Nate Petrik, freshly 22, has transformed all traditional norms in the film and photography realm. With an aesthetic and inspiration that is purely from his own experiences throughout life, quarantine and just having an eye for a good photo, he has built an immense portfolio and shot a film, named Convenient, to premiere at the end of October.
“I think photography and anti-fashion photography was a great entry way for me,” Nate states, “But then I was like, I’m gonna make a film!” He never aimed for his photography to be easily digestible and wanted people to work a bit to decipher his work. Nate aspires to reflect his thoughts and energy in everything he creates. And with this, he brought some of the wildest parts of his imagination in his film.
Things that are only customary to coming of age, like mental health and sexuality, were once road blocks in his path, but now add fuel to his fire. When it came to his inspirations, he looked up to other people growing up. He told a story of how he saw an elder lady in a shop, and just wanted to take pictures of her floral-on-floral outfit. Things that are outside of the norm, and that deal with personal expression is all enticing to Nate Petrik. “I was really creative when I was younger. I was more inspired by music if anything. I really love Charlie XCX. I am so inspired by my friends; I love that I have poured myself into this. Even my costume designer Elli who also is a great friend has been awesome.”
When it comes to his new film, debuting at the end of October, he has a lot of words on what we can expect! “I wear red a lot. Somebody asked me why one day and I was like ‘I feel like no one listens to me!’ It’s attention grabbing. If I could explain this film, it’s contrast, it’s aggressive, it’s in your face, but it’s sweet and feminine. It takes your face, it pulls it closer, slaps it twice and then puts it back.” One of Nate’s main messages with his journey is that contentment with yourself is key.
“It’s okay to be you,” he states “It’s weird because you grow up resenting your own work. It’s alienating. But it’s you and you will grow to love it.”
