Petra Collins facts for kids

Petra Collins (born December 21, 1992) is a Canadian artist, photographer, and director. She became well-known in the early 2010s for her unique style. Her photos often have a dreamy, feminine feel.

Petra was a photographer for Rookie magazine and helped with casting for Richard Kern. She has also directed many short films and music videos for famous singers. These include videos for Carly Rae Jepsen, Lil Yachty, Selena Gomez, Cardi B, and Olivia Rodrigo. She directed the music video for Rodrigo's song "Good 4 U", which has been watched over 400 million times on YouTube. In 2016, Petra Collins was chosen to be a face for the fashion brand Gucci.

Early Life and Education

Petra Collins grew up in Toronto, Canada. She went to Rosedale Heights School of the Arts. When she was 15, while at Rosedale, Petra started practicing photography. She later studied art at the Ontario College of Art and Design for two years.

Petra shared that she had a tough senior year in high school. She had difficulties at home and often skipped school, which led to her failing her final year. However, she found a different way to learn. She went to an alternative school where she connected with an art teacher. This teacher gave her the creative freedom she needed to start sharing her work, which she did soon after.

Starting Her Career

Petra began taking pictures when she was in high school. She met the photographer Richard Kern while helping him on a photoshoot, and he became her mentor. At the same time, Petra often became a subject for photographer Ryan McGinley, and she became one of his students.

Petra started to get involved in the art world. She showed her own work in art exhibitions. She also organized shows for her art group, called The Ardorous. In 2014, Petra had her first solo art show in New York. It was called "Discharge" and featured photos she took between the ages of 15 and 21. She later published these photos in a book.

Art and Photography

In 2010, Petra Collins created a website called "The Ardorous". This was an online place for young female artists to share their work. The group wanted to challenge old ideas about women and show them in strong, positive ways. Petra also edited a book called Babe. This book features art from over 30 artists from around the world, chosen by Petra.

In 2016, Petra was recognized as one of Dazed & Calvin Klein's 100 Creatives Shaping Youth Culture. Vogue magazine also named her one of their 40 Creatives To Watch in 2016. Artsy also listed her as one of 30 Artists to Watch.

Petra had her first public art piece in Toronto, Canada, on April 29, 2017. She finished her first full-length movie in 2021.

Directing Films and Videos

In 2015, Petra directed a three-part documentary series called "Making Space". This series explored what it means to be a young person in today's fast-changing, connected world.

Petra has directed many music videos for popular artists. These include Carly Rae Jepsen's "Boy Problems" in 2015, Cardi B's "Bartier Cardi" in 2018, and Olivia Rodrigo's "Good 4 U" and "brutal" in 2021. She has also directed advertisements for big brands like Gucci, Adidas, and Nordstrom.

Modeling and Acting

In 2014 and 2015, Petra Collins had a role in the TV series Transparent on Amazon.

She has also been a model for Calvin Klein's campaigns. In 2016, Petra became a new face for Gucci. She walked in their 2016 Fall/Winter Fashion Show in Milan and also starred in their advertising campaign for that season.

Books by Petra Collins

Petra Collins' first book was called Discharge. It was published by Capricious Publishing. This book was based on her first art exhibition of the same name.

Her second book, Babe, was published in 2015 by Random House. This book is a collection of art and photography. It features work from thirty female artists from all over the world, including some of Petra's own art.