Marcus Vinicius Richardson is a Southern-born, New York-based photographer who has worked with such esteemed and timeless brands as Hugo Boss, MEN’S HEALTH, Ralph Lauren, Johnnie Walker, PLAYBOY, Estee Lauder and so many more. In the pursuit of telling visual stories, Marcus focuses on six key concepts, Community, Nostalgia, Diversity, Inclusion, Authenticity, and Simple, natural beauty. Let’s join him as he shares the day-to-day life as a creative director and photographer in New York City.
8:00 AM
I love being awake to the point that I often have trouble getting to sleep. Around 8 AM, my body starts to toss and turn, ready to get the day started. My morning rituals seem to change with the seasons, although what is consistent is checking my phone first thing. I know, we’ve all talked about healthy boundaries, breaking away from technology, and not reaching for the phone first thing in the morning but, like Kamala Harris, I love good news, and what better way to start the day than connecting with my people and checking in on new partnerships.
9:00 AM
I’m not much of a breakfast person, it feels too heavy to me first thing in the morning, but I do like starting my day with coffee. Honestly, I’ve never been one to feel an energy boost from caffeine, but I enjoy the process of preparing coffee for myself and whoever is around. If I’m starting my day in the city, I love to make time to visit one of my go-to coffee shops that has an inspiring atmosphere that lets me feel the buzz of the city, my favorite right now is Sant Ambreous in Soho. I believe there is something powerful in setting a tone for your day and I’m all about beautiful, intentional experiences. The smell of fresh coffee in the morning and simple clean white mugs is an aesthetic I’ll always make time for when I can.
10:00 – 2:30
This is go-time! By 10 AM I’m showered and in full “work mode”. I still have moments when I can’t believe that my career revolves around creating beautiful things and telling beautiful stories and while it’s such an incredible result of lots of hard work, I’m constantly reminded of how much more I want to do. I’m thankful for the diversity that my work brings. As a creative/art director I spend lots of time on my laptop, which I’ve grown to love. I’m constantly developing concepts, building decks, and pulling together shoots which leads into the photography aspect of my work. I started behind the camera and have a steady love for it so while I’m excited for the opportunities, I now have to be behind the camera I always welcome the days I get to be the one holding the camera and capturing the image.
On the days I step away from my computer and don’t have to shoot I prioritize consuming beauty and art. So much of my work depends on me being inspired and having diverse reference points so I try and make it to the Metropolitan Museum as often as I can to find inspiration as well as swinging by Iconic Magazines in Soho to stock up on my favorite magazines to do research at home.
3:00 – 4:00 PM
Shortly after my first year living in NYC, I gave up on the delusion that I’m the type of person who enjoys going to the gym at 4 AM every day. Late afternoon workouts have proven to be a bit more consistent and easier to plan for with my schedule. I try to run about twice a week and in-between that I’m in the gym. What’s great about New York is there is a workout catered to just about anyone, like Barry’s for example. I enjoy the flow of working out with another person, Barry’s is a group experience and it’s hands down one of the best workouts I’ve ever had in my life.
4:30 – 6:30 PM
This time is pretty simple. I fuel myself by eating a decent meal and then I shower and transition into my evening plans. I eat at home often and when I don’t I have my usual spot that I like to go to. My favorite right now is Fairfax in the West Village which hands down has one of the best burgers in the city.
7:00 PM
One thing that has played a significant part in my career is networking and living in a city like New York there are always events to go to which are usually around this time of night. I’ll be honest and say that my default on any given night is to be comfortable at home with a good movie on, but social events serve a purpose as well. I always appreciate the face-to-face and the opportunity to connect with people in person. I’ve also found these events as an opportunity to connect with my community, and to be with the people who I’ve done life with throughout my time in this city.
10:00 PM
There are those rare nights that call for me to rally and I can usually be a team player and stay out with my people, but I do love a balance. Starting with a relaxed drink at L’Adresse on 28th Street and then dancing at Chapel Bar is a perfect night out for me. However, my ideal evening would have me in a car, home by 10 PM, riding with the windows down, listening to Frank Ocean or SZA, thankful that I get to live in one of the greatest cities in the world.
