Content Scholarship Follow Up with Steven Martinez

In the Fall of 2024 Central Texas Fashion Coalition put together an equitable initiative titled the “CTFC Content Scholarship” which presented the opportunity to pair together local fashion brands with local photographers with the goal of producing professional content to elevate both parties portfolios. After an extensive review process of so many deserving applicants-our Board narrowed it down to 4 designers in the categories: Clothing, Accessories, & Jewelry. Learn more about the overall project via the button below.

This short blog style recap covers just 1 of the 4 stories: recipient- Zanny Cox (Estudio Zanny) a seasoned jeweler paired with photographer Steven Ray Martinez . The first project: an editorial style shoot capturing images for Zannys collection and thereafter- Zanny decided to hire on Steven for another project, images for her website refresh. This success story showcases the power of Initiatives like this in creating mutually beneficial relationships between creatives and lasting impact in our community.

Steven shares some insight into the collaboration with us in an interview style format below.

CTFC: This shoot was part of a larger initiative from CTFC to support emerging designers—how did you get tapped for the Content Scholarship project, and what drew you to participating?

Steven: "I was referred to CTFC by Leah Bury, one of the other photographers that participated in the content scholarship; I met Leah through events she has hosted around Austin where some of my work has been shown. I’ve also attended the Slow Fashion Festival (organized by a wonderful team including Leah, one of its founders) and photographed behind the scenes and the runway which is one of the reasons I believe Leah referred me to CTFC. It is through her efforts that I’ve learned more about sustainability in fashion and beyond.”

CTFC: As a creative collaborator, what stood out to you about Zanny’s vision or approach to storytelling through fashion?

Steven: “In all honesty I could glimpse a spirit of counter-culture, punk, and spark to Zanny as a person and fell in love with her work when researching the recipients of the scholarship. I felt immediately that her and I would align on a multitude of things that I thought would help us work well together.”

CTFC: The scholarship offers a huge value—over $2,000 worth of production support. From your perspective, how did this impact Zanny’s brand?

Steven: “Zanny went into this scholarship with a complete collection and a message she wanted to spread along with her work that was one of diversity, inclusion, and that a piece of jewelry- any type of jewelry- was not regulated to a certain type of person but for everyone. I believe the production support helped to achieve her vision very much and offer quality representation of her jewelry.”

CTFC: Can you tell us what direct opportunities or value came out of participating in this initiative? 

Steven: “Zanny additionally hired me (a second campaign) to document the process of jewelry making and weaving which was just as lovely.”

CTFC: From your perspective, why are opportunities like this so important for emerging sustainable designers and photographers alike?

Steven: “I think this opportunity is important for emerging sustainable designers as starting a business is no small feat and creating a network of like-minded individuals in fashion, photography, and business is beneficial for all to grow and build a community.  At the end of the day, a lot of creative fields like fashion and photography are collaborative environments- it is important to understand this and set yourself up for success in the types of projects you choose and how you choose to work with others.”

CTFC: Did anything about the process surprise you—either creatively or in terms of the results?

Steven: “I come across many photographers whose work exists only in a digital space. It’s important to me to have physical prints of my work to experience the photographs in a way that truly is different from viewing off a phone or computer screen. An emotional pull a photograph may have is enhanced and made more tangible when printed, the choice of paper adding more depth and life to the photograph that can be lost and feel sterile with a backlit screen. Zanny printed many of the photographs from this shoot to use not only online but in her studio. I’ve been told from her, their placement next to her jewelry created special moments for her clients and newcomers.”

“I believe creating a safe environment for anyone that may walk through her studio is very important to Zanny and why she wanted to use models from the LGBTQIA community, a community I myself am part of. As minority groups continue to be targeted and certain businesses fall to the sway of online bullying in who can be represented, who can be seen, who can be visible, I came out of this feeling deeply proud of the work and for an individual that would rather not sell a piece of jewelry than have someone wear it while spreading hate.”

CTFC: If you could sum up the impact of this collaboration in one sentence, what would it be?

Steven: “I think this collaboration marked a new era for Zanny in her work and business as well as mine.”

Follow Steven’s work on Instagram @cinephilebaker and Zanny’s work on Instagram @estudio.zanny