We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Creative Vice Randy Morales a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Creative Vice, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
You know, being creative is like being on a crazy roller coaster. Some days are awesome – I’m hitting new milestones and really seeing my career grow. But then, there are those tough days where I’m battling doubts and that sneaky imposter syndrome. It’s like I’m constantly chasing this future version of myself, and that’s both exciting and kinda overwhelming. I’m not gonna lie, sometimes I have no clue when I’ll feel like I’ve ‘made it’. My mind’s always on my art, even in my dreams, so it’s like I never really clock out. But hey, I’m here, talking with you all, sharing my journey, and that’s pretty cool. So, yeah, I’m happy, even with the ups and downs. As for regular jobs, ive been there, done that! Before landing here, I tried my hand at 14 different gigs. I’ve been in the Navy, dabbled in escrow, worked as a busser, even sold beer. Each job had its moments, but nothing beats the buzz of being creative. This is where I feel alive. My dream job? Travel the world and create cool stuff. Imagine getting paid to explore and make art. Now that’s living the dream!”
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?
For those who might be new to my story, I’m Randy Richard Morales, the creator of Creative Vice, based in Los Angeles. My journey as an artist, designer, writer, and overall creative began as a child, drawing shoes and clothes for fun using paper from my father’s office. My path took me through serving in the US Navy and studying at FIDM, which all contributed to my creative development.
Creative Vice started as my outlet to share my unique vision and thoughts. My mantra, “life for a creative is lonely, it’s like living in a world only you can see,” encapsulates the solitary yet profound nature of my work. I aim to continue creating, aspiring to share my work more broadly, especially the pieces I’ve dreamt of but haven’t yet had the resources to realize.
My belief is that creativity is the essence of life – it shapes our world in unimaginable ways. Being the only one in the room with my background has taught me to see my unique perspective as an asset. I’ve learned to embrace my individuality, allowing it to guide my creative process and solutions. This approach has cultivated resilience, authenticity, and a network of diverse viewpoints, crucial in overcoming challenges and succeeding.
My work spans various mediums, from abstract and pop art to fashion design. I take pride in my series like ‘No Pop Art’, which revives forgotten icons, and ‘Inner Demons’, exploring mental health themes. My future ambitions include impactful social projects, like transforming ocean water into drinkable water and reimagining food sustainability in the Philippines.
The three key qualities that have driven my success are self-reliance, resilience, and a growth mindset. These traits have helped me navigate the challenges of a creative career, turning criticism into opportunities for growth and maintaining a relentless pursuit of improvement.
My mother’s influence was pivotal in shaping my approach to life and work. Her reaction to my many ideas taught me the value of action over words. This lesson guided me to transition from a dreamer to a doer, emphasizing the importance of taking concrete steps towards realizing my dreams.
For anyone embarking on a creative journey, remember: start before you’re ready, embrace criticism constructively, and never stop growing. Your personal development is as integral to your art as the work itself. Let your actions speak, and when they do, share them with confidence and pride.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Building my audience on Instagram has been an exciting and insightful journey, particularly now as I’m in a growth phase, gaining about 20-30 new followers daily. The key to this growth? Consistency and targeted advertising.
I make it a point to post at least once a day, showcasing my art in a way that resonates with my audience. Through trial and error, I’ve discovered that posts featuring both me and my artwork tend to engage more people than those with my art alone. While I sometimes wish my art could speak entirely for itself, I’ve learned to embrace the personal touch my presence adds. It’s all about adapting to what your audience connects with.
When it comes to ads, I did my homework. I researched cities worldwide where art is most appreciated and targeted these areas in my campaigns. I also looked at artists with styles similar to mine to understand better what appeals to our shared audience. This research helped me create ads that are not just broad but specifically tailored to resonate with potential followers who share my artistic sensibilities and values.
For those just starting to build their social media presence, here are a couple of pieces of advice: First, be consistent with your postings. Your audience expects regular updates, and this helps keep them engaged. Second, understand your audience. Pay attention to what they respond to, as this can guide your content strategy. And finally, don’t shy away from investing in targeted advertising. It can be a game-changer in terms of reaching people who are genuinely interested in your work.
Remember, building a social media presence is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about finding that sweet spot between what you love to create and what resonates with your audience.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
The driving force behind my creative journey is the pursuit of freedom – the freedom to live and breathe my creativity. My ultimate goal is to reach a point where my creative ideas aren’t just a part of me, but they are my livelihood. I dream of a day when I’m no longer reporting to anyone but myself, where my art and my concepts are the only ‘boss’ I answer to.
Financial independence is a big part of this vision. I’m working towards a future where my creativity not only sustains me but also allows me to explore the world. Imagine learning to make pasta in the heart of Italy – that’s just a glimpse of what I aim for. It’s not just about the creation itself but immersing in the culture and history behind it.
Beyond personal growth, I’m passionate about building a community. I envision a network of like-minded individuals who share this thirst for learning, creating, and traveling. A community where we all can gather, not just to share our creations but to learn from each other and from the very origins of our crafts.
In essence, my mission is about blending creativity with exploration and community. It’s about turning every creative impulse into an opportunity to learn, share, and grow both as an individual and as part of a larger, like-minded collective.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.creativevice.co
- Instagram: creativevice
- Other: https://www.artspacewarehouse.com/en/artist-randy-morales
Image Credits
photo was taken by my friend @level.7ven