Anthony Amadeo chats with Adrian Jimenez about life as a dad, Vogue memories, and staying creative.
AA: Let’s take it back to our first shoot…
It was an absolute blizzard in New York City. I honestly didn’t think you’d make it, and not only did you show up, but you were five minutes early—after traveling all the way from Philly. What was going through your head on that journey? What made you commit to showing up that day?
AJ: Haha! Yeah man, I remember that. An iconic day in Brooklyn, definitely a memorable first impression. To be fair I was staying in the east village at the time with a friend and only had to take the L train over, but I knew with the non stop snow I would have to give myself some extra time. I was still pretty new on the scene and extremely appreciative of any opportunity, plus I had seen your work and really liked your style. I really love extremely weather events like that, I think there’s an energy to it, and once I finally made it to your spot it was well worth hiking in the snow.
AA: Over the years, we’ve shot so many times and have created hundreds of images together.
You’ve always been one of the easiest models I’ve ever worked with—there’s a natural trust that makes everything feel effortless. From your side, what has made our shoots special or memorable for you?
AJ: First of all, thanks man, you’re an easy photographer to work with too and I think it all comes from being comfortable taking chances, not being afraid to look stupid, and for me it was trusting your creative process. I remember seeing cool images on your profile, and once we started shooting it was almost like you were documenting a conversation. The spaces we’ve shot in have also helped because the artistic and chaotic energy of your decoration style helps to set a tone.
AA: One of the highlights of your journey was being featured in Vogue Italia.
That’s such a moment! Can you talk about how that opportunity came about, what the experience was like, and what it felt like to see yourself in such an iconic publication?
AJ: Vogue Italia may have been the very first time I went through a casting and got booked. It set an expectation in my mind that really hasn’t been reached again hahah! I remember casting with Luigi and Iango and just telling myself it was normal and I deserved to be there and being fully ready to commit to their artistic vision. The shoot itself was amazing because first of all, we were at a beautiful property and there were also a bunch of other models there. Mica was the main model they were shooting but I remember hanging out and vibing with the other models, trying to listen to their stories of being on sets and finding out as much as I could about the industry. One thing I remember vividly is everyone was getting styled with Louis Vuitton, not fully clothed but elements here and there, until they got to me and were like, yeah he’s fine how he is. So my shots in the publication, even though I’m styled in Louis Vuitton, are really just but naked draped on a beautiful girl.
AA: I know you’ve got a lot happening lately—especially becoming a new dad.
First of all, congrats! How has fatherhood been treating you? How are you balancing creative work, life, and being a dad? And what keeps you motivated these days?
AJ: Thank you! I’m blessed to have a beautiful son and in these short few months the situation keeps changing and evolving. One way I’ve been describing it is that even with how wildly inconvenient it is to bring a new baby in to this world, it is still easily the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Coincidentally as soon as he was born I started getting booked more than ever before. It’s heartbreaking leaving my wife and baby whenever I get booked out of town and the first time I had to leave I cried in the Uber on the way to the airport, but its all part of the hustle and at this point in our lives the best thing I can do for my family is to provide so that my wife can stay home with the baby.
Now 7 months in to it, the situation is changing where I feel like I can pop up to the city to start shooting again. I’d like to start building my portfolio out, and developing myself creatively in the modeling world again.
AA: Scent can transport us to moments and memories—just like a photograph.
If your life or creative journey had a scent, what do you imagine it would smell like? Are there any specific smells tied to moments that you’ll always carry with you?
AJ: Oh wow, yeah absolutely, that here are a few scents that put me right back in to a moment. If I had to accept a scent for my creative journey I think it would predominantly be something outdoorsy, maybe a little woody like pine or charcoal from a fire, I think there would be an element of something refined like leather that would encapsulate the energy of the city, and maybe something like a jasmine or a touch of something floral to tie in the elements of complete vulnerability that comes with doing something so public and creative.
If I ever walk in to the One Hotel in Brooklyn I’m reminded of the shoot I was a part of there. Certain brands of moisturizers and hair products bring me back to moments on sets. Parliment lites remind me of Christmas thanks to my aunt and uncles.
AA: You always seem to be up to something new...
What are you up to right now? Are you working on anything exciting that we should know about—projects, creative pursuits, or life changes?
AJ: Recently in my professional career I’ve been lucky to have a mother agent that has placed me in some great markets. I love going to LA so I’ll probably be looking to spend some time out there to see if I can get anything cooking. Even before that I’ll probably be shooting some new portfolio images, but this last year has been so great and unpredictable and it makes me feel like as long I keep taking care of my health and maintain the relationships I’ve built, that opportunities should keep presenting themselves.
BONUS!
Did you know there’s now a puzzle featuring Adrian Jimenez? Yes, you read that right—a stunning and seriously challenging puzzle of one of our most striking images together. Perfect for hours of entertainment, frustration, and eventual triumph. Think you’ve got what it takes to piece together the artistry? It’s available for purchase now—don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind keepsake!
AA: To wrap things up…
Where can everyone keep up with you? Anything you want to share or pitch that’s coming up next?
