Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jason (Rif Raf Giraffe) Harrington. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jason (Rif Raf Giraffe), appreciate you joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
I have earned my living as a full time artist for the past 8 years.
It was small steps over time that lead to the opportunity to support myself with my craft. I think being trained in a variety of media and educating myself on how to run a business are the major reasons why I have been successful.
I think if I could go back in time I would tell the younger version of myself to be more patient, and also listen to the people who have been there before. Wisdom only comes with age.
Jason (Rif Raf Giraffe), before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am an artists/organizer and I paint under the name Rif Raf Giraffe. I predominantly create murals across the country for a living, run Upper Level Gallery in Kansas City, and organize events.
I was educated at SAIC in Chicago, live in Kansas City, and have worked in Miami and LA frequently the past few years.
I started painting graffiti in Chicago in 2002 and after I had moved back to Kansas City, within a few years, painting murals was my career. My wife and I started Sprayseemo mural festival in 2017 and expanded it to SprayseeLA in 2021.
I am very happy to include clients such as Tiffany & Co., Giphy Arts, Emporium at Area 15 in Las Vegas, Nnamdi Contemporary in Miami, and my many clients in the KC Crossroads, just to name a few.
I just feel blessed to work with such a diversity of businesses and have been able to expand that network across the globe.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Change is at the root of all things, so I embrace that mantra in work as well.
I had to leave Chicago in 2012 and wasn’t sure what direction I was going, and it ended up being the path to where I am today. In 2017 we decided to throw a festival and it change my neighborhood and my life. Last year I injured my back and couldn’t walk for 6 months. It showed me my body has limitations at 43 and I need to pivot again.
Just keep evolving with everything life throws at you.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
As an organizer helping people realize how art can help them probably puts it into better perspective in terms they can understand. Because society has so many needs its hard to find the support to do larger projects. Investors want returns or something for their contribution, so finding a middle ground so everyone wins will probably create the best ecosystem.
Contact Info:
- Website: Rifrafgiraffe.com
- Instagram: @rifrafgiraffe