RICH ROCKET: A CREATIVE FORCE, UNLEASHED

From humble beginnings to international stages, Rich Rocket has become a creative powerhouse whose artistry knows no bounds. Whether he’s behind the lens, on stage, or curating fashion, Rich lives and breathes self-expression—fearlessly, unapologetically, and with a flair all his own.

Growing up in a small town where conformity was often the unspoken rule, Rich’s creative spark had to burn quietly for much of his youth. But that fire was always there waiting. After high school, Rich dove headfirst into higher education and self-discovery, juggling various jobs to fuel his artistic ambitions. It was during college that he found his footing in event production and hosting, lighting up stages and student centers alike with over 30 events under his belt.

Majoring in journalism, Rich’s gift for storytelling blossomed across multiple platforms. From print to digital to local television, he made his voice heard. He wrote for local publications, produced, and hosted two seasons of his own public access show, Reformed TV. But it wasn’t just his words that were catching attention—his visuals were too.

Graphic design first came out of necessity but quickly became a love affair. He honed his skills, founded Rich Rocket Media, and turned it into a thriving business. That hustle paid off in 2016 when he was named Graphic Designer of the Year by the Titan Arts Awards. But Rich wasn’t done—he had more stories to tell and more ways to tell them.

Next came the camera. As a photographer and creative director, Rich began capturing lifestyle, portrait, fashion, and editorial moments with precision and heart. His work was bold, body-positive, and inclusive—showing the world that beauty, style, and storytelling come in every size. “Art doesn’t have a size requirement,” Rich says—and he means it. That philosophy carried over into his modeling work as well, where his charisma and signature style—classically eccentric with a modern twist—shone brightly.

Fashion was always a love, but Rich took it to the next level with the launch of Vintage Thrivals: a bold clothing brand that celebrates creativity through vintage, upcycled, and original pieces. It's a love letter to the coolness of today, the freshness of the '90s, and the uniqueness of the '80s—all filtered through Rich’s one-of-a-kind lens.

The photos accompanying this article were inspired by the iconic movie The Breakfast Club. Rich styled each of the models to reflect the characteristics of one of the film’s unforgettable characters, reimagining their personalities through fashion and expression. The result is a nostalgic yet modern editorial that pays tribute to individuality, rebellion, and the unexpected bonds that unite us.

But Rich isn’t just a creative—he’s a connector. With a magnetic presence, he’s hosted stages of all sizes across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas, from the Howard Theatre to the Baltimore Pride Main Stage. He also produced and hosted SpeakEasy: Open Mic for four years, creating an intimate space for voices to be heard. “Whether it’s a red carpet or a festival stage, my job is to make everyone feel like we’re old friends,” Rich says. “If I haven’t connected with someone by the end of the night, I haven’t done my job.”

That same passion for connection lives in his writing and podcasting. For Rich, storytelling is everything. Whether through a photograph, a T-shirt design, or a spoken word performance, he is always crafting something meaningful—and with community in mind.

In recent years, Rich’s creativity has gone global. He participated in the House of Sedulo Nomadic Artist Residency in London and co-produced the opening ceremony of the 2nd Annual BLACK QUEER AF Music Festival in Houston, where he also debuted a custom fashion collection.

Philanthropy is another powerful thread woven throughout Rich’s journey. In 2020, he raised $2,000 for Baltimore’s historic Harlem Theater through ROCKETPALOOZA!, a virtual showcase spotlighting talent from across the country. That same theater was officially recognized as a Historic Landmark in 2023—a moment Rich holds close. In 2022, he partnered with Fearless Tech to raise over $1,000 for Safe Haven with the release of his "Love Collection"—a Pride-month design that celebrated love in all its forms.

Always dreaming, always creating, always giving—Rich Rocket is more than a brand. He’s a movement. He’s living proof that when you believe in your vision, trust the timing, and stay true to your purpose, you can leave a legacy that inspires generations to come.

And that legacy? It's already in motion.

QSM: You’ve worn so many hats—host, designer, photographer, writer. Which creative identity feels most like “home” to you right now?

Rich: This home was built on the foundation of all the creative passions that fuel my work! I could never choose a favorite child lol.

