Daily Inspiration: Meet Robert Sutton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Sutton.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am Chicago-born but Georgia-raised. Moved here when I was around seven. started off in College Park and then spent the rest of my childhood in Kennesaw. Getting a lot of inspiration for the career I wanted from characters like Raven Baxter and Tru Jackson and a fair bit of my confidence from Maxine Shaw.

Spending my teen years experimenting with self-expression, I leaned into my identity/femininity and found the terms that fit me best. Having the name of the university I wanted to attend since my mom and I thought it was a high school, when it was time to apply, I sent out three applications and was most excited about the acceptance to my top pick, the Savannah College of Art and Design (the Atlanta campus, of course).

Where I became their first non-binary student model. Jumping between heels and flats and running between runways, marketing events, and photoshoots. All while holding 9-5 jobs, elective acting courses/clubs, and major classes that would lead to my bachelor’s in fine arts with a focus in fashion design.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being yourself is never easy when you’re at the intersection of so many minorities. I’m Black, male, queer, non-binary, and plant-based. On top of that, I’m also tall, loud, and appointed, so it’s not like I can hide from the attention I attract from simply entering a room. I always had to stick up for myself to make sure how I’m being viewed is as accurate to the truth as I’m able to make it.

I’ve been overlooked for parts and photoshoots. I’ve had my designs minimized due to lack of understanding as well as had my abilities scrutinized.

Even to this day I have work being used of mine that I don’t even have my name credited to.

It doesn’t feel great, but as I continue to pour into myself and surround myself with other creatives that will inspire and nourish each other, I can’t let certain obstacles keep me down. As a creative, I need to create.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an all-around creative. I’m drawn to the life and artistry of fashion, which transcend into most, if not all, other fields. This includes modeling and acting. Though most people who learn about me or stumble across my online presence will know me first as a model. I, however, whether first or not, would like people to understand me as an activist. I’ve never been shy of my support for what’s right, and I’d be quicker to boycott everything rather than use my art or my pursuit of art as an excuse to keep me from doing what’s right for the planet and its inhabitants.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Make friends, make connections, and see what expertise you can learn/lend. Branch off of each other and potentially build something more unique. Do it for the love of what you’re doing and not for monetary gain or societal fame because those things aren’t promised, and they tend to lead you to despising your chosen field.

That being said, no matter the size of the project. If you’re working in collaboration with one person or a group of people, unpaid/paid. Have your work and/or your engagement documented and protected by a contract. It will save you so much stress afterwards.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ro_c_sutton/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChamomileandYappin
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/behindthero/