AJ: Right now I just have my Instagram page running @adrianwjmnz I haven’t posted to my grid in ages but you can follow along the day to day in the stories. I’ve been doing general contracting work in and around Philly and I like to post artistic vignettes and little still life’s of the day to day work from the beautiful old homes I’m based in. Every once in a while I’ll get booked for a modeling job and in my manic attempt to cope with leaving my family for a few days I’ll usually tap in to a pretty fun and interactive part of my brain. If you’re really obsessed and want to see what I do while rehabbing properties we do actually have a YouTube channel @greenbuildingnetwork where the crew and I provide lightly comedic infotainment on building and renovations! But other than that hopefully I’ll have some new work coming soon!
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Read MoreAA: Let’s talk about the art scene in Mexico City.
How does it compare to Brooklyn? Are there things about the scene in CDMX that excite you in ways Brooklyn didn’t, or is there something you miss about the creative energy back in New York?
TH: It’s always a mix. Nothing will ever be like New York so I’ve really tried to stop comparing New York to anywhere I go. My boyfriend founded an art fair in Mexico City called Material, he exposes me to a lot of cool artists and shows that I wouldn’t normally seek out on my own. As an artist myself and with a friend group of mostly artists from all parts of Latin and South America, I will say the cool thing about being an artist in Mexico City is the life that you can build for yourself with some moderate success. It seems like most of my friends are visual artists, designers, tattoo artists, photographers, hair stylists, musicians, drag queens, you name it…supporting yourself with your art, being able to live modestly in an apartment by yourself and not stress about going out to dinner with your friends once or twice a week really makes for a nice life.
Read MoreFrom poetic words to napkin doodles, a journey through inspiration and artistry with Anthony Amadeo.
AA: Vickie! We’ve known each other for 15 years now—how wild is that?
Thinking back to Santa Barbara and LA, we’ve shared so many good times (and maybe even better meals!). What’s a favorite memory you have from our LA days?
VB: Hi my love!!! I miss you dearly and am immensely proud of the artist you’ve evolved into. To reminisce with you and backtrack 15+ years- I’d say I’m often reminded of our echo park, Los Angeles lassens trips, eating + shopping it off on melrose, and last but not least- all those late night Mexican meals we’ve had in silver lake haha.
AA: You’re one of the most creative energy filled person I know, and now you’re raising little creatives of your own.
I’ve seen Ollie on Instagram—he seems like a natural. How do you encourage creativity in your kids? Are they teaching you anything about creativity?
VB: For one- Ollie can’t help himself; he’s got the artist temperament at three years old and his paintings are deep; they are extremely reminiscent of Cy Twombly and Basquiat’s work. He is also into photography so he’s been taking abstract photos of everything and everyone with his new dinosaur camera.
He’s taught me to continue my conceptual work and to find my creative medium within everyday rituals.
AA: Let’s talk about your poetry.
I’d love to see more of it out in the world! What inspires you to write? Do you have a favorite poem you’ve written—or better yet, could you write one for us right now?
VB: Sylvia Plath is my favorite poet; along with Richard Brautigan. Their shared objective may be the fact that it could be ever so slightly dark but always remains conceptual. I know i am reiterating that word but that word means everything to me; i don’t necessarily care about needing my creative medium to be shared with the world; but it organically means life to me to be able to express it and have it tangible on pen and paper. Here is one that means quite a bit to me; written postpartum with my son, Ollie.
AA: You’ve made a new life in Nashville.
How has the creative energy of Nashville inspired or changed you? Is there something about the city that feels like home in a way LA didn’t?
VB: Certainly so. Nashville is a tiny city but the creative energy- specifically around country music is intensely deep. It’s the Mecca of country music and the history ; even just around my neighborhood (Johnny Cash’s former neighborhood)- is incredibly profound. It is still family friendly and truly a great place for young developing brains to thrive in.
AA: Let’s get a little interactive.
I want you and Ollie to each grab a napkin (yes, a literal napkin) and doodle something—whatever comes to mind. Then snap a quick pic and send it over. We’ll include both your doodles in the interview for everyone to see. I bet Ollie’s will steal the show!
A little napkin drawing from Oli, the natural born artist
AA: You’re Korean, and your culture is such a beautiful part of who you are.
How has being Korean influenced your creativity or the way you see the world? Is there a tradition or memory that feels especially meaningful to you, creatively or otherwise?
VB: Being Korean-American has truly shaped so much of my childhood and being the most authentic version of myself. Korean people are extremely intelligent and strong-willed; that has never left me. However, all of my creative influences (art, film, music) are all western. I let it consume me; i feel it and breathe it in- then i let it all go; breathe it out and become a better; nuanced version of myself each passing day.
AA: To wrap it up, where can everyone keep up with you and your work?
Do you have anything creative in the works—poetry, art, or otherwise—that you’d like to share?
VB: To be brutally honest- my children are toddlers and i hardly am able to make time for daily rituals that come with the responsibility of being a wife and mother. On the other hand; i always indeed find a time to be creative; whether it is free-writing, taking photos, and or cooking/baking with my children. There is no excuse in not being able to find creativity within your daily life if you truly are a creative being.
