Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremy Hodges

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

My journey started in college, where I was the go-to person for planning parties and events—think concerts, comedy shows, the works. It got to the point where we were taking over the basketball arena, turning Homecoming Weekend into a full-blown festival with five or six events packed into a few days. I was doing it so big that we caught the attention of a nightclub in Chicago, which opened the door for me to start hosting celebrity-driven events in the city.

Then Redbull came calling. They wanted to launch Redbull Sugar-Free in the Chicagoland area, and we came up with this wild idea to transform parking lots into backyards. I mean, we went all out—rolling out grass, bringing in trees, hanging yard lights—turning asphalt into an oasis. The funny part? I didn’t even realize we were doing ‘experiential marketing.’ For me, it was just about creating unique, themed experiences that people would love. It felt natural, and it still does. Those Redbull events were a game-changer, and brands started lining up from there. That’s how I’ve built to where I am today—just doing what I love and bringing others along.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

My journey has been anything but smooth or conventional. I didn’t have formal training or a mentor to guide me early on—I was hustling and figuring it out as I went. I actually left college a year before graduating to focus on growing my business, all while raising a newborn. Those were some wild times—I worked nights as a security guard and ran my business during the day. I’d even take my son to client meetings, asking the receptionist to watch him or bringing him into the room while I presented.

There were days I had no idea how I’d pay the bills or land more clients, but I stayed persistent. I wasn’t jaded by the ‘industry’—I was too naive to know that bringing a newborn to a meeting might be frowned upon. All I knew was that I had to make it happen, no matter what. People started to fall in love with that tenacity, and when they realized I could deliver at a high level, they kept coming back.

I’m still far from where I want to be, personally and for my company, but I’m keeping my head down and grinding to reach those goals.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I am an artist and a storyteller with a unique talent for transforming business challenges into compelling narratives that resonate deeply with consumers. My approach starts with identifying the core insight and problem we’re addressing, then weaving that understanding into every aspect of the project—from the look and feel to the overarching message. I’m all about connecting the dots and creating a cohesive, powerful story that runs through every element.

But I don’t create just for the sake of creating. For me, every project must be culturally relevant, strategically sound, and authentically aligned with the brand’s values. It’s about striking a balance between driving ROI and making a meaningful impact on culture. My work isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about crafting stories that stick, inspire, and move the needle.

What matters most to you? Why?

THE PEOPLE! Honestly, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers, spreadsheets, and data in marketing, thinking we know what’s best just because the figures say so. But the real magic happens when you stay connected to the pulse of the people. That’s where authenticity comes in. You can only create meaningful work if you’re tuned into what people are feeling, thinking, and experiencing.

I love being nimble and moving at the speed of culture. For me, it’s about staying one step ahead, always knowing what’s next so I can be ahead of the curve. It’s not just about reacting to trends—anticipating them and creating work that resonates because it’s grounded in what’s real and relevant to the people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.projectartcollective.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longlivehodges/