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HOU photo artist Cary Fagan talks Footaction’s #No1Way and inspiring youth

“For many young people today, there is “No One Way” to show the world who you are or what you stand for…,” said the rapper, Sheck Wes, in regards to being one of four creative directors on Footaction’s latest national campaign. 

Along with the “Mo Bamba” emcee, Footaction partnered with Cereal & Such podcaster Theo Martins, photographer Cary Fagan, and the creative collective LVRN.

The four visionaries were chosen by the athletic-inspired footwear and lifestyle apparel brand in order to represent the next generation of talent bringing style and creative vision to life in the cities that drive culture forward.

Dubbed princes of their hometowns all four creators will style lookbooks featuring Footaction’s latest fall trends, host in-store experiences, and tell the stories of their respective cities through digital content. The cultural hubs that were chosen – ATL, HOU, LA, and NY.

Interested in sharing the inspiration behind this progressive campaign, Kulture Hub caught up with the Houston based lensman, Cary Fagan, over email, where he spoke about how Footaction’s ‘No One Way’ campaign related to his own artistic journey.

“I’m grateful to be given a platform to share this message through my art and influence. No One Way reminds me to be the author of my own journey.”

Cary Fagan Sheck Wes GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

Fagan’s creative career should be epitomized because the HOU native found a particular drive in the city that groomed him. He went against the grain looking for creative virtues in a city that is known for its athletics.

Still, this is where his aesthetic developed into what it is today. One that is unique, fresh, and untouched by outside clout. Simply put, without Houston, we would have no Cary Fagan. He spoke about his come up, the strategy he used to get to where he is today, and trusting the impossible. Fagan said,

“Doing things the hard way in order to learn the right way. Manifesting, holding on to something that doesn’t seem possible to others has been the source of my inspiration.”

He’s always been “clocked in,” and honed his photographic skills over the course of 11 years. His work ethic has proved itself thus far in his career as Fagan has collabbed with music legends, Kanye West for his Yeezy fall collection at NYFW and Solange for her Scales performance at the Menil Collection.

Trust that he is nice with the flicks and is also the flick man behind A$AP Rocky’s Testing album cover.

i feel good about this one

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Now, with Footaction’s #No1Way campaign, Fagan has no other choice but to push the culture even more forward through his works. We should know that Footaction selected him for that reason.

Ken Side, Vice President and General Manager for the lifestyle brand said, “We are thrilled to be working with emerging creators like Sheck Wes, Theo Martins, Cary Fagan and LVRN who embody the No One Way ethos. They are driving what’s next in men’s style through the youth and hip-hop culture that shapes it.”

The newly appointed creative directors are putting in the hours to inspire youth culture. Fagan spoke about what it’s like to work alongside Sheck, Theo, and collective LVRN. He said,

“We all flew into NYC for an event to launch the campaign earlier this month. Standing next to three black creatives from each city representing culture was special. Each Creative Director gave a brief speech that night,  it was a pleasure to hear everyone’s story and how No One Way related to their journey.”

Have confidence that Fagan’s creative direction goes hard in the paint but what’s even more crucial to his craft? The Houston visionary recognizes his responsibility to the youth. Fagan spoke about the importance of pushing the youth and letting them know that there is more than one way to achieve success. He said,

“In the world that we live in today, everything is ‘instant’ you do not have to wait much for anything anymore unless you choose to. In order to achieve the ‘dream’, or goal you think about every day; you simply need to understand the concept of patience; not so much a concept – we all have it. Utilizing patience, and also understanding that fear and failure are necessary parts of the process, are crucial to anyone’s individual path to success.”

You can tell Fagan’s creative eye picks up on the constantly changing culture.

His styles for his #No1WayHOU lookbook are too fire consisting of colorful Nike Windrunners, retro Airforce 1s, wavy New Balance sneakers, and vibed out Champion all over print tube socks.

@footaction back to school campaign on fp100c #No1Way

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As Fagan flourishes with the Footaction campaign know that he has something in the works to inspirit the youth even further as his latest project for the fall/winter season will take some of his favorite photographs and turn them into 1,000 piece puzzles.

Until then, absorb the advice Fagan left to those who are looking to excel in visual arts:

“Never use someone else’s map for your journey; don’t let outer influences change your path.”

Let’s get it, this #No1Way campaign is tough. Hopefully, we can see more brands pick up on the way Footaction is adapting to the times and motivating those who may have only one way out.

If you’re in Houston, peep for yourself and pull up to Fagan’s interactive experience at the Footaction in the Memorial City Mall. There will be giveaways, good conversation, music, and more.