Meet Dominic Lorenzo | Director & Artist

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

Hi Dominic, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Everything I do is with risk, there is no other way to work. Things need to get done and risk is just a part of that equation. I work with emotions, so if I feel something then I know something. Even if I’m uncertain, that doubt is an indication for me. Because the latter is complacency. The latter is fear, and i’ve learned to realize that everything I want is on the other side of fear.

It’s of way of answering the question with a yes, i feel like if there is any inch of inspiration in your body then the answer should take it on.

So for me, every new year is a risk. I’ve lived in multiple cities domestic and abroad, full of uncertainty. Yet, each city holds it’s own lessons for success.
I run a creative agency, all in pursuant of the art. Risks are the key.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I would like to imagine my art as timeless storytelling. Whether that’s painting, filmmaking, or connecting; the art lies in collaboration. I feel like I am forever discovering.

Simply put, no this is not easy and the challenges are never ending, but with the correct questions, you can solve anything. With a fitting community you can open doors. But it’s your job to know how to walk through them, how to utilize the tools behind that open door.

What makes it easier for me is focus. Focus on the craft, the vision, the goal; the product will follow suit.

Our Nudie Jeans commercial is a perfect example of that. We wanted to relate to something as timeless as denim, so we shot on 16mm. A medium I had never personally utilized, but collaboration helped bring my vision to life.

The project was something I had dreamed of when I was teenager. An emotional child searching for his place in the world. At a time when I finally found my position; there’s no wonder why this project found me now.

The respectability of untraditional art; barbering, woodworking, tattooing, etc.. all ring true to my personal journey. I always have a feeling. I overthink with outrageous ideas, times where I feel insane, times where I question everything. I believe that mental journey is really just my urge to create, I’m not happy unless I do so. Storytelling through grit and accepting myself as an artist was the final ticket.

I actually don’t know where I am today or what tomorrow brings. For now, I ride the wave and create as I go. I guess… creating is the plan.

I most recently moved from NYC to LA.
Four months into 2022, I was let go from a corporate journalism job, took the money and purchased my own camera gear. Working on set as a PA then a 2nd AC taught me how the industry works.

With the strike and fucked economy, no one is offering jobs, so I took it into my own hands to start this agency and search for my own brands to work with, built the crew…. and here we are. Still very much discovering and learning what this means, but it’s here. No one is giving hand outs in this world, create what you want.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh we’re working! Arts District man!

So we’ll grab a coffee at Etiquette Coffee, ask for Randy.
Hit up Le Papillon Studio for a tattoo, ask for Le Papillon himself!
Onto Al’s General for some essential shopping
then to the amazing Ave 26 tacos, don’t burn it out!

You’ve got to visit Dover Street Market, treat it like a museum
Haircut at Etiquette Barbers
Some pool at Tony’s Saloon
Dinner at Yunomi

Some bouldering at Long Beach Rising
Run the beach at Junipero
Coffee at Coffee Drunk
Lunch at Alder and Sage

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Honestly, each stage of my personality is met with a new person who has taught me how to utilize my artistry. From professors to mentors and genuine partnerships in between.

Above all else, my parents. My mom who is always team, always ready for war, always supportive, always warm, loving and inspiring. To my dad, who built a respectful, caring and honest man. Lastly, to my partner, who is always supportive without question.

but really shoutout to everyone who simply trusts and takes a chance on me.

Website: https://whywejeopardize.com/

Instagram: @whywejeopardize

Other: Insta:
@dtlorenz
photography stills

@wwjagency
not setup yet

Image Credits
By list of priority preference…

Black and white:
Jouquim Adria Pujol
@joaquim.pujol

Camera, hat, bus:
Nao Fukui
@nao.nf

Back piece photo:
Madlyn Iverson
@iveriebrows

Group photo:
Luca Mastro
@lucamastrophoto