R.I.P to an incredible man! JERRIS was the first person to believe in me and put me on a magazine cover fresh out of my group, he let me be creative and be me on set and that went a long way because I was a fresh 21 year old, and finding myself in fashion, he understood me and he never took no for an answer! I pray that he is at peace and proud of the work he put into his craft! cause we all are!Princeton Perez
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Jerris Madison, particularly his mom in Detroit.
Years ago, we (at 360 MAGAZINE) met JM at Men’s Fashion Week L.A. as an official media sponsor. During his presentation, our entire team was instantly fascinated by his artistic vibrations and still a fan of his fierce photographs.
Right off the bat, we offered a mini makeover. At the time, Brian Perry, our hair editor, would use shears for light grooming, a trimmer to clean up your beard/mustache, and/or hair chalk to add color. To remove the edge, we offered tequila shots alongside artisanal cocktails as you browsed the printed copies and met the publisher. Finally, we offered free tattoos of the former icon of Inked Mag and the famous tattooer Baba. It was first come, first service for a gratis quarter-sized single color figure. Yes, these were permanent drawings. And after many drinks, Jerris got his cherry popped and lost his tattooed virginity.
As Detroiters compatriots, we started to support each other. His design sense was prevalent in all of his captors. OBVIOUS MAGAZINE was among the first publications on cultural diversity to celebrate marginalized models. For us, he was and always will be a pioneer.
We literally just discovered the news of his death (from a prominent editor), and we are at a loss for words.
Growing up in a city full of dreams and disappointments, there was an unwavering connection.
On behalf of 360, we would like to dedicate our forthcoming issue to you, listing you as our Honorary Editor-in-Chief in the masthead. Rest in paradise.
Jerris Madison is a Los Angeles-based noted Fashion Photographer who is also the Publisher and Editor-In-Chief at OBVIOUS Magazine. OBVIOUS Magazine is one of the most influential magazines with a global reach of 4 million each month via social media and obviousmag.com.
Among his clients are Kevin Hart, Essence Magazine and Eva Marcille. His most recent work was featured on the Dianne Reeves 2015 Grammy win for Best Jazz Vocals Album.
Attending The Creative Circus, he graduated in 2002 with an imagery degree, focusing on the photography/art direction. His early studying would propel him into a career full of photography for mainstream media, editorial and celebrity clients.
A Detroit native, the media mogul finds his stability through family and friends. Noted for always “living his best life,” this perspective was put to the test in November of 2014 when Jerris lost his right leg to Chondrosarcoma Bone Cancer.
Not one to be slowed down, Jerris views himself as a survivor and continues to play varying roles such as Image Consultant, Social Media Expert, Film/TV Wardrobe Stylist, Motivational Speaker, as well as Photographer. He discusses his story of survival more in-depth with Johnny Gyorke on The Power of Your Voice podcast.
He hopes that his story and experience will lead him to become an author, global philanthropist, potential talk show host, and even docuseries that focuses on his life and the stories of other amputees around the world.
Editor. Fashion Chief. Photographer. Survivor! Jerris Madison, you deserve this ovation!
Articles in the Media
Jerris Madison releases a statement to NBC about Project Runway Fashion Designer Mychael Knight HERE.
