Musings with Nicole Steriovski and Jenna Saraco
Parisian walks
with Nicole Steriovski and Jenna Saraco
Nicole Steriovski and Jenna Saraco are the New York based creatives behind the creative agency Nicole and Jenna, specialized in art direction and photography, and the content creation studio and store Either and. Their approach is focused on the feminine world, producing still and moving images portraying modern woman, self-aware and comfortable in their own skin.
They’ve shared with RUS one of their favourite rituals, the pleasure of walking. Turning at random down one street then another, not having anywhere in particular to get to.
You’re currently based in Brooklyn but where’s home for you?
Brooklyn feels the most like home than anywhere else at the moment! Originally I am from a small town in Indiana near Chicago (Nicole). Jenna is a native New Yorker but from the suburbs just a little north of the city.
How long have you known each other? How did you end up working together?
We have known each other for over 10 years. We both moved to Brooklyn around the same time. We were neighbors by way of a mutual friend who introduced us and coordinated our neighboring apartments. We quickly realized we had quite a bit of overlap in interests such as art, photography, film and family traditions/roots. We started meeting weekly to brainstorm fun projects and the projects evolved into a creative agency over the years.
What led you to start working with photography and art direction?
Jenna has a fine arts background in photography and was taking quite a few images for personal creative projects when we first met. I was drawn to how she visually expressed herself and had a natural inclination for direction. Jenna recognized this and suggested I try directing her photography. We see things very similarly but almost in opposite ways. We learned to work together to achieve a visual language that we express through photography, direction and now motion as well.
What sort of things do you find inspiring? Where do you find them?
We are inspired by travel, books, and past artists. I think you find them by following your intuition. We love watching films, flipping through old books and magazines, visiting museums and just observing the natural world around us.
How’s your process for starting a new project? Do you usually brainstorm together?
We often brainstorm together. Sometimes we individually have initial ideas that might be a good fit for a project and then that person takes the lead while the other can add to the concept so it feels well-rounded from both of our perspectives.
Musée Rodin in Paris
Do you have any ritual that can transform your mood in an instant? What led you to choose walking as your inspiration for this collaboration?
Walking and being near water! We use to spend too much time staring at our computers when we first started our agency. We both found making time in everyday to walk and go outside and get fresh air allows us to be more creative and productive at the end of the day. We often walk down to the water in Brooklyn for a little refresh.
What are your favourite places to get lost in Paris?
Anywhere really. The flea markets, parks, any and all magical side streets.
How would you describe RUS universe in three words?
Thoughtful, soft and inviting.
What sort of imagery do you feel attracted to?
Imagery that feels genuine and fresh, feminine and tactile. Imagery with a nod to the classic photography we admire and revisit.
We can see in your work a great consideration for the female figure and body movement, do you feel this is an aspect that defines you?
So wonderful for you to notice this! The female figure is endlessly inspiring to us. No two bodies look or move the same. To take these two ideas of the female figure and body movement then transform them into beautiful shapes and configurations for still and moving image is always a theme for us and apart of our process.
Real or digital?
Always real. We love shooting film!
How’s your typical day? What rituals do yo you follow to relax and disconnect?
Our days are all over the place. While producing and coordinating shoots we are often at our computers, otherwise we are on set at a studio or location. These are the best days! We love doing face masks, massages, meditating and cooking to try and disconnect at the end of the day.
What characteristic do you appreciate the most in a person?
Honesty, kindness, genuineness and humor.
Name three photographers/ creatives that inspire you.
Peter Lindbergh, Agnes Varda, Michelangelo Antonioni, Yvonne Rainer, Duane Michaels.
A book currently in your nightstand?
On Photography, Susan Sontag
Feelings are Facts, Yvonne Rainer
Do you have any ritual to get dressed in the mornings? How do you decide what to wear?
We are starting to plan our outfits a bit in advance. We are creatures of habit so it's helpful to have pieces you can rely on that you can mix and match without much thought in the morning.
Less is more? Name three clothing items always present in your luggage.
Jeans, sneakers and of course a sweater.
What’s your favourite season to get dressed?
Fall, love layering.
What’s next for you in the following months?
Hopefully more motion projects including a short film!
Photographed by Nicole and Jenna