My work is highly guided by these experiences I have with NYC and cities across the world, from Tokyo to Cairo, it’s like a color, a sound, or the energy in general I pick up can turn into a Painting. For example, we recently took a trip to Fifth Avenue, to view the iconic windows at Bergdorf Goodman’s and interestly enough some of the main color influences in the windows were colors I have used in recent work. I mean, it’s a coincidence, one might say, but what it signifies to me is that I am on a creative flow that is somehow connected to a signal that’s being broadcast to me, intuitively, and I find satisfaction in that. It means that I truly am absorbing my experiences on a subconscious level and turning them into Art.
Read MoreSitting on my balcony every morning with my coffee and breakfast, I’d wait for the models to arrive, ready to capture them in the studio. Those moments—quiet, creative, and full of anticipation—defined my time in London. The collages that came out of this trip are deeply personal, yet they’re a testament to the universal magic of London. They combine faces, places, and moments into a chaotic yet cohesive whole that mirrors the city itself.
Each collage, its own story within the larger narrative of my London journey. Take your time. Get lost in them, just as I got lost in London.
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Read MoreFew things capture the spirit of New York City during the holidays quite like the Bergdorf Goodman Fifth Avenue windows. This year’s theme, “Toast of the Town,” is a sparkling homage to the iconic city itself, celebrating its landmarks, energy, and the glamour that makes NYC the capital of dreams.
Read MoreArt isn’t just something you see—it’s something you can feel, smell, and immerse yourself in. That’s the premise behind this new triptych project, an installation inspired by the three scents of my handcrafted incense: No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3.
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Read MoreWhat is Yellow? Not as a color swatch on a paint tube but as a feeling, a memory, a texture. The challenge wasn’t just to use yellow, but to see it—feel it—and translate that sensation onto the canvas.
Read More1. Let’s start with the big question: What is Amadeo Amadeo?
Amadeo Amadeo is a creative compound—a world where I can explore all the ideas in my head and bring them to life. It started with photography but has expanded into scent design, painting, creative direction, and collaborations. The name represents a unified vision, blending my personal history, artistry, and everything I find inspiring.
2. What’s the story behind the name “Amadeo Amadeo”?
It’s my name, but doubling it felt right. It’s bold, it’s repetitive, and it’s almost chant-like. It’s a reminder to stay authentic to myself while building something bigger—a brand that feels personal but expansive.
3. You’ve created such a unique aesthetic. Where does your inspiration come from?
It’s a mix of contradictions: vintage meets futuristic, brutalism softened by something romantic, and influences from my Italian American upbringing. I also love drawing from the energy of cities like New York, Los Angeles, and now Paris. It’s about finding beauty in oppositions and meshing them together into something new.
4. Your photography is a cornerstone of Amadeo Amadeo. How would you describe your style?
I’d say it’s honest, raw, and a little abstract. I work a lot with natural light, bold compositions, and textures that feel tactile. I want my images to evoke a mood—whether it’s through striking fashion portraits or more experimental work, like my giant denim series.
5. Amadeo Amadeo is branching out into scent design. Tell us more about that.
Scent is such a powerful medium—it’s invisible yet unforgettable. My fragrances are deeply tied to personal stories and emotions, like family memories, places I’ve loved, and even the cities I’ve lived in. Each one is a narrative, and I can’t wait for people to experience them.
6. What keeps you creative?
Honestly, the people around me. I’m inspired by conversations, collaborations, and the everyday beauty I see in things like architecture, styling, or even a good meal. And when I feel stuck, I go back to what feels authentic—whether that’s shooting in natural light or revisiting an idea that’s been sitting with me for years.
7. What’s next for Amadeo Amadeo?
Right now, it’s all about building the brand further—finishing “The Codex” fragrance collection, creating more art, and networking in Paris. I’m also focused on bringing my vision to life across multiple mediums while keeping everything cohesive. Ultimately, I want Amadeo Amadeo to feel like a world people can step into.
8. Finally, where can people keep up with you and the world of Amadeo Amadeo?
Everything is on the website: anthony-amadeo.com. Follow me there and on Instagram to stay updated on new shoots, fragrances, art, and everything else coming out of the Amadeo Amadeo world.
“A Place for Growth, Connection, and Creation”
Welcome to The Journal, a space where the growth of amadeo amadeo will unfold in real time.
This is more than just a blog—it’s a living document, a community gathering place, and a window into the world as I see it. Here, you’ll find the stories behind the work, updates on the progress of the art being created, and glimpses into the creative journey that defines this space.
What You Can Expect Here:
Interactive Content: I want to hear from you—expect surveys, questions, and ways to engage directly with the work we’re building.
Interviews: Conversations with other artists, collaborators, and voices who inspire me.
Behind-the-Scenes Progress: Updates on new projects and works in progress—whether it’s scent, photography, painting, or collaborations.
A Personal Lens: See the world of amadeo amadeo through my eyes—a world shaped by memory, art, culture, and creativity.
This is just the beginning. The Journal will grow as amadeo amadeo grows, and I’m excited to have you along for the journey.
Stay curious. Stay connected.
Anthony Amadeo
amadeo amadeo
