Written by | Ray Cornelius
Visual artist, photographer, director, television personality and aspiring filmmaker DEREK BLANKS is the epitome of a Renaissance Man. He has truly taken the arts and entertainment industry by storm with his splashy campaigns and covershoots including his signature “Alter Ego” photos made popular by former RHOA star, Nene Leakes.
A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Blanks parents knew early on that their son had a creative eye and immediately enrolled him in an academic and performing arts complex to nurture his talent. From there, Blanks continued his education in Baltimore, MD at the Maryland Institute where he received his B.A. degree in Illustration.
Over the years, Blanks’ artistic abilities and reputation as a consummate professional, have opened doors for him to work with some of the world’s most recognizable brands including BET, CoverGirl, Sony Music Entertainment and ESSENCE. He has also created iconic photos of some of the biggest names in the industry including Cuba Gooding, Jr., Mo’Nique, Jennifer Hudson, Viola Davis, Chaka Khan, Wendy Williams, Nicki Minaj, Janelle Monae, Kelly Rowland, and Steve Harvey.
Last year, Blanks took his brand to another level by forming his own production company to include production and direction of music videos and film projects. His overall goal is to become a one stop shop for rising music artists, actors and media personalities. I’d say, he is well on his way to achieving that goal.
Congratulations Derek Blanks for going further as a #FORDATL Ambassador!
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Photo Credit: Derek Blanks
