Meet Christian Cardona | Student, Photographer, & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christian Cardona and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christian, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
It took time for me to understand myself and realize what I’m capable of. From my experience, emerging from the COVID-19 lockdowns, and going through various personal struggles along with traveling and attending school, left me exhausted both physically and mentally. At the same time, I was provided with the choice of whether I wanted to keep steady on the path I was on or stray to become in charge of what I could do with my potential. Although not easy at times, the choice to keep going becomes clear when it’s what makes me happy, and it’s how I want to live life. To give up would be to surrender to societal norms of “fitting in” or “playing it safe”, but this time I’ve chosen to keep going to prove myself that I can carry my adversity on my shoulders and turn it into a strength.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Growing up I had an artistic mindset that allowed me to see the wonders of the world through a different lens. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of listening to others about how art and creativity doesn’t pay bills, and that I should be realistic in finding a white-collar job. It wasn’t until this past year that I rediscovered my longing for the art of creation. I still haven’t found myself entirely, but with each step I take I get closer to doing so. I’m excited to finally let others see me for who I really am, and to be true to myself. Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. It’s hardly easy for anyone. What sets me apart is the story I’ve kept to myself for many years. When I was very young I was exposed to internet content I shouldn’t have seen and I was sexually abused too. This changed my mindset quickly because I had to grow fast to endure my experiences, and to keep them secret. Several years later I was led to a big city where I eventually met my partner. We loved each other but it rapidly became harmful rather than harmonious. I was diagnosed with HIV in early 2021, and this changed my outlook on everything. I said goodbye to my partner for reasons connected to my diagnosis. This broke me down to bits. Turns out my shattered mind has reignited my creative mind for the arts. From my heartbreak, I ventured into photography, editing, fitness, modeling, graphic design, drawing, branding, and business development.

The content I create these days reflects my past experiences and the people I love. Some of the best photographs I’ve captured were actually taken while I was in emotional distress during my unhealthy relationship. For better or worse, I’ll always remember the moments I had traveling with my ex-partner through 24 states in our RV home during the 2020 COVID shutdown. What I want people to know about me and my work is that I do it for my own fulfillment and not for “views” or for pleasing other people. Occasionally, I publish some of my works with flaws because it captures the essence that life isn’t perfect.

As for future plans, I’m currently developing my own clothing brand that I’m aiming to launch by this coming autumn/winter, alongside continuing my small photography business. One of the mantra’s I’ve kept at heart, as spoken by Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman, is that “greatness is not what you think”. I already know my greatness. It all comes down to what I want to do with this power.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve been to many places, but living in Chicago at the moment has opened my eyes to seeing how locals perceive the world of tourism. I often have to remind myself that I was once a tourist in this city, so I shouldn’t be too harsh on outsiders. If my best friend were to visit the Chicago area I would make sure they take a stroll along the lakefront, visit the Skydeck on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, eat deep-dish pizza, ride Navy Pier’s Centennial Wheel, take an architecture tour on the Chicago River, take a train ride to Albany Park, and visit Blue Island in the suburbs. Sometimes, people-watching near the Cloudgate sculpture is fun too because this location is always full of tourists doing touristy things.

Shoreline Sightseeing offers a 75-minute architecture tour during the summer months and they always do an incredible job showcasing the city’s architecture. I’ve been on this tour multiple times and it’s always a blast. Shoreline also offers a 40-minute skyline lake tour that features the city’s expansive skyline and views. This tour is great on a warm day when you feel like relaxing on the cool waters of Lake Michigan.

Blue Island is a suburb of Chicago situated roughly 16 miles south of the city center. This location has a unique set of waterfalls that sit along the Calumet River. Blue Island also has several historic monuments and restaurants to eat at. A stroll along the historic Western Avenue is also fun to do as it is filled with local shops.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give thanks to my close friend Coquito, who has guided me along my journey throughout the past decade. Without his support and guidance I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today. He continues to push me to be the best version of myself and to not give up, and for this I am more than grateful.

Coquito is a true leader.

Instagram: instagram.com/ccardona.photo14/