Meet Cole Maslansky | Photographer & Director/Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cole Maslansky and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cole, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Photographer, Director/Writer from LA! The San Fernando Valley to be exact. For me, creative expression has always been something extremely important to me. Taking photos and writing are two very therapeutic processes for me and I am thankful to have these crafts in my life. What I am most proud of is how far I feel I have grown as an artist. When I first decided in high school that I was going to attempt to pursue these things professionally I had no idea what I was doing. Thats normal but I also feel that at first I wasn’t really putting the time in that it truly took to get good at what I wanted to do. I had all these big cool ideas of what my work could look or feel like but none of the work ethic to back it up. Thoughts with no substance behind it I guess. It wasn’t until I turned like 22 that I truly felt like I locked the fuck in and decided to actually take a chance and teach myself what actual hard work and dedication looked like. I feel that point in my life has paid off because when I look back at old work or writings I feel like I can’t even recognize it anymore but like in a good way. Something I am most excited about is the next batch of projects I am working on! In the latter half of 2023, I began to make my transition into the narrative film space as a director. We’ve completed one short (coming very soon:) and I have three more that are set to be shot this year! I am not sure if there is one thing or another in particular that id like people to know about me or my work.. I just really love what I do and I care about it more than anything… it’s the first thing that I think about when I wake up and the last thing I think about before I go to sleep and a good majority of the in between as well. The fact that anyone takes the time to look at the stuff I do and can appreciate it literally means everything to me because I really do put my all into this.

How has your work-life balance changed over time?
That’s a tricky one, and a topic that I talk about amongst my peers with super often. I feel as if I am definitely trying to still find the balance between work and life and how the two can mesh together in a healthy way. On my worst days, I feel that my entire identity is wrapped up in my art and I have a hard time describing who or what I am outside of being a creative. This is something I am trying to work on because we are all so multi-dimensional! I am more than the last batch of photos that I took, the newest film I am writing, or the next job that I am waiting to get booked for. I feel that the work life balance is something that doesn’t get figured out overnight or in a week, it is something that you learn to mold over time. I’d say currently that balance is something I am still juggling and trying to find the best ways to manage so I can fully feel that all the “flowers” in my life are being watered evenly.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
That’s a toughhhh question. I feel so fortunate to have grown up in such a cool place. LA is a melting pot of all types of people and places. For food, there is this fireeeee Greek spot off of Pico called Papa Cristos… I’d recommend that. I also feel like if you are coming to LA you 100% have to go to In and Out. Technically Its all over California but IN and OUT’s true home is LA:) As far as places to seeI think the best part about LA is there is a vibe for everything. If you wanna see the Ocean go hit PCH if you want to take a hike, the Santa Monica Mountains are beautiful! Lastly, if I am taking a friend out for a good time, I am obviously taking them to an event thrown by FAMILY AFFAIR <3

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
For me, the people who deserve recognition are my family and friends. Community is everything when it comes to creative spaces, and I feel so fortunate to have such a special group of people that I get to call friends and collaborators. They are the ones who motivate me to be the best artist that I can be. They are all so immensely talented and the love that I have for them runs deep. Martin Rodrigues, Jaden Wiggins, Benjamin Carter, Jacadi White, Trevor Hollander, Tyrell Martin, and Shanti Kotliarsky to name a few… that list goes on and I literally love you all so much. I’d also like to give a special shout out to Family Affair…the hottest up and coming event throwing, art curating, and good vibe providing art collective in Los Angeles. My mother Debi, and my younger siblings Chloe and Jared. They are everything to me. I want to make them proud and they are my biggest supporters. There isn’t an issue too small or big that I know I couldn’t go to them to seek advice or comfort, and I love them more than words could do justice. Most importantly though my Father. He passed away 4 years ago and it was obviously an extremely hard time for me and my family. He passed before I found my footing as a working member of the creative spaces that I feel I belong to now. There is definitely a bittersweet feeling whenever I book a cool job because he is obviously the first one that I want to tell. Nonetheless, even though he isn’t with me physically, I feel his presence with me wherever I go. I carry his spirit and energy with me forever and I know he is proud of me. Obviously, I wish we could have had many many many more years to share together, but I am thankful for all the memories and moments that I had with him… I am who I am because of him… I LOVE YOU JUDD MASLANSKY

Website: https://www.colemas.com

Instagram: @colemaslansky

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDnLBh5nOYc ( a video I directed recently)