David James has spent the last ten years as creative director at AnOther magazine, shaping and influencing the way we see the people, and the images, that fascinate us. His editorial work has redefined fashion photography through new and experimental mediums, and he has constantly sought to push the boundaries – and that’s just his first decade. In his time at AnOther he has collaborated with some of fashion’s biggest names (see: Nick Knight, Willy Vanderperre) and shot people like Joaquin Phoenix, Tilda Swinton and Kate Moss. As he approaches his ten year anniversary with the title, we celebrate Everything That Matters, the online retrospective of his work, and catch up with him to talk about his favourite collaborations, honing his creative instinct and the advice he wishes he gave himself.
What’s been your favourite shoot or moment?
David James: Right now, the past ten years feels condensed into a moment, but I’ve had many. My collaborations with photographers Craig McDean, Willy Vanderperre and Nick Knight – along with stylists Olivier Rizzo and Alister Mackie stand out. Those moments on set – when alchemy happens – are always the most cherished.
What do you hope the next 10 years will bring?
David James: New ideas.
How has directing the artistic style and photography of AnOther for the past ten years influenced and shaped your own style as an artist?
David James: Immensely! I have been fortunate to collaborate with some of the most talented people working in fashion. Their inspiration has been mine, and so it goes.
What do you wish you had have known now, ten years ago when you began collaborating?
David James: That it’s possible to feel younger as you mature.
If you could sum up the experience in one sentence, what would it be?
David James: Instinct, it’s all you’ve got – follow it!
David James's Everything That Matters digital exhition is online now until 19 April, 2015
