DION BAL

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This month we're featuring artist Dion Bal. The creative director, stylist and photographer is known for his artistic eye and stunning out-of-the-world imagery. We sat down with Dion for a virtual interview!

First off, how are you doing?

I'm doing very well, thank you!

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How do you feel about 2021 so far?

So far, 2021 has been good to me work-wise, which I'm very grateful for. However, I feel like we've had better years when I see what is going on in the world right now.

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Has there been something that has had a significant impact on your work lately?

Last year, I had time to reflect on my work and for the first time, I felt proud of what I had made. This gave me confidence and room for the creative freedom that I think you can see in my work from the last months.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

My inspiration mostly comes from archival material. I like to look at fashion, art and photography from the 60s up to the 00s. I exert elements from those times and give my twist to them. Besides that, I have always been obsessed with 00s pop culture.

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We love your style. How did it develop and how did it become what it is throughout the years?

I began as a stylist and after a while, I started to shoot my own work. I think this made me have a strong vision for the total image I want to create. My love for fashion and styling remains a big part of my work. You can see this throughout the years, even when there's not much clothing involved.

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What has been your most challenging project so far and why?

Almost every project is challenging for me. I'm a big perfectionist and can be very hard on myself. So I had (and still have) to learn not to let it get in the way of my creativity.

What is the most valuable lesson you've learned in your work?

To trust my instinct.

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If you could only choose between photography and styling, which one would you choose and why?

I would definitely choose photography. Although styling is an essential part of my work, I can convey my ideas better with photography than with styling.

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In the creative industry, who have you always admired?

There are a lot of people I admire! Nick Knight, Jean Paul Goude and Steven Klein to name a few. And John Galliano in his Dior days. Iconic.

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What is the weirdest thing that happened on set?

I had to shoot an entire campaign in the first lockdown where it was just me and the model on set. No production, no make-up, no stylist. We had to do everything by ourselves, which at the time, felt really weird!

We've got some rapid fire questions. Just answer with whatever comes to mind first.

What childhood memory do you revisit often?

Me and my sister, performing the Spice Girls in front of our parents over and over again.

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What is your favourite brand?

GmbH & Eytys

Something embarrassing that happened recently?

I accidentally sent the wrong WeTransfer link, with holiday pictures of me and my friends from 2010 to a client.

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What is your latest obsession?

Bimini Bon Boulash

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And lastly, what do you consider your biggest achievement so far?

Being able to look at my own work and say 'I did that'.