Maya-Aska Arai is studying MA Fashion Communication: Fashion Image at Central Saint Martins. Maya-Aska is a London–Paris–Tokyo based creative, whose work explores fashion photography through collaboration, storytelling and the outdoors.
Please can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
My name is Maya-Aska Arai. It is hard for me to define a hometown, as I grew up in Canterbury, Tokyo and Paris at different moments of my life. All three places are close to my heart. Now I drift between London, Paris and Tokyo. I am currently a student in MA Fashion Image, which has only one year of study.
Why did you choose to study MA Fashion Communication: Fashion Image at Central Saint Martins (CSM)?
I previously attended Central Saint Martins, enrolled for my Foundation year and Bachelor’s course. I undertook a graphic design degree, which I slowly realised was not my main artistic interest. Thankfully, the course encouraged me to explore various mediums, and I found myself inclined to photography.
Central Saint Martins, being a school so well known for fashion, drew me into fashion photography: collaborating with student designers and stylists from other courses and colleges. Once I graduated, I had a solid photography portfolio but was still seeking my artistic voice and did not feel quite ready for the industry. I felt there was further room for growth and learning, hence why I chose to pursue a Masters.
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on so far?
The Shadowing project was the most interesting project that I have worked on (I am currently working on my final project, which may surpass the Shadowing).
It was a collaboration with final year MA Fashion Designers, MA Fashion Journalism and MA Fashion Histories and Theories. The focus of the project was to shadow the designer: learn about their process, the thematics of their final collection and how to portray this through your own image making. It changed the way I approached photography and made me interested in photographing the great outdoors.
Have you completed any work placements or internships while studying?
I have been assisting a photographer for approximately two years but found that he rarely works on commercial projects. Although we have become great friends, I decided to assist someone else this summer and it felt refreshing to learn a different kind of work process.
I had to run a lot of errands for him, which rarely happened with the first photographer: picking up film from labs, buying lunch, etc. I was also able to offer my styling work for some of the test shoots he had done, working with his own wardrobe of clothes – a great styling exercise to imagine looks with great limitations.
Other responsibilities included the usual assisting tasks: loading film, making sure camera settings were correct, holding a reflector, etc.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying MA Fashion Communication: Fashion Image?
Make great use of the facilities at school. The library hosts a beautiful archive of fashion imagery but also other artistic disciplines. I find it important to seldom look away from fashion imagery, as it can create an echo chamber in my mind.
The photo studios are brilliant, but I would advise having a look at the printmaking workshop, the woodwork facilities, the darkroom, etc. Try all the inductions and expand your skill set. It will help you contextualise your photography and give a layer of depth to your image making.
Make the most out of your course mates and other fellow students at Central Saint Martins. I find collaboration and expanding your network vital.
What has been the highlight of your Central Saint Martins experience?
I have forged great friendships at CSM – people I will talk to when my hair is greying and my limbs frail. A lot of them share the same passion as I have towards photography, fashion and art, and there is nothing greater than talking about something you love with people you love.
They are the ones I can rely on when I am out of ideas or when I need to dish about my personal life. We love to spend hours and hours in the library either working or simply chatting.
What are your career aspirations?
Before the MA started, my aspiration was to be a working photographer in fashion. Recently, I have been questioning whether I want to stay in fashion or diverge into fine art photography.
I have a myriad of critiques about the fashion industry, as many others do, and I have been trying to find a space where I can merge my beliefs and my love for fashion imagery. I am slowly getting there, and I would love to be producing photography I love, whilst also working with brands and people who share my values.
What is the most important thing you have learnt on the course?
To engage with imagery with a critical but understanding lens. Prior to the course, I was engaging with one type of fashion photography, which made my work look similar to all the references. I realised that I was not offering my own voice and was unwilling to explore different angles or settings, afraid to escape the comfort of a “nice” picture.
I now try to do something new every shoot, whether it works out or not.
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