The Future Academy: POV Diaries w/ Lourice

11 January 2023

Interview with Photographer / Artist Lourice J Ramos

Based in London, Walthamstow

What made you want to apply for the opportunity?

I am interested in expanding my knowledge and connections in the fashion industry and applied for this internship with The Face x Moncler to see how a styling magazine works. I really wanted to learn how to pull a story out of a brief and make it impactful and effective. Also, just being in this type of environment gave me the chance to see how the different cultures and working styles within a magazine process and create things.

Walk us through the application process, what was it like?

For me, the application process was a little bit of a reminder of why I got into fashion photography in the first place. It reminded me of what it's like to be excited about a new opportunity and geared me back into researching new brands and trends again.

Tell us about your favourite project that you’ve worked on, what makes it standout for you?

My favourite project I've worked on is funnily enough the project I did with A New Direction. The project brief was set by itnicethat and asked us 'What is your London?' My response was to document and highlight the market traders in Walthamstow Market. I felt that this was my London because I grew up on the High Street and knew the traders. It was a project that kickstarted everything and pushed me to continue to create meaningful and impactful projects through my photography. Because it was locally rooted and centred on something close to me that I'm passionate about, it continues to be a project that stands out in my portfolio.

What are the key learnings you've taken from the opportunity?

As we haven't been here too long, I know there’s still time to learn more from the different teams. But so far something I’ve learnt is how to get a strategy from a brief to make it more human; to relate to the viewers so theyfeel like they've been noticed and the brand has a meaning and relatability to it.

What most surprised you about The Face?

What surprised me was how well everyone is jellied together and how genuinely nice they were. Having a fashion background via modelling, I was brought up in an industry where not everyone is as nice as you think. Being in the offices of both The Face and Moncler, it surprised me that everyone was very open and loves to help, telling you anything you want to know. I also do think the movies I used to watch when I was younger influenced my thinking that anyone in the fashion industry who works in an office is rude. I blame the movie The Devil Wears Prada for this misconception.

Tell us about your most memorable time in Milan?

For me, the most memorable moment was being briefed about the new collection with Moncler and being then able to step into the offices and meet the brains behind their campaigns, events and social media. It was a real inspiration and started to sink in that I'd be working with them for the next couple of weeks. Throughout the stay and journey, it didn't hit me that I was actually in Milan and that I'm actually working for these massive brands.

How has taking part in an ‘A New Direction’ programme helped you with this opportunity?

I first started working with A New Direction on their Creativity Works: Photography programme. Funnily enough, they were the first to teach me how to hold a camera and showed me how to shoot for the first time. Without them, I wouldn't have figured out how much I loved photography.

From a young age, I always knew I loved fashion. But I wasn't sure what part. As soon as I finished the photography course, I developed my skills and began collaborating with other creatives – and it basically became my identity. I could say it was like a light bulb moment for me. From then, I was fortunate enough to stay in contact with most of the people I met along the way. This allowed me to find out about the opportunity happening with The Face X Moncler that A New Direction was promoting.

What are your next steps once you’ve left the programme?

My next step after this current programme is to continue to work for magazines, and be on set more for high fashion shoots, just to continue gaining experiences and making more connections. Plus, maybe delving into the video realm of creativity as I only have knowledge in photography.