feature: representation matters! – photographer austin willis’ “natural melanin” project

My name is Austin Willis. I’m a visual artist from Hayward, CA. I choose to express my message through fine art and portrait photography. I went to college for graphic design at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco before leaving because of personal reasons to pursue my dream full-time. After leaving school my passion for visuals arts grow deeper as I submerged myself into becoming a student of the craft and build a portfolio that is visually compelling but a message that can change peoples lives.

By Austin Willis, AFROPUNK Contributor

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At a young age I was captivated by cartoons which lead me to finding a love for art. Whether it was sketching my favorite cartoons or just watching other create and find amazement in the products outcome. Yet, even though I had such a strong love for arts my path took a stray as I got older. Once I got to high school my time was over taken and so focused on sports that my passion for being an artist slowly faded. As I entered college, I was still solely focused on athletics and trying to earn a scholarship to a university to pay for my education but life had a different plan for me. In the summer of 2014 an injury forced me to throw in the towel and retire from my pursuit in a collegiate career in sports. Emotions took over as I felt depressed and confused on what was next for me. Art was there to guide me; to be the friend that let me express myself. I began designing for a clothing brand called “Devoting Time For Success” and from their on the fire was rekindled. As I continued to progress and grow my directions changed time and time again, as I looked for my lane and belonging in the creative community. Fast forward to November 2015, this time the stars were guiding me down a path that not only would change my approach as an artist but my outlook an growth as a 21 year old young man chasing a dream; I place of happiness and purpose. This purpose came through the expression of fine art and portrait photography. the love for this medium continue to develop the more time I gave to it. I always knew I had a gift for getting to know people and just talk to them person to person due ti moving around a lot as a kid. Because of that I choose to focus on portrait photography so I could capture the faces and diversity behind each story I encountered. In March 2015 I came up with the idea of creating a project to showcase the beauty and diversity behind women of color; from their skin