We caught up with the brilliant and insightful D’Mauri Jones a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
D’Mauri , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with 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 been working as a full time entrepreneur for about 5 years now. It has been a challenge but I wouldn’t change it in the world. I’m still growing as a artist and learning it’s more than the painting. It’s about the backend as well, which is the business aspect. Having to understand your finances and investing wasn’t my focus coming out as a artist honestly. I didn’t know how much I needed to know this aspect of my business. I get up each and everyday and learn on the internet. I research and try to apply to my business, put that percentage in my business each and every day. In order to expand you must invest.
D’Mauri , 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 D’MaurI Jones from Leesburg Fl, which is a smaller town west of Orlando. I grew up a sports fanatic, I knew there was much more than what my town had to offer. I knew if I could stay courageous enough and motivated that it will lead me exactly where I needed to be. Throughout high school I played basketball and football, the highlight was winning a state championship in basketball. And committing to University of Miami on a scholarship for football. Went off to college to find myself and that’s when I really got into my artistic side. They offered majors that had me interested in my near future aside from sports. I knew I had to make decisions with this art because I knew sports wasn’t promising. I utilize the same tools and focus that needed on the field and court I translated that into the business. They greatest thing I could ever do to my business. I gave it structure when I didn’t realize what was best for it. I just went with what I knew. I think I’m most proud of my persistence with my business. Some days it could get rough and times you don’t even feel like getting out of the bed because entrepreneurship is more time consuming and time management more than anything.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
I truly believe that NFTs are the future. You are creating value to the Artist and the work. Having rarity to each art set is the new way. The blockchain transaction is a plus as well. Giving the artist the profit he or she deserves.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Yes I would say have a partnership with someone that has your best interest within your work. Know how to give you a sense of direction. At times you can get swallowed in your work your to have someone to have a set of eyes to help manage time would be awesome. Until then anything is possible so if that person is not around it’s okay. Keep grinding
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dmaurijones.shop
- Instagram: @dmaurijones_
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DmauriJones
- Twitter: @Dmaurijones352
- Youtube: www..YouTube.com\Supa2cold
Image Credits
D’MaurI Jones