Meet Sarah Arnold AKA Lil Flower Nasti | Photographer & Vocalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Arnold AKA Lil Flower Nasti and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, how does your business help the community?
My roll as a photographer is deeply rooted in the community, especially within the vibrant Bay Area Hip Hop scene. I’ve realized as time goes on that documenting this scene plays a huge role in preserving the history of what is happening here that may not be known by many. My photography captures moments that might otherwise be lost to time, providing a visual record of the culture and creativity that thrives in our local music scene.
The significance of my work was profoundly highlighted when we lost Zumbi of Zion I. It was then that I truly realized the importance of the photos I’m taking. These images are not just pictures; they are memories, stories, and a legacy that help to immortalize the artists and the spirit of the times. By sharing these images, I contribute to a collective memory that celebrates and honors the contributions of musicians and artists who shape our community.
Moreover, my work goes beyond just preserving memories. It helps to promote local artists and events, drawing attention to their talent and passion. This, in turn, supports the local economy and fosters a sense of pride and connection within the Bay. By shining a light on the diverse and dynamic Hip Hop scene of the Bay Area, I aim to inspire others and encourage a greater appreciation for the arts in our society.
Through my photography, I hope to make a lasting impact, not only by capturing moments but by strengthening the cultural fabric of our community and ensuring that the vibrant history of the Bay Area music scene is recognized and remembered.

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.
My journey as an artist has been unique in the sense that I started as a very passionate music photographer and eventually ended up being encouraged to also pursue a music career by the artists I was photographing. For many years, I have helped build the brands of other artists as a photographer, designer, and video director. These unique skills now transfer over to the vision of my own brand as a musician. I’m extraordinarily lucky to have the tools and skills as a visual artist that enable me to create and direct my own visuals, including album covers and music videos for my own music.

What sets me apart from others is this combination of visual and musical artistry. The ability to seamlessly blend these disciplines allows me to create a cohesive and authentic brand that truly represents who I am as an artist. I am most proud of how these skills have allowed me to support and enhance my own music career, giving me creative control over every aspect of my work.

Being a full-time photographer and singer has definitely had its challenges. Depending on the economy, work can be slower at times, making stability a challenge. However, I’ve learned to recognize patterns throughout the year and become very strict with saving money during slower periods. Another challenge in being a professional creative is that every artist has a different vision and eye for what they want to create. Learning to let go of ego and finding compromise with other artists makes the whole experience flow much more smoothly. This lesson applies to both music and photography.

My path to where I am today was not easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. Overcoming these challenges has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of collaboration. I never imagined that I would be living this creative life as both a visual artist and musician, but sometimes life just brings us to these incredible places.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that my work is a true reflection of my passion and dedication. My journey from a music photographer to a musician who can visually craft my own story is a testament to the power of following one’s passions and embracing the unexpected opportunities that come along the way. I am excited to continue creating, sharing my art, and inspiring others to pursue their creative dreams.

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?
There are many incredible places in San Francisco, but I have to say my heart lives in North Beach. North Beach is one of the most unique neighborhoods in the sense that it feels like one of the last walking communities in the city. It’s such a vibrant area with so much to offer. If I had a friend in town, we’d visit The Fish Tank gallery, owned by the one and only Jeremy Fish. It’s an incredible space filled with unique art rotating every month. Then, we’d pop into SFOG clothing shop for some cool SF inspired fashion. Then we would walk 3 doors down to Legacy, a bar recently opened by DJ Troubleman, to check out some great music and memorabilia. We’d plan this visit on a first Friday when the entire block transforms into a lively block party, full of art shows, dancing, and big hugs from friends. It’s a real community celebration that embodies the spirit of North Beach, and the last lingering vibes of true old San Francisco.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I absolutely have to shout out Gennessee Lewis of Noble House Music. Without his guidance and support, I would not be the confident vocalist I am today. Gennessee’s mentorship has been invaluable in my journey, helping me to discover and harness my true potential beyond my photography career. His expertise and encouragement have made a world of difference, and I am incredibly grateful for his influence in my career.

I also want to shout out the Slap Frost Crew: Z-Man, True Justice, and Vocab Slick. They have included me in so many incredible opportunities as both a photographer and a singer, shaping a huge part of my career. Their unwavering support, being a listening ear for advice, and constantly pushing me to be a better artist every day have made an immense impact on my professional and personal growth. I’m incredibly grateful for their influence and encouragement.

Website: www.saraharnoldphoto.com www.lilflowernasti.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraharnoldphoto https://www.instagram.com/lilflowernasti

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/sarnoldphoto1 https://www.twitter.com/lilflowernasti

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saraharnoldphoto https://www.facebook.com/lilflowernasti

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lilflowernasti

Other: https://lilflowernasti.bandcamp.com/

Image Credits
Photos by Sarah Arnold and Z-Man