#commitment to growth

  Process | This identity, formally named Jamel or the Jamel process, showcases the development of my personal aesthetic. My fashion story (i.e. what I am wearing and where I shop) has been my primary focus in this area. However, I have broadened my perspective for this space, actively exploring the creation of my entire aesthetic, which includes my community, philosophy for life and professional craft. Whether its discussing visions for the future, documenting my collaboration with artists or engaging in dialogue on new technologies, all are a part of Jamel, my existential process.

My goals for this area are:

Become a student of fashion; acquire a vocabulary for menswear and engage with the larger Boston fashion community

Attend Fashion Week in Boston and New York

Acquire two mentors in the fashion industry; look to them for specific advice on developing my process

Consistently document new learning's and experiences; get into the habit of weekly/bimonthly posts.

Collaborate with a designer or artist on a fashion project what will go into my portfolio

Design | This aspect of my identity is purely dedicated to showcasing my creative work as art director, graphic designer, and filmmaker. Essentially, I created an online portfolio.

My goals for this area are:

Publish my new work on a consistent basis; too often I leave projects in flux and never give the opportunity for people to experience and react to the work.

Take a class on how to make a portfolio, specifically for art direction.

Publish at least two projects per quarter. (Seems doable right?)

Inspiration | I use this space to reflect and share what inspires me. I believe my greatest work comes from a consistent diet of encouraging words, shared learning's and celebrated accomplishments. Whether it's a quote from a book I'm reading or an image I see online, I make an effort to document and share my inspiration on platforms like inspiration.quinntonharris.com, Pinterest, Facebook, etc.

My goals for this area are:

Read at least four new books this year; one has to be non-fiction

Organize at least one new experience per month with my partner Ariel Belgrave; it can be new activity or place—I need to get into the habit of having new adventures with her and creating lasting memories.

Continue to post branded inspirational content at least two times per week

Host monthly check-ins with mentors

Journal about one person that inspires me per week (in personal notebook)

Signature | This newly created sub-identity is specific to how I want to become a better storyteller. My medium of choice is photography, and later I plan to transition into short film. Film may not happen this year, but I want to get into the habit of developing concepts for stories. I am inspired by artists like Rog Walker, Jamel Shabazz and Flying Lotus who masterfully illustrate beautiful stories, and I will dedicate much of my time this year acquiring a deeper knowledge of the tools I need to grow my work in this area.

My goals in this area are:

Build skill and experience as a photographer; currently I am taking private lessons with mentor Feda Eid, and will use the first half of the year to focus on improving technical knowledge

Execute 2 projects that are conceptually-driven, contextual and collaborative; use the Jamel identity as a means to document and develop a process for each project.

Utilize and share my Flickr account as the main source for this body of work

Many of these goals overlap, and I take this as sign that I am in the beginning stages of narrowing my scope. I struggle at times with being all over the place, and hopefully after experimenting I can begin to become even more focused. 

Although this is an ambitious set of goals, I'm also learning how to take things slowly. I find myself rushing through things and not taking the time to actually enjoy my progress. Growth is a process that happens over time, and it is often sacrificial and painful. Mid-year, I plan to formally evaluate my progress as well as the state of my overall brand identity.

Please feel free to comment on this list of goals and provide feedback. I would love to hear your thoughts. Let the games begin. Until next time!