Meet Cederick Campbell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cederick Campbell.

Hi Cederick, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am 21 years old. I was born, raised, and currently live in Detroit, Michigan. I attend the University of Detroit Mercy where I am in my 4th year studying Architecture with plans of acquiring a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Science. I am also a part-time creative director and freelance wardrobe stylist. I creative direct for The Creative Playground, a photography studio in Downtown Detroit (under the direction of Jaylin “Jet” Mitchell), and CodeXRosella, a production company in Detroit, Michigan (under the direction of Rose Hobson.) In my free time, I create content for my YouTube channel and all other social media platforms. Additionally, my twin brother McKenzie and I have a clothing line called Trill Billionaire where we design and sell luxury streetwear attire.

I’ve always had a passion for fashion and design. I really got into design once I took part in the University of Michigan Architecture Prep Program as a junior at Renaissance High School. Not only did the program convince me to study Architecture in college, but it also availed me to an abundance of avenues in design through architecture. Since then, I’ve used the skills I acquired/am acquiring while studying Architecture in fashion design, graphic design, creative direction, and more. As I continue to progress creatively, I document my work using social media. This has allowed me to track my growth, show others what I’m capable of, and most importantly, inspire others who want to enter various fields of design. Sharing my work on social media has propelled me into a lot of creative opportunities and I am so glad this is happening because I’m doing work that 16-year-old me dreamed of doing.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
By the grace of God, it has been a relatively smooth road. Granted, we all face adversity. and I have dealt with my own personal adversities. But God has shown me a lot of grace and mercy. I have to give credit and honor to my wonderful parents who I am so thankful for. Throughout my life, they put me in environments that allowed me to express and navigate my creativity in ways that prepared me for what I’m doing now. Most importantly, they have very serious relationships with God and they stay prayed-up about me. So I’m always covered and protected.

The most prominent struggle I’ve dealt with along this journey is stepping into my truest self. As we grow up, we’re taught to fit a mold. You have to look this way, dress this way, believe this, like this, etc. And as I got older, I realized that I just couldn’t fit the mold and that most of the things I learned as a kid just don’t resonate with who I am today. Admitting that and actually living based on who I am and not who others want me to be has liberated me from years of suppression. It’s something I still struggle with and probably won’t be completely freed of. But the progress I’ve made is truly liberating and it has made my life and this process all the more enjoyable.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a wardrobe stylist so clients come to me in need of outfits and I provide them with those outfits based on how they dress, how they want to dress, and the occasion on which the outfit will be worn. Additionally, I am a creative director. In my creative direction work, I take an idea and develop concepts for those ideas. For example, if a client wants me to creative direct a photoshoot, I come up with design schemes and 3D model them to show my client what the shoot may look like. Once my client is satisfied with how their idea will come to life, production will proceed from there.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I’d like to begin by thanking God. He is always watching over me and putting me in the right places at the right time. As previously stated, my parents are two of my biggest supporters. They are always rooting for me and make sure I always have everything I need to be successful. My twin brother McKenzie is one of my biggest supporters and my best friend in the whole wide world. I love him more than words can express. I’d like to thank Jaylin “Jet” Mitchell (Founder of the creative Playground) and Rose Hobson (Founder of CodexRosella) who both provide me with opportunities to express myself creatively. I’d like to thank the CXR team who always encourages me and support everything I do. I am thankful for Brea Crawford, my best friend who is always there for me and is the reason I am able to share my story with VoyageATL. I’d like to thank my boss and mentor, Bennie Tolbert from the City of Detroit. He provided me with the first job at the City of Detroit and continues to support and provide me with opportunities to express myself creatively. Lastly, I want to thank Suzanne Lettieri, my professor from the University of Michigan Architecture Prep Program who believed in me and helped me navigate my initial interest in architecture and design.

Contact Info:

• Email: cederickcampbell@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cederickcampbell/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CederickCampbell
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/bycederickcampbell/?hl=en

Image Credits:
Photos by Skye Taylor