“It’s amazing what sparse facial hair, clear lenses, and a trench coat can do for you. My whole shit the last two months while I was intensely working was to see how ugly I could look. Not regular ugly. But dope ugly. Does that make any sense? (Picture via ACL)
There’s something to be said about being labeled a tastemaker. Hold up and think about what that title means. It means you lead and inspire. It means you impress. It means you deliver. For director Jake Davis, it means all that plus being tapped by Nike while studying at NYU’s film school to do a short showcasing Nike’s coolness, working with original NY tastemaker Chris Gibbs (now of Union LA) and then using all that as the launchpad for a career in filmmaking. Davis continues to be a frequent collaborator with Supreme and Nike when not working with the likes of Snoop Dogg, Nelly, T.I., or working on his feature film “Cool Hunter” inspired by his work with Nike. We caught up with him to talk about his city, the industry, and of course, style.
LH: What was the “a-ha!” moment for you in your life when you decided you wanted to be a director?
JD: I always had a strong passion for music and a visual eye. When I was about fifteen I thought a film director was the best of both of those worlds.
LH: What’s an average day like for you?
JD: The day to day of a director is actually quite solitary. A lot of time spent in your own head. If I’m not actually making a video (prepping, shooting, or editing) I’m coming up with ideas. Almost everyday I’m coming up with concepts and figuring out how to make them. I write treatments weekly and the videos develop from there. Everyday I try to create and inspire.
LH: What’s the best part and the worst part about being Jake Davis?
JD: Having the opportunity to share my unique perspective with the world. I guess with any artist sometimes the criticism that comes along with sharing your vision is a bit hard to swallow.
LH: Name some of your favorite commercials and music videos on air right now, and why:
JD: I love what Jonathan Glazer did for The Dead Weather’s “Treat Me Like Your Mother.” That’s a really inspired video. “Carousel” directed by Adam Berg for Philips was the most innovative piece I’ve seen in a really long time.
LH: So Nike tapped you while you were a student at NYU, you were joining the ranks of past Nike directors such as Spike Jonze, Tarsem, Johan Camitz and Johan Renck, what were your thoughts back then about joining such company?
JD: When you’re that young and really amazing things are happening to you it’s really hard not to take it for granted. You kind of start expecting even more instead of being happy for what you have. But to be in that kind of company was and is really amazing.
LH: How do you balance the corporate side of advertising and commercials with your artistic integrity?
JD: You have to find that balance yourself. I don’t think it’s something that is black and white. It’s very grey at times. And often times a project starts in a creative place but ends in a very servicing one. Art & commerce will forever be a challenge for the individual to balance.
LH: Do you think the rise of YouTube and the rising popularity of user generated content, dilute the relevance of artists like yourself?
JD: I think YouTube is a great place to find inspiration, references, and watch commercials and videos. A lot of times these videos are forgotten. Now they have a permanent home. That’s really incredible and exciting as an artist.
LH: A lot of people are obviously connecting with your style through your blog. You’re now a designated style icon, so what are some of your style tips?
JD: I think when it comes to style (and that goes way beyond clothing) people should be who they are… Whatever that is. Human nature desires us to be a part of something but it’s the ones that stand out we respect the most. It’s a strange paradox. If something makes you feel right whether it be a particular fabric or mannerism then embrace it. It’s who you are.
LH: What’s your take on the current state of streetwear? What labels for you are killing it right now and which ones are missing the mark?
JD: I don’t really worry about who’s not doing a great job. There are too many brands making great clothing. I gravitate to the lines that my friends design, from Supreme to Engineered Garments to Nom de Guerre. I do have to say that a lot of brands are starting to look very similar… Moccasins, chambray work shirts, and selvedge denim everywhere. Just like personal style when a brand rides a trend they become obsolete once the fad is over. They should stick to who they are if they want longevity.
LH: What are some of the New York spots, whether it be stores, restaurants, inspirational spots, etc., you frequent?
JD: Since the weather has gotten nicer in New York I’ve been playing a lot of tennis on the west side with my friend Oliver Stumm. He’s awesome and owns Cafe Select, which has great food and hang. The back room is dope. You have to walk through the kitchen to get to it like that scene in Goodfellas. I have to put it in a video.
LH: What advice do you have for the aspiring Jake Davis’ of the world?
JD: Do you.
Everything you need to know about Jake Davis can be found on his official site.
Add his blog to your bookmarks for daily swagger.
juliegr says: 
