About the Project
The Objective
Our Approach
Creative Direction
The Creative Class is an inaugural editorial project in collaboration with College Daze, a platform founded at North Carolina A&T State University and recognized for curating HBCU culture across the East Coast.
The project expands College Daze’s creative footprint beyond nightlife, positioning the platform as a catalyst for cultural documentation and creative recognition on campus.
College Daze sought to evolve its brand perception from party-centric to purpose-driven community initiatives that serve as "bigger than just parties."
The goal was to spotlight creatives, validate their work, and reframe the platform as one invested in community, service, and long-term cultural impact.
We conceptualized The Creative Class as a collective editorial experience designed to celebrate creative disciplines across campus.
Inspired by platforms like XXL Freshman Class, the project brought together over 60 students spanning art direction, photography, modeling, and more, using the photoshoot as both a visual statement and a networking environment that encouraged organic connection and collaboration.
Shot across unconventional and overlooked spaces at North Carolina A&T State University, each discipline was photographed in a setting that reflected its creative language.
With varied wardrobe and styling for each group, and in collaboration with photographer Mase Ralph, the project intentionally highlighted the hidden gems of A&T to present a more intimate and authentic portrait of campus culture.
Concept, Creative Direction, and Production by Cameron Elyse for Céleste Studios. Commissioned by College Daze.
Our Approach
We conceptualized The Creative Class as a collective editorial experience designed to celebrate creative disciplines across campus.
Inspired by platforms like XXL Freshman Class, the project brought together over 60 students spanning art direction, photography, modeling, and more, using the photoshoot as both a visual statement and a networking environment that encouraged organic connection and collaboration.
Creative Direction
Shot across unconventional and overlooked spaces at North Carolina A&T State University, each discipline was photographed in a setting that reflected its creative language.
With varied wardrobe and styling for each group, and in collaboration with photographer Mase Ralph, the project intentionally highlighted the hidden gems of A&T to present a more intimate and authentic portrait of campus culture.
Results
The Creative Class was picked up as a feature by Andscape, ESPN's cultural platform (formerly The Undefeated) reaching over 100,000 viewers globally and positioning the project as one of the most visible HBCU creative documentation efforts of its year.
The editorial delivered on College Daze's core objective: repositioning the platform from party-centric to purpose-driven, and establishing a template for how HBCU creative communities can be documented at editorial scale.
Impact
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Featured by Andscape (100K+ global reach)
Repositioned College Daze from party-centric to cultural stewardship
Documented 60+ emerging HBCU creatives at editorial scale
Credits
Director: @cameronnelyse
Executive Producer: @collegedaze_
Art Director: @n0msss_
Producer: @cameronnelyse
Lead Photographer: @maseralph
Assistant Photographer: @jjjjpreme
Editor: @maseralph
Gaffer(s): @maseralph @jjjjpreme @siahh.emmanuel
PA(s): @ynot.studios @siahh.Emmanuel
BTS: @frvrflix
VHS: @444.seoul
Agency: @celestestudiosglobal
Reflections
The Creative Class reaffirmed the power of consistency and intentional community building.
The project revealed the potential to create lasting infrastructure for creative collaboration while establishing a foundation for future iterations rooted in visibility, connection, and cultural stewardship.
