved deep into this dynamic subculture by attending numerous shows, shadowing my friend Darren as he passionately builds and races cars, and embarking on journeys spanning three states. For our senior final project in our video storytelling course, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the vibrant auto culture, selecting Red Bull as the brand to relate our story. Red Bull's involvement in events like Formula Drift and Formula 1 races resonated deeply with the auto culture I was exploring. In 2015, when Red, White, and Blue limited edition Red Bull flavors were released, I enjoyed incorporating the colors into our project. Inspired by Red Bull's motto, "What makes you fly," we shared the passions behind each car built through the vision of the drivers. This experience allowed me to delve even deeper into the world of car culture and storytelling, enriching my understanding and appreciation of both.
I am deeply grateful to my Miami Ad School colleagues for their invaluable support in sound engineering and filming interviews. Special thanks go to Darren B, Steve T, Frank C, Jon Lee, John D, Tim D, Joe S, Janelle, and others who generously shared their insights into car culture. Lastly, I extend my appreciation to my project collaborators, Locki Choi, Iris G., and Jeff T.
Below is the link to my debut documentary, a testament to my deep immersion in this captivating world.
