Hello, my name is Victor and I am a photographer/videographer from Harlem and The Bronx respectively. My aim to create narrative pieces that impact the way viewers see art. Since 2013, I gained my humble beginnings at my college newspaper, New Tech Times, and since then, my goal is to perfect my crafts.

How did you get your Artist name?

I rebranded myself during the 2020-2022 pandemic and in numerology the 5th path is the path of creativity.

How did you get into creating?

V began his art career in Dreamyard Preparatory Highschool from 2007-2011 taking electives ranging from creative writing, playwriting, musical theater and photography. High school was where I began using art as an outlet and in college I worked professionally in the fields of writing and photography.

Where are you from?

V was born March 6, 1993 in Mount Sinai, Harlem. V was raised in Harlem from ages 0-3, then his mom moved to Bronx and V was raised there from the ages 4-13. And since then, he's moved back and forth, currently resides on The Bronx with his childhood friends.

How did growing up in your neighborhood/city affect you?

It caused me to become a community organizer to become the change I wanted to see becaise living in NYCHA was like living in the opposite city of what NYC is shown to be.

What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?

V simply studied more successful artists in my field while stock piling on textbooks in my fields and constantly creating. V was always around creatives, so initially V experimented and stumbled upon his niches in photography. It's important to always refine your craft because you should aspire to be a master in your craft. V went to school for marketing so at some point V had a partnership LLC and co-owned a studio from 2020-2022. Being an entrepreneur is essential to being an artist but you don't have to be a capitalist in your interactions. In art, It's important to have people skills and know how to network. You can always learn from other artists. NYC has a competitive mindset when you should alwaus finding opportunities to learn.

What does your current setup look like?

V shoots with a Nikon D850, Sony ZV1 and a Canon Rebel T5.

Who inspires you?

Glenn Greenwald and Abby Martin are big inspirations for V, but in terms of photography, V would say Jamel Shabazz is a major influence in his photography.

What is your goal when you create?

V's goal is to execute the vision of my client/collaborator

Why do you create?

V creates to connect with other creatives and to simply inspire others to feel and hopefully inquire for services or to collaborate! V also creates to help others whether it's to find a voice to express themselves through the images V creates or channeling a vision and bringing it to light. When V started, photography wasn't as inclusive, so initially V created to showcase persons of color in the best light.

How has choosing your creative path affected your life?

It has caused V to see that people really can see V's skill sets and V's vision. Having his work shown in Glasgow to London, the New York Public Library, and multiple galleries/art spaces has given him the confidence to create more.

Did you have to overcome any obstacles along the way?

For any artist, money is always the first roadblock. I do not come from inheritances, was raised in a single parent household, grew up in the bottom of the bottom and now am in a position to provide for myself and create high quality art.

What's your go-to song right now and why is it important to you?

Rome Streetz - Destiny Child

I think song should speak for itself. I played this song a lot last year when I was manifesting.

What is your dream as an artist and what steps are you taking to reach your dream?

My dream is to become a master photographer. I still tap into my other art forms and have other dreams, but that's a story for another day!

What would you tell someone else with a dream?

I would tell them that not everyone will authentically connect with you. Some people will be intimidated by you, some will try to not understand you. All you can do is create. The art world is small, and it will test you. You can be the humblest and that will be taken advantage of; just be authentic. There's no denying that so stick to your guns and always speak your dreams into existence by writing it and doing it. Not everyone will believe in you, even friends and family so do it for you, and then the world.

Tell us about your most recent release

I have an upcoming tabling event at Everone Comics and Collectibles 02/24/23 from 12pm-6pm and an upcoming showcase 02/25/23 called the Heart Attack showcase in Jersey City at the Film Factory host by @tysart_

Share a link to your most recent release

https://www.nypl.org/events/exhibitions/community-showcases/exodus-exhibition-victor-otero?fbclid=PAAab7-grXD6hw_EN9BmRvNpTLOyzK7dlo8VpQco71FwxCjZeG4rrO-JFHfY0

Instagram: http://Www.instagram.com/the_v_path

Facebook.com: http://Www.facebook.com/thevpath

Website: http://Www.victoroterophotography.com