Introducing our Creative Showcase 2025 Editor's Commendation – Bianca Murphy with her work Maasai.
From amongst the entries to our 2025 Creative Showcase, Maasai was selected as one of the 20 shortlisted finalists by our judges. It was then selected as the Editor's Commendation by RUSSH Editor-in-Chief Jess Blanch for its dynamism, creativity and striking originality.
Below, Murphy explains the inspiration behind her editorial work and what she believes makes a powerful image in today's media landscape.
What inspired your editorial?
The concept came from my stylist Tyra, who was influenced by her family’s tribal background and her family heritage, and it really inspired me to shoot in a more relaxed and fluid way.
I’ve always loved shooting fashion editorials that allowed me to showcase more than just the clothing. It means nothing if all you’re showing is the garments; an editorial has to tell a story. An editorial and concept like this one allows for me to create freely and think differently, in a way that I can’t do in my everyday commercial work.
Where do you find your best inspiration for your creative projects?
My best inspiration usually comes from pop culture and what’s happening around me, especially in movies, music and the current social climate. I find the strongest shoots stem from a current issue or even a current trend.
I also tend to draw a lot of visual inspiration from my favourite brands like Moschino, Marc Jacobs and Miss Sixty, and always keep an eye on what and how they are creating imagery.
What do you think makes a powerful image in today’s world?
Storytelling – there has to be a strong human element and emotion. Colour, composition and movement come next, but they mean very little if the viewer can’t tell what story or message the artist is trying to convey to the audience.
How do you see the role of visual storytelling evolving against the backdrop of new technology?
New technology is inevitable but I truly believe people still want to see and create real life content. There’s something so special about a strong portrait or fashion editorial photograph- they’re timeless, and they demonstrate human connection, creation and emotion. It enables us to show a raw image of reality in the present, and can be viewed today, tomorrow and 100 years from now.
What’s the last image, photo, or artwork that really caught your attention?
I find myself always getting transfixed by my favourite brands on socials, in magazines and on billboards, and am inspired by the amazing teams that collaborate to bring those shoots together.
The recent campaign by MAC ‘I only wear MAC’ photographed by Inez and Vinoodh really caught my attention because it was such strong imagery and really showcased the individuals in the campaign. It was more than just advertising the makeup.
Maasai by Bianca Murphy
Our Editor's Commendation receives a spread in the March 2026 issue of RUSSH Magazine and a 4-night stay in a Collection by TFE Hotel with daily breakfast courtesy of TFE Hotels.
The RUSSH Creative Showcase 2025 is proudly supported by our partners Omoda and Camera House.
Both Omoda and Camera House share RUSSH’s commitment to creativity, innovation and self-expression, representing a passion for pushing boundaries and seeing the world through a fresh lens. The RUSSH Creative Showcase is a celebration of imagination, craft and the creative spirit that drives our community forward. Their partnerships have helped bring this initiative to life in 2025.
Photographer: Bianca Murphy
Stylist: Tyra Nyakairu Kabogo
Model: Kagi James Kabogo
