Rising Stars: Meet Kevin Jay

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Jay.

Hi Kevin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Kevin Jay, and my story begins long before I ever picked up a camera. From a very young age, I knew I was an artist, a creative, and a visionary. I was never meant to fit into a box, and even then, I carried an undeniable belief that my name would one day mean something in this world.

My artistic journey began through music, dance, and performance. I grew up singing in youth and mass choirs at my first home church, performed in talent shows in elementary school, continued singing throughout middle and high school, and became involved in various dance and step teams throughout my city. I’ve also had the opportunity to host my own majorette dance classes. Each of these experiences helped shape my creativity, discipline, confidence, and understanding of artistic expression.

Today, I am an award-winning photographer, stylist, creative director, model and posing coach, and graphic designer. But beyond the titles and accomplishments, I consider myself a scholar, an intellect, and a deep, passionate thinker—a complex soul with a vision that extends far beyond what others may see on the surface.

I am a Black, gay, and proud man who has always dared to dream beyond the limitations placed before him. My journey has not been without its trials, tribulations, betrayals, or moments of uncertainty. However, every challenge has contributed to my growth, strengthened my perseverance, and taught me the importance of showing up authentically as myself.

My story is still unfolding. With every experience, I discover more about who I am, what I’m capable of, and the impact I’m meant to make. I believe God has so much more in store for me, and I trust that He will continue to guide me as I walk in my purpose, embrace my gifts, and create a legacy that extends far beyond my own lifetime.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has absolutely not been a smooth road. I believe that anything worth having is worth fighting for, and throughout my life, I’ve had to fight through circumstances that tested my strength, my faith, and my understanding of who I am.

I’ve experienced betrayal, disappointment, people turning against me, attacks on my character, and relationships where others valued what I could offer more than they valued me as a person. I’ve faced situations that not everyone could understand unless they had walked in my shoes. Those experiences have been painful, but they have also been some of my greatest teachers.

Through it all, my faith has reminded me that no weapon formed against me shall prosper. God never promised that we would be free from hardship, but He does give us the strength to endure, the wisdom to grow, and the courage to keep moving forward.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that I cannot control how people perceive me, what they say about me, or how they choose to treat me. What I can control is how I show up, how I respond, and whether I allow those experiences to take me away from who I am. I’ve learned to stop people-pleasing, stop seeking validation, and stop allowing the opinions of others to dictate my peace.

Today, I choose to focus on my growth, my artistry, my purpose, and the life I am building. I’ve learned that protecting my peace and staying in my own lane is not about running from challenges; it’s about refusing to let negativity and unnecessary drama distract me from what I’m called to do. The road may not always be easy, but I trust that every struggle is shaping me into the man I am meant to become.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I consider myself a multifaceted creative… a true multi-hyphenate. While I do many things, I am best known for my work as a celebrity, studio, and lifestyle photographer, as well as a majorette dancer and graphic designer. My artistry extends across multiple disciplines, but the common thread is my passion for creating, inspiring, and bringing ideas to life.

In 2025, I was honored to receive the title of Photographer of the Year in Kentucky from the Black Owned Business Awards. That recognition was a significant milestone in my career and a reminder of how far I’ve come. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with celebrities, artists, and television personalities, including Kash Doll, Mel’Vontae Reese, Blueface Barbie, and Gangsta Bae. My work has been featured on The Shade Room, Fashion Bomb Daily, and other various media outlets.

Beyond photography, I’ve witnessed tremendous growth in my graphic design work. What began as another outlet for my creativity has expanded to reach photographers, entrepreneurs, and service providers, specifically in places like New York and Florida. Seeing my work reach people beyond my home city has been incredibly rewarding.

My work is rooted in quality, intention, and creative excellence. I specialize in creating imagery and designs that empower, inspire, and elevate the way people present themselves, their brands, and their artistry. I believe every detail matters. Every ounce of energy invested in bringing a creative vision to life matters. I don’t believe in doing things halfway, and I take great pride in delivering the best work I possibly can.

As Erykah Badu once said, “I’m an artist and I’m sensitive about my sh*t.” That sentiment resonates deeply with me. I care about my work, I advocate for my artistry, and I hold myself to a high standard because I know the value of what I bring to the table.

What I’m most proud of, however, goes beyond awards, clients, or professional accomplishments. I’m proud of having the audacity to show up as myself in a world that doesn’t always make space for men like me. I’m a Black, openly gay man who has continued to pursue his dreams, even when the odds felt uncertain and the path wasn’t always welcoming.

I’m proud of the influence I’ve had on other creatives and the space I’ve helped create for people to express themselves, embrace their individuality, and take risks despite the naysayers or the challenges they’ve experienced. I’m also proud of learning that rest is not a weakness. As someone whose mind is constantly creating, I’ve had to understand that taking time to step away from work, quiet the noise, and recharge is essential to showing up as my best self. Protecting my peace is part of protecting my artistry.

As for what sets me apart, I believe there is only one person who can do what I do… and that’s me. I’ve always been an underdog, and rather than allowing that to limit me, I’ve made it my superpower. I’ve never believed that success requires betraying others, competing through negativity, or diminishing someone else’s light. I believe in collaboration, community, and creating opportunities where everyone has the chance to win.

I lead with authenticity. I’m genuine in my relationships, passionate about my craft, and intentional about the energy I give. While life has taught me to be more discerning about who I share my knowledge and energy with, I still believe in uplifting others and sharing the love when the space is right.

Ultimately, what sets me apart is my ability to see beyond what exists, envision what could be, and use my creativity to make that vision a reality. I’m still growing, still learning, and still building toward everything I know I’m capable of. But I’m proud of the artist I am today, and I’m even more excited about the legacy I’m creating.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was incredibly outgoing, expressive, and full of personality. I was the kind of kid who had to stay busy in school because, if I didn’t, I would find a way to entertain myself… and sometimes that meant acting up. I was always laughing, joking, sharing my thoughts and opinions, standing up for myself, dancing, singing, drawing, coloring, and simply being unapologetically myself.

I was an eccentric child with a very active imagination. I carried a backpack filled with writing and coloring utensils almost everywhere I went because creativity was my escape. Whether I was in school, at home, or even in church, I could always find comfort in creating something. I was loud, carefree, curious, and never particularly interested in fitting into anyone else’s idea of who I should be.

I was also a bright student who took pride in learning. Even as a child, I had a way of leaving an impression on people’s lives. I was expressive, opinionated, and full of ideas, but I was also deeply misunderstood. Over time, that misunderstanding, and some of the experiences that came with it, caused me to lose parts of my voice and that exuberant personality I once carried so freely.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve had to rediscover those parts of myself. I’ve learned to reclaim my voice, embrace my individuality, and use my experiences to speak up for the things that truly matter. Today, I’m much more intentional about where I direct my energy, but that expressive, creative, carefree little boy is still very much a part of me.

I often think about the child I used to be and everything he had to overcome to get me here. My inner child has carried a lot, but he has also given me my imagination, my resilience, my passion, and my ability to see the world differently. I hope that little boy is proud of me… not just for what I’ve accomplished, but for having the courage to become myself again.

Because at the end of the day, I’m still that same kid with a backpack full of creativity, dreaming up something bigger than the world around him.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinjayphotography/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/kevinjaydesigns/