We recently connected with Maurice Pugh Jr and have shared our conversation below.

Maurice, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

I honestly don’t think I’d do a thing differently because I can’t/refuse to live and the past. I feel as if I’m where I need to be, with the right people and at the right time. That’s not a dig to anyone either because, I just feel like I’ve built the perfect support system. That being with family , friends and other creatives that I have met in the city. I wouldn’t trade it or change it for anything!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Maurice Pugh Jr, also known as REESEJPG, raised in Pittsburgh PA and I’ve been into photography and visual art for as long as I can remember with taking my moms disposable cameras when I was six years old. However I want to say that I truly immersed myself with my craft by the time I became 15 years old. I would say my early creative works were inspired by the music I listened to such as A$AP Rocky, Tyler The Creator and others.especially their music videos I feel like that’s what sets me apart because I try to make music videos in my head and spill it into my camera.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Of course I can, especially since it’s what drives me to this day. I don’t think people realize that I almost wasn’t here in life, and that it was almost cut short seven years ago tragically due to my old hands. I was someone who went through a really tough time mentally in becoming a man, a better son and person overall and I will admit, I let the noise get to me and I crumbled under pressure. But it shows my resilience because I’ve pushed myself and made myself every day since I woke up in a hospital, post-suicide, attempt. No matter the doubt, noise or negative energy I receive, I will always push through it.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

To piggyback off of my last point, I feel like that was also my pivot because I began to take things in the creative world a lot more seriously. I had to because other offering as it is my identity, I feel as if it’s what sets me apart. It helps me become centered and it makes me whole.

Contact Info:

• Website: reesejpg.com
• Instagram: @REESEJPG
• Facebook: MAURICE PUGH JR
• Twitter: @reesejpg_