It always seems that the most interesting aspects of a person are the most unexpected. You know the saying “never judge a book by its cover,” and it couldn’t ring truer for the students of FIT. Take for example, Joél González, an International Trade & Marketing student at the Fashion Institute of Technology. At first glance, Joél appears to be the diligent business student (which he is), but beneath the surface lurks a passion and talent for the art of photography. Read on, you might be surprised.

Joél González

DB: Your background, like many students here, is completely unrelated to fashion and what people would “expect” to know. Tell me a little about life pre-FIT.

JG: Well, I went to school and got an Automotive Technology Degree at UTI in Orlando, FL. After that, I moved back to my home in Long Island to take over my family’s furniture store called New Expression Inc. There, I learned a great deal about business and responsibility. Currently, I work at Rallye Lexus in commercial sales.

DB: How did you decide to come to FIT?

JG: I spoke to a lot of friends that went to FIT for different reasons, and they all said that it was a great school with a good background and a professional reputation. In addition to my interest in cars and photography, I also have a love for fashion. I always enjoyed the creative aspect and how distinct people are through their fashion. It brings people to a different level with their uniqueness.

DB: Speaking of your interests, what got you interested in photography?

JG: At my sister’s engagement party 2 years ago on a ranch in Maryland, I met their photographer, who introduced me to the art and creativity of it all. That (creative) point of view brings me peace and enjoyment.

DB: What inspires you?

JG: Nature, how effortless it happens, and how perfect it is to be able to capture and show the greatness. It’s amazing how everything happens so naturally and perfectly, because people act so unnaturally. Nature just is.

DB: Any words of wisdom?

JG: “Things that are impossible, are just challenges waiting to be proved wrong. The impossible is possible.”

Check more of Joél’s work on his Facebook page, Joél González Photography

Read his blog, There is More to Life

Contact Joél at Newexpressioninc@hotmail.com

Interview by Dana Beckley