In conversation with Brayan Gaspard

 

I met Brayan, a photographer and creative, at the last fashion week in Paris. After seeing his work, I wanted to learn more. His style felt truly fresh. Brayan kindly agreed to chat with me. We talked about being young and creative today, the pressure to always say yes, the struggle to stay original, and how his career is changing. Here’s our conversation.

What does being young in this industry actually feel like day to day, not in theory?

Honestly, being young in the fashion industry, or in a creative field in general, day to day isn’t always easy. People rarely trust you right away. You have to prove what you can do again and again, until someone finally decides to trust you.

At the same time, that’s what makes the job interesting. I have a young perspective, fresh ideas, and my own way of creating. I think that’s true for any creative. That’s why people often ask for my opinion, because this point of view brings something different. I still feel like I always have to prove that I belong. In the end, it’s not a bad thing. It pushes me to work harder, do better, and push myself further.


 

Do you ever feel like if you don’t say yes now, you might miss your moment?

Yes, completely. But I tell myself that opportunities come all the time. Even if there are some you really shouldn’t miss, not everything has to be a yes.

Sometimes I say no, simply because I don’t feel ready yet and I want to do things properly. For me, delivering quality work is what really matters. That’s what makes people remember you.


You’ve probably seen a lot of beautiful, forgettable work. But when you see something that lasts, what’s usually behind it?

For me, not everything has to be beautiful. Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn’t. What really matters is the message behind it and the story it tells. When a piece has meaning, when you can feel an intention, it stays with you.

That’s usually what makes the difference. Strong storytelling and a clear message are what make work last and what make me remember it.


Ever been in a meeting where they said they “love your vision” and then tried to edit it into something safe?

Yes, I think that’s the daily life of any creative. It happens all the time. You’re given a brief, and then it’s up to you to interpret it in your own way while still answering their expectations. If it’s not quite right, of course you rework it. But if you’re confident and truly believe that your idea is the right one, you also have to stand your ground and make sure the idea comes through. That balance is part of the job.

Have you ever said no to something that would've looked good in your portfolio, but felt wrong in your gut? Did you regret it?

Definitely!! One thing I’ve learned is that a portfolio has to be adapted to who’s looking at it. If I’m aiming for something more artistic, I’ll show that. If it’s more commercial and meant to make people want to work with me, I adjust and put forward what will work.

Even when I don’t fully feel it at first, I’ve learned not to judge too fast. Sometimes I’m surprised by how much it resonates with others.

What’s the loneliest part of doing this kind of work at your age?

I don’t know if I would really call it loneliness. I genuinely enjoy what I do, and I think at my age, it’s the perfect time to explore new things, learn, and question myself. Even in moments when I’m alone, sitting in front of my screen editing, I’m still having fun and learning. Those quiet moments are part of the process, not something negative.

Was there anything you believed at the beginning that turned out to be totally off?

Probably, yes. I can’t think of one specific example, but I’ve learned to put things into perspective. Sometimes, things just take time. And sometimes, I don’t mind being disappointed. It opens up new perspectives and helps me understand how to deal with things differently.

What’s something you hope never gets lost, no matter how far you go in this industry?

My authenticity, always staying true to myself. You know what they say about people in this industry, and genuinely authentic people are rare. That’s why I feel lucky to be surrounded by the people I work with right now. I don’t know them super well yet, but you can tell when someone is being fake, and that’s definitely not the case there.