We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gabe Shaddow. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gabe below.
Gabe, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Let me start by saying this. Life is a risk. Driving on the freeway is a risk. We risk our lives every day without noticing… Why wouldn’t you want to risk a 9-5 to have a dream job that you created?
Anything is possible, but people don’t believe that. Once you really dive in and understand that this world was built by people like you and me, it should alter the way you see things. Anywho, it’s much easier said than done. I’m not going to lie, it’s really tough, but I love it. I think, no, yeah, over a 9-5 any day…
It’s just easy to get lost in the moments and not really see what you have. You have to be super strict and patient, and these are some of the hardest things in life. You can’t care about what people are going to think, and you shouldn’t talk about it; you should just act on it.
People that really believe might seem crazy, but they’re constantly putting everything into what they create, and then it becomes memorable and people love it. “An obsession with your passion.” I’ve learned that when you say something, it’s the same notion as attempting it, so don’t talk, just walk.
I’m not going to lie making your own schedule seems so easy and so fun. Working at home does also, but every pro has a con. This life is a rollercoaster, and every season might not be your favorite, but it’s a process, a grind and you need to have a deep trust and belief that what you’re doing will change your world. It needs to be ingrained, I’ll never settle, this is my purpose, and no one will care for me as I will. Give it everything and life will reward you. If you want to be the best you must outwork your competition. 10,000. hours only validates your professionalism and expertise nothing more.
It’s easy to get lost in the social media world. HighlightGRAM, where people just post all the greatness in their life. No hardship, no slow and steady grind, just a raw façade. It’s okay to feel accomplished, and I’m not hating social media. I’m just aware of the circumstances, as you should be too. Outlook is everything. You can truly believe that everything that happens in your life is for the good, for the lesson, and so on. What’s your perspective? This goes on into attracting things in your life. Projecting and pretending are some of the actions that blossom into reality. Doesn’t it kind of make sense? It’s okay; life is confusing. As long as you’re okay, everything is okay. If you are happy with your life, that’s all that matters. Everyone has their own purpose. We need people that work in the mall; this is how we make Earth a-float and the economy flow.
I feel like I take as many risks as I can every day. It’s a not caring attitude mixed with love and giving everything you’ve got, so there’s nothing to look back on. An understanding of “You’re one big idea away,” “Life is made up, so make it up,” and “You never know until you try,” etc.”
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?
As a creative, I made a name for myself in the fields of photography, creative direction, music production, and design. While I have had the opportunity to work with high-profile artists such as Ty Dolla $ign and Wiz Khalifa, I prefer to let my work speak for itself and stay behind the scenes I love the lowkey/normal life.
My passion for photography began when I started attending shows like HAMONEVERYTHING and Low End Theory as a way to cope with depression. Initially, I took photos of smaller artists, eventually sneaking into bigger shows to capture images of my favorite musicians. Photography soon became my therapy, and the thrill of capturing shots became addictive and it happened to be when Instagram started cracking off.
After a 3-year grind, Ty Dolla $ign and his DJ, Dre Sinatra, approached me to tour with them as a photographer and videographer so I dropped out of Film School. 10 years later, I have continued to work with a number of high-profile artists and labels.
Aside from photography, I also have a few other side hustles that keep me busy. I am the co-founder and producer of the “Tapped In Podcast,” a hip-hop podcast that aims to keep things organic and avoid spreading rumors in the music culture. Additionally, I produce music, which is my favorite passion. I worked on Ty Dolla Sign’s album “Featuring Ty Dolla Sign,” working on “Lift Me Up” with Young Thug and Future and “Nothing Like Your Exes.”
My success is due to the support of my mother and grandparents. My mother, who was a single parent, encouraged my artistic pursuits as she. was a full-time painter, while my grandparents taught me the value of hard work and being a good person. They were my parents in life and showed me the ropes of how to be a man, work hard, have manners, and be a good person.
Currently, I am busy working for Taylor Gang, Wiz Khalifa, and Tapped In while also focusing on my music production. My work is a mix of algorithms, social engagement, a lot of graphic design, and the ability to produce on-the-go shoots with my photo and video expertise. I shoot, produce, and edit Tapped in Podcast episodes weekly. I make beats M-F from 9 PM-5 AM and knock out a lot of my work at artist studios during the day. I really don’t sleep.. Being in the environment as much as possible and multitasking are what I love. Even if you’re not productive, at least you’re in an ENVIRONMENT in which opportunities are created.
What sets me apart is my catalog and my approach to jobs. I don’t chase, I grow relationships, have fun, and create. I’m naturally always looking for futuristic and newer things. I love influencing, and I don’t get mad when people copy. I actually feel appreciated when they do. We’re always onto the next!”
Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
I really want to drop one. I love it, putting the artist first was something unbelievable and now its here. My mom and dad are in the ARTIST genre from music composer to painter. My mom used to tell me it was the LOSER thing to do. But now when I see successful NFT projects it motivates me I’ve definitely met the right people but it’s about executing it properly, knowing your rights, and creating that hype. I. want to drop a digital book NFT that turns into a limited physical book once you collect all the pages. I have a demo up on Opensea which is the concept and blueprint. Looking forward to see what the future sprouts!
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
I really wish they taught money in school. I’ve always been so bad with it and now I just dump it all in crypto hoping it will land in Mars. Learning to invest would’ve been super clutch early on. I feel like they don’t talk about money in school to keep everyone in the same box. You can’t follow the normal 9-5 routine expecting to be rich especially in LA. You need to create something unique, a tool, a trend something powerfully relatable. 
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gabeshaddow.com
- Instagram: @gabeshaddow
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabe-shaddow-76a26488/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Tappedin
Image Credits
-Gabe Shaddow