Soulfile: Christopher Quarterman

“Don’t be afraid of the depths of your mind for you compose enough light to guide the way.”

- Christopher Quarterman

SOULDEGA: Who are you and when / how were you introduced to the world of Fashion?

CHRISTOPHER: Hi! My name Christopher Quarterman and I am a Multi-Fashion Artist. My career thus far has been composed of wardrobe styling, costume design, makeup, art direction, and occasionally modeling. The core of my work comes from my love and respect for theater, design, and music. Learning the works of costume designers that were responsible for the films and music videos that I enjoy so much helped me understand that pursuing a career in fashion was possible. Costume designers like June Ambrose and Ruth E. Carter encouraged me to think with a more expansive and innovative mindset when approaching my projects.

I was first introduced to the world of Fashion as a kid growing up in Lexington, Kentucky. I used to flip through hundreds of fashion and lifestyle magazines; Essence, Jet, Vogue, I-D, and Dazed and Confused. We also went on many family vacations and I would spend time learning the names and purchasing the magazines in the airport that weren’t readily available in the stores back home. I grew up watching the beginning seasons of Project Runway that inspired me to begin designing. I would scour youtube or showstudio for hours looking for insight on the industry; how everything worked and who was involved in the process. I discovered the most incredible artists and visuals alone in the south before coming to New York and experiencing the physical. 

SOULDEGA: Where do you draw your inspiration from and what does the process look like?

CHRISTOPHER: I am continuously inspired by life. My inspirations often come from how I grew up, the people that I’ve had the chance to experience, the music that I was exposed to, and the films that I’ve watched. 

My process for finding inspiration is multidimensional. One day I’ll be watching a documentary about someones life or reading and immediately get inspired to create. I may sit in silence sketching and draping for hours forgetting about time or space.

SOULDEGA: What are some of the challenges and rewards of being a Multi-Fashion Artist and how has the Pandemic played a part in that?

CHRISTOPHER: One huge challenge as a freelance artist honesty has been to remain financially stable through the years. Growing up in Kentucky, moving to Virginia, moving to New York, interning within the first weeks of design school, dropping out to pursue an unknown career in fashion, and being homeless while couch surfing with the most amazing friends ever...I’m extremely exhausted. However I am certain and hopeful that there are greater days ahead. I have assisted for over 6 years now. I’ve met many incredible artists and individuals and I am ready for the beginning of my career solely on my own. In the beginning the pandemic ultimately forced me to stop and focus on what is really important and what i truly want to say with my work. Now its great to be able to collaborate again safely. 

One reward with being a Multi-Fashion Artist is that I am multifaceted so I’m often able to be focused on multiple careers at once. Styling one day and keying as a Makeup Artist the next or all in the same day. Juggling project’s and careers keep me on my toes, tapping into what drives me as a limitless creative. 

SOULDEGA: What has been some of you're favorite collaborative projects and why?

CHRISTOPHER: Some of my favorite projects by far are the ones that I worked on in the very beginning of my career in New York; many of which are still sadly unpublished. I began uncovering the characteristics of my styling by working with some pretty amazing artists like Evan Lee, Delina Medhin, Alan-Michael Duval, Brian Casey, David Mollé and Takashi Ashizawa. It’s all about your team. These past 6 years in NY have taught me a lot about strength and staying true to the belief in myself and the work that I am doing no matter how much attention it gets. 

SOULDEGA: In a world of information overload and constant visual access to everyones creativity, how do you maintain focus and authenticity?

CHRISTOPHER: I try to maintain my focus and authenticity nowadays by turning off social media and doing my best to be present in the present. Providing myself space to think in stillness rather than chaos keeps the information overload at bay. 

SOULDEGA: If you could sit down with your younger creative self what would be the topic of discussion?

CHRISTOPHER: To my younger self I would share motivation. I would say something like, “for a kid that has many aspirations I know life right now may be hard. It may be filled with anger, darkness, and the unknown but the best is yet to come. You are enough. Be ye not afraid. Your present moment is not the end for you will have many many beginnings. Always trust in God and believe in yourself. You’ve got the whole world in your hands and soon everything will all make sense. You are destined for nothing but greatness. The inner work is continuous. Don’t be afraid of the depths of your mind for you compose enough light to guide the way. As you turn your pain into passion remember who you are, where you’ve come from, and those that may come and go to help you along. I love you.”

TO KEEP UP WITH CHRISTOPHER QUARTERMAN AND HIS WORK, CHECK OUT HIS WEBSITE:

WWW.CHRISTOPHERQUARTERMAN.COM

ALSO FOLLOW HIM ON INSTAGRAM AT: @LEJOURSDECHRIS | @WEUSANDOURS.WORLD

photos by @christian_cody @evanleestudio @d.uval @itsrafi