Today we’d like to introduce you to Toni Smailagic.
Toni, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was born in Bosnia in the midst of the Bosnian War and became a refugee leading me to relocate several times until my family finally arrived in Jacksonville, FL when I was 9. I was progressing in the corporate world quickly, and while a junior at the University of North Florida, I decided to drop out and move to Paris to pursue fashion photography.
After a few months there, I moved to NYC and began really working with modeling agencies, designers, brands, etc. until my portfolio was strong enough to move me to another market; Miami. After building a commercial book in Miami, I moved to Los Angeles and built one surrounding streetwear and beginning to work with musicians and labels. From age 19, I was in a whirlwind of a constant “when life pushes you against the wall; you push back” trajectory. I became adaptable in each market under the branding of being a natural light photographer. I eventually had to move back to Jacksonville once my sister moved to Germany, and someone had to stay with my mother. Once again, I adapted to the market and focused on photojournalism and really trying to uplift other artists and creatives in the city through Cre8Jax, a business I started that introduced people in Jacksonville to Jacksonville. That’s been my focus for the past three years, and it feels more aligned with me now more than ever. I’m able to use all the things I learned in the fashion/music world and apply it to the big/little city that Jacksonville is.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I’m a natural light photographer. Although I’m able to use a studio, the brand I developed emphasized the use of natural light and on-location work. As many brands stepped away from me because of that, just as many approached me specifically for that.
The fashion world always highlighted the “other.” The people who wouldn’t always classify under traditional beauty norms, and I loved that and have always been attracted to those people and making sure they’re seen in the best light when I’m shooting them. Give me a gap tooth, ears that stick out, a crooked nose and a large forehead, and I’m sold. I think the older I get, the more conscious I am of the images/media that I release. It impacts people and how they perceive others. We, as creatives, have a lot more power in shaping the world we want to live in than we think. Even if we don’t get to reap the benefit of living in that world, we do it so that the next generation can feel seen/heard and empowered.
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
I think photographers are usually the more social of the artist group. We worked with people one on one in most cases and were able to connect with a lot of different social circles. As far as connecting with other artists, it doesn’t always have to be connecting with other photographers. Connect with makeup artists, hair stylists, wardrobe stylists, manicurist, designers, and build a solid team around you. Those people become your family. Start with a group that has a similar mindset and build with each other. It builds a solid foundation of trust. When you move forward, you either bring them along or recommend them to other clients, and vice-versa. It’s always a team effort in the business game in the art world – at least in the photography realm.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
www.ToniSmailagic.com and @ToniSmailagic for my personal and fashion work.
www.Cre8Jax.com @Cre8Jax for my work dedicated to highlighting Jacksonville.
Buy prints, show up to shows, buy the books, and even if you can’t monetarily contribute, just share it with a friend you think might enjoy the work produced.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.tonismailagic.com/
- Phone: 9178373185
- Email: toni@tonismailagic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonismailagic
- Other: https://www.cre8jax.com/
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.
