O-M-GINA!
Humble, passionate and driven, her story is written in the stars and Gina Jeans continues to inspire.
Since coming into the game, her artistry has got to a level where denying her is practically impossible. Which is why tjil had to have a brief chat with the model and artist on how she navigates the creative spaces she occupies.
Gina Jeans is something of a Namibian successful creative already. Now the rest of the world is getting to know her better. She mentioned that she has always been visually and sonically inclined from a young age. She played a violin growing up and art was her favourite and best subject in school.
“I was fortunate enough to have teachers who encouraged me to pursue my talents; I knew that I would be doing something creative after high school,” she said, adding that she went on to study graphic design and graduated cum laude from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and since then she has applied all her skills to building her brand.
Speaking on artists who influenced her musical ear, Gina Jeans said that she has a list of so many producers she looks up to but if she'd have to a favourite it would be Timberland.
“He has inspired the way I produce my own tracks; he doesn't limit his sound to a specific genre which in turn allows the notion of fluidity in his production. He is one of the most versatile producers of our time,” said Gina Jeans.
She is also very hands-on when it comes to creating music as far as production is concerned.
She shared that her passion comes from creating from a space of 'no mind'. She taps into a deeper part of herself that allows her to explore and create music that is experimental and compelling.
“I love that I can be an artist in my own right in this sense.” She stated that creating from a space of 'no mind' is a state of being focused on one thing, truly present and aware of the process. The outcome in this case, a track she has produced as the result of that state and it truly fulfils her.
She describes her sound as electronic, stating that she has always struggled to define her sound because she has never liked being boxed into one specific genre. “I draw from my surroundings, people I meet and the countries I travel to. I'm fully aware and in tune with any environment I find myself in and that's where I draw a lot of inspiration from.”
She has released good singles that have gone on to get radio play and a good public response, so there is momentum now on a broad platform.
Asked if she is working on body of work in the form of an EP or album and when we can expect it, Gina Jeans said that she normally does not mention release dates for her projects until they are ready.
“The reason for this is that I tend to change my direction and I don't want to rush the process because of a 'due date'. It's also different for me because I'm not a singer; my process and formula are not the same. I allow myself to create freely and honestly but I am definitely working on a number of projects that will roll out throughout the year,” she said.
Besides creating music, Gina Jeans' fashion sense is striking. She said that what informs her style is derived from her experience as a model for the past nine years. She added that she has gained much insight behind the scenes and that includes how she styles her outfits and does her makeup. “I have learned to dress for my body type and I'm aware that certain garments won't look good on me and that is okay. The beauty about fashion is that there are no rules and it's up to the individual to identify what works best for them,” said the stylish Gina Jeans.
Pointing out the highlights of her career thus far, she mentioned that she has had the pleasure of being featured in a number of magazines and campaigns as a model.
“From Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Elle and GQ just to name a few, as well as local and international campaigns or television commercials. As a music producer playing at Rocking the Daisies in 2017 and 2018 was great,” she shared.
Gina Jeans acknowledged that being based in Cape Town, which is one of the biggest hubs for creative, has immensely benefited her career. She said living in the Mother City has opened up a number of opportunities for her over the past few years.
“I make an effort to continue to learn because it's essential to keep adding to my skill set. That means attending workshops, creative functions and courses that benefit my craft. You never know who you could meet and what you could learn to catapult your career to the next level.”
When it is all said and done career-wise, she wants her obituary to read as: “She lived an intentional life doing what she loved.”
MICHAEL KAYUNDE
Gina Jeans is something of a Namibian successful creative already. Now the rest of the world is getting to know her better. She mentioned that she has always been visually and sonically inclined from a young age. She played a violin growing up and art was her favourite and best subject in school.
“I was fortunate enough to have teachers who encouraged me to pursue my talents; I knew that I would be doing something creative after high school,” she said, adding that she went on to study graphic design and graduated cum laude from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and since then she has applied all her skills to building her brand.
Speaking on artists who influenced her musical ear, Gina Jeans said that she has a list of so many producers she looks up to but if she'd have to a favourite it would be Timberland.
“He has inspired the way I produce my own tracks; he doesn't limit his sound to a specific genre which in turn allows the notion of fluidity in his production. He is one of the most versatile producers of our time,” said Gina Jeans.
She is also very hands-on when it comes to creating music as far as production is concerned.
She shared that her passion comes from creating from a space of 'no mind'. She taps into a deeper part of herself that allows her to explore and create music that is experimental and compelling.
“I love that I can be an artist in my own right in this sense.” She stated that creating from a space of 'no mind' is a state of being focused on one thing, truly present and aware of the process. The outcome in this case, a track she has produced as the result of that state and it truly fulfils her.
She describes her sound as electronic, stating that she has always struggled to define her sound because she has never liked being boxed into one specific genre. “I draw from my surroundings, people I meet and the countries I travel to. I'm fully aware and in tune with any environment I find myself in and that's where I draw a lot of inspiration from.”
She has released good singles that have gone on to get radio play and a good public response, so there is momentum now on a broad platform.
Asked if she is working on body of work in the form of an EP or album and when we can expect it, Gina Jeans said that she normally does not mention release dates for her projects until they are ready.
“The reason for this is that I tend to change my direction and I don't want to rush the process because of a 'due date'. It's also different for me because I'm not a singer; my process and formula are not the same. I allow myself to create freely and honestly but I am definitely working on a number of projects that will roll out throughout the year,” she said.
Besides creating music, Gina Jeans' fashion sense is striking. She said that what informs her style is derived from her experience as a model for the past nine years. She added that she has gained much insight behind the scenes and that includes how she styles her outfits and does her makeup. “I have learned to dress for my body type and I'm aware that certain garments won't look good on me and that is okay. The beauty about fashion is that there are no rules and it's up to the individual to identify what works best for them,” said the stylish Gina Jeans.
Pointing out the highlights of her career thus far, she mentioned that she has had the pleasure of being featured in a number of magazines and campaigns as a model.
“From Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Elle and GQ just to name a few, as well as local and international campaigns or television commercials. As a music producer playing at Rocking the Daisies in 2017 and 2018 was great,” she shared.
Gina Jeans acknowledged that being based in Cape Town, which is one of the biggest hubs for creative, has immensely benefited her career. She said living in the Mother City has opened up a number of opportunities for her over the past few years.
“I make an effort to continue to learn because it's essential to keep adding to my skill set. That means attending workshops, creative functions and courses that benefit my craft. You never know who you could meet and what you could learn to catapult your career to the next level.”
When it is all said and done career-wise, she wants her obituary to read as: “She lived an intentional life doing what she loved.”
MICHAEL KAYUNDE
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