When LSU students Claire Hill and Carianne Asberry joined forces to create a multi-media digital studio, the result was Complex Digital Studios.
Claire Hill, an international trade and finance senior, was doing photography for fun and when she crossed paths with Carianne Asberry, a first-year graduate student studying higher education administration programs. Asberry brought a passion for fashion and unique personal style to the table.
“We did a few photoshoots together just for fun, then decided that we wanted to go further with it,” Hill said. “She [Asberry] had the connections and sources, and I had the talent and work ethic, so we figured we could pull this off.”
From there, the duo started arranging shoots and inviting local talent to be a part of the studio’s magazine, Complex Magazine. This community-based approach has proven to be mutually beneficial, with the models they recruit getting chances to build their portfolio and Asberry and Hill getting content for their magazine.
“This whole thing was experimental in nature,” Asberry said. “Starting off, we may not have known what Complex Digital Studios would become. We threw out ideas and executed them until a vision came together.”
Describing themselves as “just kids taking photos,” Hill spoke of how they encourage participants to take on different roles in the process and experiment for themselves.
“I always tell the models, you aren’t just the model,” Hill said. “You’re the photographer, the stylist, the producer. Try things out and see where your talent shines through.”
Seeing participants’ faces light up when they’re handed a camera or invited to strike some poses in front of one reveals what happens when people are given the chance to be a part of creative efforts. Asberry and Hill hope to maintain this founding value of everyone having a place and a purpose.
“We’re making the space to where people don’t have to ask for permission to express themselves and try new things,” Asberry said.
Complex Digital Studios recently released the first issue of Complex Magazine that was centered around Women’s History Month, highlighting the insight and aspirations of various women creatives that participate in the collective’s projects.
This fusion of storytelling and photography was quite the success, and they have since began production for the magazine’s spring and summer 2024 release.
From here, Asberry and Hill hope to see continued growth in the number of people they reach, whether they want to be a part of their efforts or just supporters.
“The community is what builds me up to be what I am,” Asberry said. “I don’t know everything, but I do know that we can come together and exchange resources and support.”
To keep up with Complex Digital Studios, you can follow their Instagram @complexdigitalstudios.