APA Chicago had the opportunity to speak with photographer and social justice artist Vashon Jordan Jr. regarding his recently self-published photobook titled Chicago Protests: A Joyful Revolution. The photobook was a culmination of capturing over 17,000 images by covering 35 demonstrations, community events, and moments that shaped the Chicago summer of 2020. In this presentation, Vashon touched on his background and motivation for photography, including why it is important to document your community at any moment in time. This webinar was recorded when Vashon was just two weeks shy of graduating college. Vashon offered prescient advice for young creatives:
- Find your purpose.
- You have to learn the art form.
- Make sure you're doing something that makes you happy.
- Keep going at it.
- As long as you are satisfied, ignore the detractors.
This recording offers important insight into the drive it takes to make it in the commercial photography industry.