Yesterday, VFiles launched WOMB, a new magazine created in collaboration with long-time contributor and photographer/fashion scout Kevin Amato, who also serves as the publication’s editor-in-chief and creative director. WOMB features the work of artists, writers, stylists, photographers, makeup artists, hairstylists, and models crowdsourced from profiles made on vfiles.com.
According to Amato, WOMB is all about supporting and listening to the youth and emerging talent. “It’s really just to give back,” he says. “I’ve always been recognized for working with new and up-and-coming talent, whether it’s artists, designers, fashion brands, or models. I’m around so many creative people. I thought, ‘What can I do to help enhance and push the careers of young talent?’ It’s wild how influential these kids are, and sometimes they have no idea.”
“It’s not easy for anybody right now [for young artists trying to make it], especially with the Internet,” Amato adds. “There’s oversaturation. There’s a lack of appropriate crediting. You see the photo on Tumblr a trillion times but you don’t even know who shot it. [WOMB] is a way to give proper credit to these young artists.”
This is Amato’s first magazine. In the past, he’s worked with Travis Scott on his Rodeo album cover art, Coca-Cola, Nike, HBO, the MTV Video Music Awards, and more. He’s also launched a book called Cozy, and is also responsible for discovering Cool Teen and model Luka Sabbat, who serves as WOMB's editor-at-large.
The theme of the WOMB’s inaugural issue is “We’ve Got Issues,” which Amato says has a double meaning: “In almost a literal way, there will be more issues of the magazine coming, but it’s also acknowledging there are challenges we need to overcome and express. It was consciously knowing that we’re listening to a voice.”
Amato and VFiles received plenty of submissions, but ultimately they chose to feature individuals who were present in their work. “VFiles has the fashion aspect covered,” explains Amato. “This is more about intimacy, the users, parts of their lives. It was about people who understood fashion but whose works told stories about them. It wasn’t just about some pretty picture, but also having a bit more soul to it.”
The first issue, which is available on VFiles’ website and at the Mercer Street store in NYC now, includes a spread with photos of Korean singer and rapper CL and will.i.am in the studio, short interviews, and photo submissions from around the world. There are also Calvin Klein ads, some of which feature Kendrick Lamar, Joey Bada$$, and Justin Bieber. According to Amato, he worked closely with Calvin Klein to choose the ads. “It was important that even these fit in with the narrative of the issue,” he explains.
Amato has started working on the second issue, though that’s still in the early stages. For those who want to contribute, you can create a profile on vfiles.com or on womb.vfiles.com to share you work, discover other talent, and collaborate with other members of the VFiles' online community.
Amato admits working on a magazine is tough, but he says the sacrifice is worth it. “I think with the Internet people might think it’s impossible to be honest,” he notes, “but here we are. I love the idea of making old things new again. Just make sure you create something you really believe in.”
He continues: “I envision WOMB to be its own vehicle for young creative directors, art directors… I remember how hard it was when I was coming up. So, giving that opportunity to people is cool.”
