Nikki Gal @nikkicgal photography SHOTS BY GAL @shotsbygal
This latest editorial is not only modeled by you, but also fully self-directed and photographed. How did this concept come together creatively and what did you want to express visually?
I have been inspired by black and white photography for years as I wanted this editorial to represent a new era of the art of fashion as well as my own self-expression in a strong yet mature medium. I intentionally chose pieces of clothing that I felt spoke to me the most in this time of my life. By wearing these selections, I wish for the audience to feel inspired. For example, the white cowboy hat is symbolic to heroism. I wish to promote this symbolism— we are all capable of being our own heroes.
Your photography company Shots by Gal feels like a natural extension of your creative voice. How has stepping behind the camera changed your relationship with fashion as a medium?
Being in front of the camera is much different than being behind the camera— I learned this early on. Launching my photography company Shots by Gal back in 2021 felt beyond liberating for me both artistically and intellectually. Becoming a photographer and shooting my own work through my company was a goal I had wished for, but I never imagined it would become what it is today. Fashion photography specifically involves and requires much patience, especially when you are photographing yourself. Playing both roles has provided motivation for me, while also giving myself the experience of consistently being able to juggle multiple artistic skills.
You’ve built a unique creative language that spans modeling, photography, and digital art. What connects all these worlds for you is there a common thread or feeling you always return to?
My childhood— it all starts with a dream. You must start somewhere to walk on your own path. For me, I started manifesting in these worlds from when I was young. Building and working in my own creative language through these outlets is a raw reflection of the days when I was a young girl dressing up my Barbie dolls and drawing in my notebook in high school. It is these experiences that fueled my artistic imagination for a career now turned reality.
With GAL LAND, you’ve launched a platform dedicated to empowerment within the art and fashion communities. What kind of voices or visuals are you hoping to spotlight with this project?
GAL LAND is a candid yet creative project I have been working on for a while now. I had the idea of creating a digital magazine in the form of fashion campaign-like covers while showcasing each individual in a creative way. As of June 2024, I have had fashion models, photographers, entrepreneurs, fashion designers and creative directors grace the covers of GAL LAND. One of my favorite covers was the July 2024 cover featuring model and photographer Jordan Woodall whom has modeled for clients such as SKKN by Kim Kardashian and Summer Fridays. It’s the multi-dimentional women who this project is specifically targeted to, as I am excited to see what’s in store for the future.
The Mind Over Face and #MORETHAN campaigns brought together 55 models across the globe. What was it like uniting so many women under a shared purpose — and what were some of the most powerful moments from those campaigns?
These 2 campaigns were a breath of fresh air not just for me, but for the modeling and fashion industries. Witnessing the unity of individuals through my work was a beyond powerful experience. When you ignite unity, there’s a force to it. But for me, there’s an even bigger force when you are uniting others who are internationally present in the same industry. Being able to connect others who had never met before was a magical opportunity, as I am grateful these campaigns held the ability to promote the art of diversity, mental health awareness and international unity.
You’ve helped shift the narrative of what it means to be a ‘model’ today — you’re seen as a leader in this new wave of model-preneurs. What advice do you give to emerging creatives trying to build their own multi-faceted career?
Crave more for yourself and your own industry. Building your own multi-faceted career as a model can be difficult with the fast-pace nature of the industry. Use the fast-pace nature to your advantage. Network, manifest and strive to not just build for yourself, but build for others too.
Art is clearly a language you speak fluently. What inspires you lately — whether it’s a piece of music, a city, a color palette — and how do you translate that into your work?
So many different things have been inspiring myself lately. 90s house music and neutral shades have been at the top of my list as far as inspiration. When I’m working on an editorial, I always put on music— it helps with the mood of the shoot and can really transform the energy. Most of my photography work is neutral palette based— but I do love a pop of color here and there depending on the shoot. When I work with models I always ask them what inspires them and somehow work their own energy into the design of the shoot. This process inspires me deeply.
As someone who’s constantly evolving and building new platforms, how do you define success for yourself in this moment of your journey?
Honest. Art can never be achieved without honesty— it must come from a true and pure place. In my career right now I am feeling energetic yet optimistic for my own visions and ideas. It feels like a new season has begun, as I am ready to see where this season takes me and how my visions and ideas will be inspired.
