Meet Mallory Ferguson | Fashion & Editorial Photographer and Writer

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

Hi Mallory, how do you think about risk?
My biggest risks have consisted of having to upset people around me by pursuing my heart undoubtedly and not feeling bad about it. After I graduated college last year, I moved to California to grow my visual artistry gift and platform and although my family was happy for me, they only could speak on how expensive it would be and how slim my chances are. Often times the people in our lives only can see the finite and practical things that we can accomplish because it’s comfortable, without strain and won’t cause us any harm. They mean well, but if we aren’t careful, they keep you content and comfortable so that we won’t accomplish our hearts best. Back home in the Midwest is a small town life with a random job that isn’t my purpose. It took me accessing the cards I was dealt and saying NAW, NOT ME! Sure, it’ll meet the needs of my family whenever that time comes to be blessed with children (not any time soon), but I’ll end up like a lot of men. Unfulfilled and secretly despising his wife and kids for not pursuing all of his heart’s desires. I don’t share that to be melancholy, but simply to state that’s what people think back home. You get a job, you have a family and you make it work. That’s it. No betting on yourself and your gifts or talents, No detours, no arguments, no risk, no what ifs, but simply make it work

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being a year into living in Los Angeles, a lot of my resources and necessities are limited and not always being met. For instance, I am currently healing from a herniated disc because of a basketball accident and there are times when I have food insecurity because I haven’t had many gigs and every job that isn’t my purpose must serve an immediate purpose with little brain power involved because as an artist, that would kill me to invest in someone else’s organization more than my own. Even with these struggles I wrote, I do my best to apply perspective. Sure, I’m having food struggles, but my rent is taken care of and I’m surrounded by a beautiful and fulfilling community that I’m building. Adding perspective of my journey helps my hustle. I spend each of my days seeking for people to serve and searching for needs that aren’t being met. I believe in the saying, “when in need, sow a seed.” I spend most of my time relentlessly putting myself in spaces to meet new people and steward those relationships accordingly to show the people in my life that I care. I believe as an artist, it’s imperative to build one’s network and 6 degrees of separation.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spots in LA have transitioned a lot. I used to solely enjoy the South Bay because I didn’t explore beyond that. For instance, spaces like the Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Hermosa etc. But I have grown to Love the East side of Los Angeles and bringing my friends to explore new things with me. Spaces like the “Burbank Town Center”, Pasadena, La Cañada Flintridge, Los Feliz. vegan donuts (THAT ARE INCREDIBLE) store called “Donut Friend” in Silverlake and “The Americana” in Glendale just to name a few.

I enjoy East Los Angeles more because I feel closer to what I need, less congestion and, I control my space as opposed to circumstances controlling my space and being 15 minutes from DTLA, Burbank, Pasadena. ETC.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Big shout out to my Mom and Dad for having me at 16 years old while yet still being kids themselves. I thank them for not giving up on themselves and their endless support of me. I also have to thank the Creative Team I’m a part of @LaCreativeCircle. We’re a rising collective in Los Angeles and I’ve been blessed to be a part of a creative team here in Los Angeles. I once heard it said that “The worst cruelty that can be inflicted on a human being is isolation.” I’m over the notion that I have to prove that I have it all together and that I can do everything myself. @LaCreativeCircle provides an alternate paradigm providing the love, nurturing and accountability my art needs to be honed. Without community here in Los Angeles, I’d be a wreck and having access to such an integral, gifted, and a relentless group of people makes my LA journey meaningful and want to continue my pursuit every single day.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malloryinspires_/

Image Credits
My Girlfriend took them @thegoodgodgirl