Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristina “Crispi” Pimienta.
Cristina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My venture as a photographer started since I was a little girl. My mom gave me a film camera to take with me when I traveled. When I got back, the first thing I told her was to get me more film. I didn’t know I had a passion for it. I was always shooting, taking pictures of random things, people at parties, selfies, and cheer competitions. High school came about, and it’s when the digital camera was introduced. That’s when I really would go crazy with my point and shoot and take hundreds of images. I was legit the selfie and photo-bomb queen before social media made it into something. I guess I can call myself the memory hoarder.
As I was entering my senior year of high school, I was already making the decision to move to Miami to cheer. Although in order to move my mom,said to me, “Cool you can move and cheer, but these are my two conditions: either you find a job or I can help you out with school.” And uhhh DUH I am going to choose school, but again she said to me, “Awesome, now you have to choose very carefully what is it that you want to study and really do because I will not accept you coming to me 2 years down the line and tell me you want to change your career. That means you’ve wasted your time and my money and I will stop helping you.”
SOOOOOO that’s when I really had to sit and think to myself. “What the faaack do I want to do with my life?” I’ve always loved entertainment; dance, music, art, and anything that involves art. So I decided I was going to go in for photography. That’s what was going to open the doors for me to be able to express my creative abilities. It was the most common and reoccurring thing in my life; I had a camera on me at ALL times. LITERALLY. So I said, fuck it. I am going to be a photographer. Mad people gave me shit about it, the most common statements and questions I received were:
“Why?”
“How are you going to make money?”
“Are you sure that’s what you want to do?”
“You should also get a minor in nursing or business to have a backup!”
It was a little discouraging at first being that I was so excited and I never thought people would react that way towards my decision. Only did my close ones and family support me. That definitely did not stop me and it is how I am here today doing what I love and want to do. I believed in myself and wanted to not only prove to myself, but to the universe that one can achieve something they really want. I’ve also created a platform for modern and contemporary female artists. It’s called “Art of Bae” – Art of Being An Entrepreneur.
Art of Bae is platform and gallery curated to shine light on modern & contemporary female artists from around the world. AOB features the underground & mainstream demographics for talented artists to expose their conceptual work. These works are curated based on their actual time, materials, and emotional message.
Aside from Art of Bae I shoot and create for the most legendary people in the industry and have created a clientele and name for myself by just being me… Literally. That’s Crispi.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s been an ultimate roller coaster. There are many times when you will be smooth sailing and suddenly hit rock bottom. Some of the struggles I encountered along the way as well has been the male ego. Being strong and independent can go both ways, either intimidating or successful towards men and women. I learned though, that one must always study people and be in tune with the situation. Don’t be oblivious to things. ENERGIES DO NOT LIE. Most importantly show respect and respect will be returned. Be about your word.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the That’s Crispi / Art of Bae story. Tell us more about the business.
Damn… that’s tricky because as an individual I play many hats. Photography, Content Curation, Creative Directing, Producing, Art Exhibits and so much more. Although those are the main ones I fall back to.
I definitely specialize in portraiture, street-life, celebrities; which is what I am most known for.
I am most proud of working with legendary and amazing people, being counseled by the most successful people in the game and maintaining these relationships.
What definitely sets me apart is me, myself and I. That covers my personality, my hair, and the way I carry myself, especially my confidence and whatever greats people can tell you about me.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
A big shift of people with cameras will be eliminated. Those with quality will be ahead of the game.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thatscrispi.com
- Email: thatscrispi@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/thatscrispi
- Twitter: twitter.com/thatscrispi
Image Credit:
@aabikarr, @djeloveson, @jamby_elfavo, @torylanez, Aileen, Rick Ross
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