EPISODE 23 – PART 1
This week, we are joined by Cameron-James Wilson, a visual artist and founder of The Diigitials, whose career journey has taken him from fashion photography in London to creating Shudu, the world’s first digital supermodel. After starting out at Arts University Bournemouth and moving to the capital at just 20, he went on to shoot for brands such as Garrard, Fabergé and Gossard, working with lead models and celebrities before shifting into 3D art.
Cameron reflects on the early stages of his career, the inspiration behind Shudu, and how a viral post led to global recognition and collaborations with Fenty Beauty, Balmain, Louis Vuitton, Mercedes and Samsung. He also speaks about the challenges of breaking new ground, navigating controversy, and building The Diigitals from his mother’s garden shed into the first all-digital model agency.
Cameron’s story offers a candid look at the realities of working in fashion, creativity and technology, and the lessons learned along the way.
Cameron-James Wilson on Fashion, Photography & Creating Shudu
Interview by Tessa Dewing for The Business of Modelling Podcast
Cameron-James Wilson’s career has spanned fashion photography, digital art and entrepreneurship. After training at Arts University Bournemouth, he moved to London at just 20 and began shooting campaigns for brands such as Garrard, Fabergé and Gossard, working with leading models including Gigi Hadid and Leomie Anderson. His career took a pioneering turn when he created Shudu, the world’s first digital supermodel, and later founded The Diigitals, the first all-digital model agency.
“I Never Felt Fully at Home in Fashion”
“I was very young to be a fashion photographer. People would often arrive on set and assume I was the assistant. I worked with some amazing clients, but I never really felt like a fashion person. I was more interested in the art and the creativity than the industry itself.”
The Birth of Shudu
His transition into 3D art came naturally from his skills in retouching. “Everything connected, drawing, photography, retouching. It all taught me how light, and skin should look. When I started experimenting in 3D, it felt natural.” Within months, he had created Shudu. “I posted her online and people thought she was real. Then Fenty reposted her and she got over a million likes.”
Building The Diigitals
From his mother’s garden shed, Cameron launched The Diigitals with friend and collaborator Tom. “It was never about money, it was about doing something groundbreaking. We literally built it overnight and the next day the press were already talking about the world’s first digital model agency.”
Navigating Success and Controversy
Shudu’s rise also brought criticism and questions of representation. “I always knew people would ask why I, a white man, had created a black woman. It was always from a place of appreciation, but not everyone sees that. I had to learn to take constructive criticism on board while staying true to what I set out to do.”
Lessons from the Journey
“Photography taught me discipline. Creating Shudu taught me the importance of transparency. Building The Diigitals taught me that if you believe in something enough, you can make it happen, even from a garden shed.”
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Cameron’s story is one of adapting and evolving within fashion. “I’ve had to adapt at every stage, from photographer to 3D artist to agency founder. What excites me most is where it can go next. For me, it’s always about pushing boundaries.”