QSM: How did growing up in a small town shape your relationship with creativity and self-expression?

Rich: Being surrounded by small town mentalities showed me that my imagination was too big. As I grew. I kept feeling the pressure of my roots hit the wall until finally they reached up and broke the soil!

QSM: You’ve said, “Art doesn’t have a size requirement.” Can you talk about how that philosophy informs your work in fashion and photography?

Rich: It just further enforces 2 ideas. 1. Anyone and everyone is photogenic. 2. You are as you believe you exist, and no one can give you that, or take it away!

QSM: Let’s talk about Vintage Thrivals! What inspired you to turn your love of fashion into a brand, and what sets it apart in the vintage space?

Rich: Well the one thing that separates us from anyone doing anything remotely similar is we ONLY create 1 of 1s. So even with the same recipe and tools, it will never taste the same as our meal! What inspired me to create the brand honestly was accessing the need of people to own clothes that TRULY expressed how they felt on the inside, on the outside!

QSM: Let’s talk more about your inspiration behind the designs in this particular feature. What’s the why behind it?

Rich: The John Hughes film has always been a huge inspiration to me. I wanted to take the concept of these characters that make up their own social ecosystem, and re-imagine them through the scope of the pieces, and models. It was also like remaking the film but in a modern ideology. (Which I hope they NEVER do on film lol)

QSM: Hosting is such a big part of your story—from open mics to major stages. What do you love most about connecting with an audience in real time?

Rich: As an extreme extrovert, it's feels like having one big conversation or meeting friends for happy hour, but instead of 3 friends, it's 3 hundred lol. I just love being able to read the room and give the people what they need!

QSM: You’re known for your bold style. How would you describe your personal aesthetic in three words?

Rich: Art School Dropout!

QSM: Rich Rocket Media started out of necessity but grew into an award-winning brand. What was the moment you knew it was really working?

Rich: To be honest, 2 moments… the first time I was able to pay my rent solely from client earrings, and second the first time someone used a a photo I took as their profile photo :)

QSM: You’ve worked hard to make creativity your full-time career. What advice would you give to someone afraid to bet on themselves?

Rich: That fear that is keeping you from starting, will never leave. You learn to channel it. I always say that fear made me fierce. It pushed me, when I thought about giving up. It reminded me that it's this, or back to the life I knew, and what wasn't for me. I used it as fuel, and it propelled me to get closer to my dream.

QSM: You’ve done some amazing work abroad, like the House of Sedulo Artist Residency in London. How has international travel influenced your art?

Rich: My experience in London was so eye-opening, but also very reassuring. I challenged myself to create a capsule collection, from scratch while there, meaning acquiring everything from the brushes, and paint, to the pieces all in the neighborhood I was in! It really pushed me, creating without my usual tools, but it showed me that with renewed ingenuity, I can achieve anything! The reception to the work there was also very affirming.

QSM: You’re also deeply committed to philanthropy. Why is giving back such an important part of your creative mission?

Rich: I believe it to be my charge. I want to continue to create the things I wish existed when I was younger. I don't want to be a part of the death of something that could give new life to someone who has yet to experience it!

QSM: What’s one project—past, present, or future—that feels like the purest reflection of who you are as an artist?

Rich: I think Dinner with Designers combines the love I have for the various mediums that make for an amazing production. With DWD, I design my pieces, create sets, mix, plan the staging, and evoke an amazing one of kind experience for patrons.

QSM: Finish this sentence: My legacy will be...

Rich: LOUD, LAVISH, AND LASTING.

Model Photos: by Philip Drew @photosbypdrew

Designer and stylist: Rich Rocket @vintagethrivals

Creative Director: Tawana Blassingame @tawanablassingame

Model Coordinator: Sherita Ivory @sherita_ivory

Models: Ira Brown @thei_2

Kevin Khamis @wordsbykevin

James DeWalt @cancerteddy

Markis Hackney @marcobigrig

Christopher Rucker - @prez_ruck

RICH ROCKET: A CREATIVE FORCE, UNLEASHED

CLAUDIUS WILLIAMS JR.: FASHIONING A MOVEMENT OF FATHERHOOD, FAITH, AND COMMUNITY