brian’s essentials — vision, vibrance, and the things that keep him creating
(to the right: some of brian’s photography work)
brian’s essentials — vision, vibrance, and the things that keep him creating
for new york–based artist brian vu, the world is one long, unfolding portrait. his saturated, ethereal images of queer people have become instantly recognizable — glowing skin, dreamy palettes, soft grain, and worlds that feel half-renaissance, half–downtown fantasy.
born and raised in orange county, california, brian grew up nurturing an imagination that never turned off. after experimenting with different mediums, he fell for photography — the most direct way to transform his inner world into something tangible. over the last decade, his work has blended sun-drenched west coast tones with the raw, unpredictable energy of nyc, creating images that are both intimate and otherworldly.
today, brian’s portfolio spans collaborations with apple, instagram, the new yorker, dazed, bbc, and exhibitions across new york, london, barcelona, tel aviv, and more. yet despite his global reach, his creative process stays rooted in something simple: wandering.
“i’ve been shooting all around new york city lately, embracing the beauty of the people and the grit of the environment. i walk with my subject and stop whenever something clicks — the city gives you moments if you’re willing to look.”
as the weather cools, brian’s shifting back into studio mode — reconnecting with the playful, romantic energy he had when he first started making art. he’s inspired by psychedelia, mysticism, divination practices, static on tv screens, and dreamlike liminal spaces. all of that shows up in his color choices: jewel-toned, iridescent, emotional.
what’s in brian’s bag — the essentials that keep his world sharp, calm, and inspired:
comb
ever since growing his hair long, this is a must-have. perfect for quick fixes between locations or on set — anything to keep it out of his eyes while he shoots.
cashmere kush by boy smells
his go-to scent. warm, musky, with a subtle cannabis note — a fragrance that somehow feels seasonless and unmistakably him.
beats studio buds (transparent edition)
chosen specifically because they remind him of his childhood gameboy. they keep him immersed in music, which sparks ideas and helps set the vibe before a shoot.
sony a7r iv camera
the anchor of his creative toolkit. “the best camera i’ve ever had,” he says — digital precision with a film-like texture that aligns perfectly with his soft-grain, glowing aesthetic.
hai. cherry charmer aio vape
brian’s wind-down ritual. cherry charmer — a grounding indica with a soft, earthy finish — brings him calm focus when he needs to reset after long shoot days or tap into a more introspective creative headspace.
“very chill vibes. easy to smoke, hits really well, and leaves me relaxed and happy. great quality.”
(to the right: some of brian’s photography work)
brian’s essentials are more than just objects — they’re tools for building worlds, regulating energy, and staying connected to his intuition.
in a city as fast and chaotic as new york, these items help him stay steady, inspired, and attuned to the small moments that become the core of his work.
and every time he pulls out his camera, the magic starts again.
check out brian’s work here.
