Pierre, it's so nice to chat with you today about the Contemporaries Project. Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Pierre, I’m Based in New York City and I’m a photographer, creative director and dot connector.

I’ve been enjoying what you’ve done so far with contemporaries. Can you tell us about the genesis of this project? How did this come about, from concept to reality?

Well, Contemporaries really started out as a photo project, I wanted to take portraits of all the amazing people I’ve encountered over the years- people who are doing amazing things in their respective communities, people I believe in, people who I feel will help change the world in some way, shape, or form.

It evolved into a docuseries after I was chosen for the Facebook Black Creator Program. I used the premise of my photo project as a way to share my platform with those same very people and be able to tell their stories through filmmaking, alongside my brother Joe Cavallini.

What qualities do you look for in artists that you choose to highlight for this series?

Well first and foremost, Contemporaries is something that is personal to me, so I wanted to first reach out to artists that I’ve had a personal experience with in some way. I know there are talented artists all over the city and the world, but I wanted to start with the home team first.

This also helps me vet people on a deeper level so that the interaction is authentic and not forced. I’d say that’s number one for me. After that it’s just seeing a consistent body of great works.

That's a great way to do it. I think of artist networks as concentric circles. If you start with the people you know in your tight circle of trust, it's a great foundation of authenticity to build on as you push out into the infinite possibilities that surround us.

Do you keep a strict format for each show in terms of what you cover? Or is a more free flowing look at a particular creatives thoughts and process?

Yeah I agree about concentric circles, you and I go back almost ten years now and it’s amazing to see the growth of the people who were on the grind same as you and constantly thinking of ways to champion them.

The format for the show has an outline but it’s flexible. The conversation portion has some guidelines but I love to keep it free flowing because like most creatives we can just go on these amazing waves of consciousness and I don’t want to get in the way. I’m a listener by nature so often times I plant the seed and let the artist grow their thoughts.

Damn. Well said man, and yes, it is wild to think how far everyone has come since that rooftop party in Bushwick. Serendipitous meeting that was.

What is the best place for people to engage with the project?

The best place to find it is on my IGTV or Facebook page both VisualsByPierre or my website VisualsByPierre.me

Ok, lastly, you've been in this creative game for a while. What bits of advice could you share with someone who may be earlier on their journey in the creative space?

I would def say to network laterally, look to the left and right of you see who’s just as passionate about their creative fields, hold em tight, support them and together you can usher in the next era.

Awesome man. Well thanks for taking the time to break it down for us, super excited to watch this unfold and it's always a pleasure to connect with you.

Connect with Pierre on Instagram, Twitter, and on his website.