Reintroducing the Brogue: Passion on the Modern Trail
Photographer Shaniqwa Jarvis seeks subjects to photograph in their element, who are paving new paths along their modern trail
We love that moment when passion and work intersect on The Modern Trail.
Inspired by making discoveries and finding new paths, photographer Shaniqwa Jarvis sought out portrait subjects who carved their own space in their fields.
She captured nine subjects in their studios, classrooms and warehouses to photograph them in their element. Below, we’ve showcased two of these men, each modeling the reintroduced Brogue Collection, which is now back with Black and Chestnut Quartz leather.
On her inspiration behind the project, Shaniqwa said, “Each of the nine subjects have taken non-traditional routes to get to where they are today. In my opinion, that takes a lot of ambition, style, patience, and dedication. I photographed them at work, in their own offices and the results are these intimate and thought-provoking images that shed light on daily routine.”
Below, the portraits reveal the self-expression, individual style, modern workplaces and the visionary men who occupy them.
THE WOODWORKER (and Welder, Upholster & Rental Company Owner)
Jason Hoak - Philadelphia
If careers are in fact made by blazing trails, can you take us down an abbreviated version of yours? In other words, how did you get to where you are today?
My fiancé and I started collecting vintage furniture five years ago. When the collection grew, we needed to figure out a way to turn it into a business. That’s where Maggpie Rentals was born.
In the wedding rental industry, you need a large quantity of the same things such as table, bars, so out of necessity I took it upon myself to learn the trade of wood working, welding and upholstering to design and produce my own furniture.
Do you work to live, live to work or a combination of the two?
Lately, it’s been a combination of both. When we first started it was work, work, work all the time but I’ve learned to take a step back now and then to clear my head and smell the roses a little. It’s really helped my creative process a lot.
What about your work brings you the most pleasure?
Just being able to use my mind and hands every day to create things brings me a lot of pleasure. I love to be immersed in thought and my work allows me to do that daily.
What about your work brings you the most pain?
The business part—numbers, logistics, etc. Boring!
What’s inspiring you right now?
I’m always inspired by the craftsmanship of the past, when people took pride in their work, didn’t overlook the fine details, and stood behind their product with no excuses.
What music are you currently listening to, to get into work mode?
I’m a big Drake fan.
What one item of clothing represents your personal style?
I’ve always got a fitted hat on, always repping my team, always repping my city.
THE ART DIRECTOR & PROFESSOR
Stephen Serrato - Los Angeles
How did you get to where you are today?
Slow and steady wins the race. I discovered graphic design when I was 18 and quickly identified with it. Along with taking every class I could related to the Arts & Design at my local community college, I obsessed over the discipline and spent countless hours working on personal projects. However, I did take my time off this path. Sometimes it’s good to pull off the road and explore. By the time I went back to Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, I was 23 with more life experience and ready to pursue my career full-steam.
I was constantly challenged, studied under some amazing designers and congregated with a small but inspiring group of individuals who are friends and colleagues to this day.
From 2006–2008 I freelanced with multiple studios, collaborated with like-minded designers and artists, taught a bit, and had my own clients (mainly independent record labels).
Then, I moved to the Netherlands to study under Karel Martens at the Werkplaats Typografie, Arnhem. There are not enough words to sum up my experience. It was there that I knew that teaching would become an integral part of my career.
All of my mentors who are teachers were able to balance education with their own practice. Fast-forward to now – I’ve found myself back at the Art Center College of Design, Pasadena teaching Typography and mentoring a younger generation of designers.
Do you work to live, live to work or a combination of the two?
Both. I love what I do and I am blessed that it continues to sustain me.
What about your work brings you the most pleasure?
Collaboration with others. Being able to translate someone else’s message into a shared vision.
What about your work brings you the most pain?
Clients who say they respect what you do, yet actually don’t put their full trust in you. Over the years I’ve gotten better at avoiding these creatures, although every now and then they creep up on you.
What’s inspiring you right now?
The youth.
What music are you currently listening to to get into work mode?
Anything by Julio Bashmore & Seven Davis Jr.
What one item of clothing represents your personal style?
Raw denim jeans. Workman-chic.