Name: Patrick Neree
Profession: Creative Director
Age: 29
One Word That Describes You: Analytic
Freedom is seldom given freely, it is taken by those hungry enough to go after it. Such can be said for multitalented creative , Patrick Neree, a man who evokes emotion through sheer will and effort. The Queens, New York, native moved to Brooklyn to fulfill his destiny as an energetic visionary who redefines just what it means to capture life behind a lens. As the creative director at NecoleBitchie.com, Neree has helped to establish the site as the preeminent place for celebrity gossip and entertainment news. On his off days, you can find the almost-30-year-old channeling his infamous intensity into his camera as a photographer and visual artist.
“I like the freedom behind creating your own stories,” Neree told BE Modern Man exclusively when discussing his inspirations. “Stories that evoke emotion are ideal. [In the beginning] my biggest obstacle was creating a definite niche that people would gravitate to, but surprisingly, I found that it didn’t exist. I had to create that niche for myself.” Armed with a “refreshing style with an editorial feel,” Neree cites Hype Williams, Will Smith, and Derek Blanks as his influences. “How you can draw your audience in—it’s not about Photoshop,” he says, “it’s all about seeing the photo, before you shoot it.”
Aware that there are a lack of positive black role models for our youth, Neree breaks through the static by remaining accessible. “I think by displaying a positive message and producing consistent work, it shows those interested that anything is possible,” he says. Having grown into a man with something more than just connections and social media likes to offer, he has emboldened his followers and mentees to not only take the leap, but to enjoy the risk, and showcase the rewards. Never afraid of the pressure of taking the big shot, Neree offers a bit of advice to the timid looking to learn life hacks when it comes to collaborating in groups.
“A key tip is listening,” he shares. “Realizing that not everyone thinks like you allows one to appreciate the difference in thoughts and ideas. This is the first step to embarking on a great collaboration.” Citing Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People
as a “good read” is something that our readers can also take away to use when building in a group setting. “Learning your craft is super important [because] everyone wants your job, and there’s usually someone ready to take your place.” The former community college student believes that education is key to gaining success, but for those taking the nontraditional route he says, “You have to be diligent in your practice. It’s studious, laborious, and hard—but you must do it. There’s no way around it. I believe one has to make sacrifices in order to achieve one’s worthwhile goals, but I also know it won’t mean anything if I’m by myself at the end of said road,” Neree says. “By making time for family and close friends, I am attempting to conquer the challenging moments of managing my time, balancing my work life, and making room for an active social life.”On the next page, read how Patrick Neree makes an impact within the black community and more…
When asked about limiting stereotypes in mainstream media pertaining to men of color, Patrick responds “Music and sports are both such a global medium that people don’t realize there are black men who are making a huge impact in other communities that don’t need to dunk or make words rhyme,” Neree says. “The Internet gives us a chance to make a bigger impact on people outside of the standard community of an entertainer, which is why I am excited about how much room there is to grow.”
Ever the consistent documentarian of life, love, and truth, Neree believes that passion is the spice that flavors all things. “Moving forward with my career, I plan on writing and producing my first short film. I also will continue to mentor fellow creatives within my field.” A man with conviction, Neree also harnesses that inspiration to ensure that his brand will live on to “be passed on to my kids.” Hinging his reputation and creed to “hard work” and “no handouts,” his message to all those reading this is, “Anything is possible.”
For him, being named to the inaugural class of BE Modern Man is a distinction, and he is not shy in describing what the moment means to him. “To be a BE
Modern Man, to me, means being a person who is fearless,” Neree says. “It means to be someone who doesn’t see boundaries or is limited by a box.” He understands that the only thing that matters is results and helping his fellow brother is the same as helping himself. “In my opinion, I hope that being a BE Modern Man evolves into a lifestyle full of positive energy, that plants beautiful seeds into the minds and hearts of our troubled youth.”Patrick Neree, a man who is diligent and fiery about creative works, earned his reputation through effort and imagination. Between the long hours, haggling for more opportunities, helping to craft a popular site, and reaffirming others through mentorship, Neree is proof positive that our everyday normal is extraordinary.
We at Black Enterprise salute you, Patrick Neree, for contributing positive images of men of color to the masses. Your mission of providing excellence in execution and chronicling black beauty frames us in an enthusiastic light, and is meant to be celebrated and appreciated.
Be sure to follow the latest and greatest from Patrick Neree (and @blackenterprise!) on Twitter.