A Conversation with The King of Content: Derek Blanks

Originally published in February 2022 print, photography by Alexis Smith

Derek Blanks is a gentleman whose work has been seen on the covers of your favorite magazines, inside magazine spreads, album covers, books cover, and more. There is nothing the King of Content can’t do when it comes to his creativity and your vision. You have seen him on television and with some of your favorite celebrities, but we don’t have to name them because this is about him and his moment to shine.

“I’ve been an artist all my life.”

A starving artist Derek was not. Even at an early age he understood the value of art and how to monetize it. “I would charge my classmates when I would make them things such as portraits and friendship bracelets,” said Blanks as we spoke about his early childhood. Back then his classmates told him he would be famous one day, but for Derek it wasn’t about being famous. He said it was the passion and love he had for it. It wasn’t just one form of art he loved growing up; it was multiple. He went to a magnet school where he was introduced early on to painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, scultiping and more.

“I took advantage of everything.”

This deep love and romance for art went with him to college when he enrolled in The Maryland Institute College of Art, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.This was the late 90s and early 2000s and Derek said, “I took advantage of everything from graphic design to photoshop. Then photoshop was still relatively new but as an innovator he knew that it would become a powerful tool later so it would be mastered by him. There was a certain joy he received from taking simple pictures and images and altering them and creating new life.

“They didn’t put my name on it so I was like I’m going to do my own stuff”

It was his first celebrity big project that pushed him to go out on his own to make a name for himself. Derek recalled the time he did photography for a local book that later received nationwide recognition. This led to him working with celebrities who loved his work but there was something still missing even though his A-list clientele was growing. “On the photography book they didn’t put my name; so I was like, I’m going to do my own stuff,” said Blanks as he was determined to make a name for him and receive the credit for his hard work.

“My Alter Ego series was out way before I did it on the housewives ”

You might remember seeing his Alter Ego photos on Housewives of Atlanta season 2, but to most of your surprise this was a project he did previously. “Eva Pickford was one of the first celebrities that shot for the project,” said Blanks as we spoke about the Alter Ego series. This project wasn’t just an outlet for him, but also a way for him to showcase his ability to do transformations that had a visual story behind them.

“Test shoots means free stuff”

Derek got to where he is by investing in his craft and work. From being a life-learners to doing multiple test shoots throughout his career he continuously focuses on expanding his knowledge base and techniques. “A lot of the test shoots I have done planted seeds that grew into later opportunities,” said Blanks. You would be surprised to learn he spent thousands of his own dollars on some of your favorite shoots with celebrities that were technically “test shoots.” From paying for the flight, the crew, and even things like generators, he’s more than paid his way to the top by believing in himself.

As an artist, he knows the power in continuing to showcase your work. That dedication has led to him being called in by major brands, labels, and celebrities who aren’t satisfied with the work of others. You might call him Mr. Fix-It or the Repairman because Derek is the one they call when they know there is one person who can get it right. Derek said, “I have had artists tell their management that they won’t do the project unless Derek is going to shoot it.”

“A Photographer needs to be open and like a sponge.”

Throughout his journey of success, I wanted to know what advice Derek would have for today’s photographers. “Don’t take anything personal,” said Blanks. He urges photographers and creatives at large to be open to any situation because it’s about the end product. Sometimes the final product might not be what the client likes or expected, but it is up to the photographer to soak up the feedback and deliver a satisfied product. Derek said, “I’ve had magazine shoots that didn’t go my way as far as the vision I initially thought; but it is my job as a photographer to re-steer it so that the client is happy.”

A takeaway from Derek I want to leave with everyone is when Derek said, “And I think a lot of times we give up too easily.” This statement can’t be more true especially when we are passionate and sensitive about our work. Derek says that, in business, don’t take things personally but rather take the feedback and criticism and revisit it with an open mind. All you can do is learn, grow, and improve.