Photographer: Nikita Puzakov

1. What driving force motivates you as an artist and keeps you going?

As an artist and photographer, my faith in art and art as a whole motivates me. It serves as a tool through which I can record my works in the memories of millions of people and social media over time. I could say that, but the first thing that motivates me is the people who surround me and all actual situations around the world. Here is the primary source of motivation for me to capture and create. Also I have huge motivation when I work with musicians, artists, creative people or just people who have a rich imagination, it’s like a food for my brain and art works. 

2. Collaboration can be important for artists. Tell us about your team and how they contribute to your work.

Oh yes, our team is primarily a family to me. Each of us individually is like a gear that always works smoothly and without failures, and together we function as a seamless and uninterrupted mechanism. Together, we can produce truly interesting and high-quality content.

Also here is few words from our producer Kate:

We were incredibly lucky with the team. Each participant was fully involved in the creative process, and each person complemented and extended the project's concept. We were on the same wavelength from the idea to the result. Our interaction from the very beginning was productive, creative, and very comfortable. The photographer and the model instantly sparked a creative flame. The photographer was able to capture and highlight the uniqueness of a moment in modern Asian city life, a moment that you want to look back on and pause. The entire process of working with the team can be described as an incredible creative experience. The project "Uncle Snow" has great potential. We will continue our collaboration.

3. Can you tell us about your creative process, from the initial idea to the final result?

Depending on the type of shoot, the creative process always varies. For example, when shooting with a film camera, I don't like to prepare in advance or pose the model. There is only a general mood and state that I want to convey, and the film handles it perfectly. Speaking of the creative process within a team, it all starts with the birth of an idea, what we want to capture through the camera lens in the end. We also gather mood boards, search for locations, and select models before the shoot. It's important to understand in advance what lighting conditions will be at the locations, and if there are multiple locations, we need to plan routes. Overall, we strive to pay great attention to preparation because the more effort and energy you invest in the initial stages, the more high-quality content will be produced in the end result.

4. What challenges have you faced in your career so far, and how have you overcome them?

I wouldn't say that I've encountered any major problems, but rather it's often a lack of experience. That's why there is always a need for continuous growth. If I feel like I'm stuck in one place, I seek new ways to develop. It could be taking simple courses or tutorials, or I explore new avenues for inspiration in related artistic fields. I believe that if a photographer truly loves their craft, enjoys creating and shooting, they will never face issues of burnout or a desire to switch careers.

5. What led you to choose Mob, and what are your career aspirations in this field?

The first reason that led us to the magazine was the search for male photo sessions, but of course, the main reason was the style with which the magazine presents its content to readers and followers, starting from the website and ending with print publications. This is my first publication in this magazine, and it's immediately on the cover, for which I am immensely grateful to the magazine for this opportunity, and I am certainly excited for our future collaboration.