Today we’d like to introduce you to Aji Neuroti.
Hi Aji, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello, my name is Aji Neuroti (Ah-G Ner-ah-T) I go by Aji, some of my friends call me Spice. came here a few years ago. I have been doing freelance/commissioned art for six years now. A little bit before the pandemic hit, I got into adult entertaining (pole fitness), as things were starting to become a bit more expensive in Austin, a lot of us sort of went into a grind/hustle era. From there, I was able to pick up makeup skills, teach other women pole tricks, and fortunately, develop a better sense of style and confidence — all through dancing. I’ve taken a deeper interest into modeling (whether it be autonomous or with a photographer), makeup artistry, teaching pole fitness, as well as becoming a better artist/creative director through the course of my life. The main goal for me right now is orchestrating a fruitful life for myself and others through creation + taking the necessary risks; And I feel myself embodying this ~positively~ more every day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. In the art scene, I haven’t had much luck with consignment shops/galleries, maybe due to needed growth, maybe due to the lack of a chance given. Who knows. There was a gallery owner that took one look brief look at my work, looked me in my eyes, and told me they couldn’t accept my pieces because they look “unfinished”. But, Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I don’t knock anyone’s perception. Moreover, In the adult entertainment industry, I’ve been faced with a considerable amount of racism/colorism, misogyny, as well as sexual assault by men while at work. I didn’t let any of it hinder me, as it still helped mold me into the person I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Art: I specialize in watercolor portraits, paintings, album/project covers, digital flyers, misc custom projects.
Pole fitness: I’m currently a dancer myself, and I confidently teach beginner/intermediate pole fitness to friends and colleagues on my spare time
Creative direction: I have experience in making video props creations, storyboards, video girl, styling, makeup artistry, and modeling.
Makeup Artistry: myself and others
I’m most known for my artwork, but I have widened my horizons and have integrated all of my skills above into my own entity I call Neutopia. (Neutopia is a place I reserve for myself in my mind creatively. It’s my own world where everything I want to do exists in harmony.)
What sets me apart form others is that I am unorthodox. There are a lot of people who unfollow me because they only want to see art, others- because they only want to see dancer content. And some, makeup/modeling content. you can’t say you appreciate who I am, and what I do, without accepting and respecting all the other crafts I had the confidence and vulnerability to display to the world. Also, I am a jack of all trades. There are many other things that I am skilled at, and love doing, that I just don’t specifically specialize in. but my favorite quote I’ve heard for some time is “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but always better than a master of one.” As someone who has had to make it in Austin mostly by themselves, I find that being resourceful has helped me survive as well as thrive here. And that is what I am most proud of. Doing many things that I love, as well as doing them my own way/doing it well.
What matters most to you?
What matters to me is if black people are being treated the way they are supposed to be. Especially black women. Until every black issue is solved, there will always be a conversation to be had, and a change to be made. It’s 2022, and we all know right from wrong, however, a lot of the same things from history are being repeated for whatever reason. And I as of late, I have been searching for better ways to be a part of the change I want to see in this world. I would say my first steps have been just me healing the things I’ve been experiencing as a black person/striving to be the best version of myself, doing my research, and being a good representation of the black community as much as I can help it.
Pricing:
- 100-150 per hour – modeling for video/photoshoots, and shows (depending on venue distance, accommodations needed, and project at hand)
- 50+ up – album covers, collages, flyers, illustrations, etc
- 150+ up – acrylic paintings (inquire for murals)
- 45 full-face makeup (+15 custom/elaborate design/rhinestones)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.redbubble.com/people/ajitheefairy/shop?asc=u&ref=account-nav-dropdown
- Email: ajitheefairy@gmail.com
Image Credits
Main photo: Shot by Thomas (Tommy) Massaquoi Photo #2 (Blue tee): Shot by Ronye Brown Photo #3: shot + edited by Aji Neuroti Photo #4: Shot by Pierre Lefleur, edited by Aji Neuroti Photo #5: Shot by Brandon Boone Photo #6: Shot + edited by Aji Neuroti
