THE SERIES: STEVEN ONOJA

(Steven Onoja is wearing the Long-Sleeve Mod Buttoned Polo in Dijon Yellow)

Brooklyn-based creative director and visual storyteller, Steven Onoja details his process and insight working in the creative industry, style inspiration, and appreciation for all things vintage.

(Steven is wearing the Long-Sleeve Placed Stripe Shirt)

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your creative aesthetic.

LET'S GET STARTED! My name's Steven Onoja, I'm a visual artist professionally, I collect more stories than scars and more scars than coin. My goal in life is to die a decent man after having lived like one too.

As a visual storyteller I take inspiration from everything around me. As a creative person I look to my surroundings and build from there. A talented artist will tell you the same, but I live in a world where everything around me is touched by my experiences. But the point is that I'm willing to take risks and experiment. No harm, no foul. I'm sure that there are many people who think I look ridiculous, and they're probably correct, but I don't know how to do it any other way.

How important is art and creativity today? What has changed over the last few years as far as how people see creatives?

I grew up thinking the art world, literature, was a haven for those not otherwise accepted anywhere else. I grew up admiring paintings of contorted faces and abstract women. Nonetheless, I was able to escape from a world that didn’t accept me for who I was and I got older and discovered works by people who shared my tawny hue and read about people and history. I knew I wanted to be a part of this. But it’s a whole different world when you go from reader to writer, when you go from appreciator to photographer or painter. Behind the scenes is a world that is not different from the world I grew up in. I’ve realized there isn’t much room for black creatives.

Any exciting projects coming up this year we should know about?

I'm currently working on a personal project which I am so excited about, I'll be in charge of creative direction, styling during the shoot and am in need of some items to finalize the looks.  

Who is your biggest inspiration?

Fela Kuti is my biggest inspiration. 

What does Ben Sherman mean to you?

Ben Sherman means Classic heritage to me.