Meet Matthew Vita | Graphic Designer & Fashion Photographer

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

Hi Matthew, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always been drawn to the arts, which I believe I inherited from my father, who had a keen eye for capturing moments through photography and wasn’t afraid to take bold risks to cultivate his talents. Growing up also surrounded by Asian culture, I found myself immersed in its rich artistic traditions. This led me to explore calligraphy, where I fell in love with the intricate beauty of ink on paper. As I delved deeper into my passion, I found myself drawn to heavy lines, abstract forms, and the dramatic shadows found in comic books and manga.

My fascination with visual storytelling led me to experiment with drawing people in clothing, developing new ideas especially the typography inspired by the dynamic layouts of fashion magazines and manga. This exploration eventually paved the way for me to pursue a career in graphic design with the goal of collaborating with magazines and other creative platforms.

During my college years, I began to develop a keen business sense, realizing that as a graphic designer, my creations would often be utilized by others to convey their own messages. This realization prompted me to expand my skill set to include photography. I immersed myself in workshops and training to refine my abilities behind the lens, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between photography and graphic design in visual communication.

Through this journey, I discovered my passion for collaborating with talented individuals across various area. Today, I’m proud to serve as a full-time graphic designer at the National Programs and Outreach division of the Clerc Center, where I have the opportunity to apply my creative expertise to impactful projects. Additionally, I’ve established myself as a respected fashion photographer with XITA, where I’ve had the privilege of capturing captivating moments in the world of men’s fashion.

I find immense joy and fulfillment in bringing together the worlds of photography and graphic design, creating visually stunning work that resonates with audiences. My journey has taught me the importance of collaboration and the power of combining diverse talents to create something truly remarkable.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Art. Fashion is one of my arts. Fashion has been a lifelong passion of mine, dating back to my formative years. I found myself captivated by the pages of fashion magazines and the vibrant world depicted in manga. These influences shaped my artistic sensibilities, particularly my appreciation for clothing, styling, and the intricacies of creating different looks. While my personal style tends towards monochromatic tones, I’ve always been drawn to the rich tapestry of Asian culture, seamlessly weaving its influences into my photography work.

Also as a stylist for fashion photography, I’ve had the opportunity to infuse my own vision and perspective into the looks I create, particularly when working with male Asian models. This journey has been both inspiring and challenging, especially as I navigated the professional landscape. Despite the prevalence of all-white male models presented by modeling agencies and managements, I remained steadfast in my commitment to diversity and representation.

In the early 2000s, the absence of Asian male models on magazine covers and in fashion spreads was glaringly apparent. This realization was not only disappointing but also galvanizing. It fueled my determination to challenge the status quo and advocate for greater inclusion within the industry. Today, I’m proud to say that much of my work centers around showcasing Asian male models, featuring Asian-inspired clothing, and collaborating with diverse talents beyond the lens.

While the journey hasn’t always been easy, it has been incredibly rewarding to see the impact of my efforts in pushing companies and agencies to embrace diversity and celebrate the beauty of Asian representation. I’m committed to continuing this work and using my platform to amplify voices that have long been underrepresented in the fashion world.

Now, behind the scenes and working as the fashion photographer for my own business, XITA, I create my own world and its rules.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not the type to lead you on a week-long tour of the city, preferably keeping it to a compact 2 to 3 days. However, I do have a knack for introducing visitors to some of the best culinary delights Maryland and Virginia have to offer, especially when it comes to Asian cuisine. Two places that hold a special spot in my heart, rain or shine, are RollPlay in Virginia and Hot Pot Hero.

Beyond the realm of food, I’d love to explore the vibrant cultural scene of Washington, D.C. with my guests. From the multitude of museums and galleries to the plethora of parks perfect for leisurely strolls, there’s never a shortage of things to see and do. I relish in the art of storytelling, so I’d eagerly listen to their tales while introducing them to my circle of friends and fellow artists who might add another layer of excitement to our journey. After all, sharing experiences and making connections is what truly enriches any adventure.

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?
While I’ve always been someone who prefers to work independently, taking control of the creative process from conception to execution, I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the unwavering support of my parents. Despite their initial struggles to understand why I chose to pursue art professionally rather than as a hobby, they have stood by me through every step of my journey, offering encouragement and love. I’m deeply grateful for their presence in my life, along with the support of close friends who have cheered me on during both the highs and lows of my career.

I owe a debt of gratitude to Apple and Adobe, whose products have been my tools of choice since my middle school years. My first computer and the software provided me with the means to explore graphic design and photography, opening up a world of creative possibilities. They have inspired me to push the boundaries of what I can achieve in my artistic endeavors and have encouraged me to think innovatively, consistently challenging myself to think outside the box.

Lastly, I want to express my appreciation for the art department at my university, even though our interactions weren’t always smooth sailing. Their critiques and rejection of some of my ideas served as valuable lessons, reminding me that not everyone will see eye-to-eye with my artistic vision. Instead of becoming discouraged, these experiences fueled my determination to stay true to myself as an artist and continue pushing the boundaries of my creativity, ultimately shaping me into the professional I am today.

Website: https://www.xitabymatthew.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xitabymatthew/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/xitabymatthew

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xitabymatthew

Other: n/a

Image Credits
Personal Photo: Model Kye Suggs. Additonals photographs: Dancer Hero Thomas, Model Curtis Wilder, Talent Elijah Moses, Actor Landy Lu, and Artist Noble Arsenault.