We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gabe Shaddow a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Gabe, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I’m happiest when I’m creating—it’s where I feel the most alive and in tune with myself. As an artist, there’s a deep sense of purpose in bringing ideas to life and sharing them with the world. That said, I’d be lying if I said I’ve never wondered what it would be like to have a regular job.

The last time I had that thought was during a particularly challenging period. I was juggling multiple deadlines, navigating unpredictable income streams, and dealing with the pressure to stay innovative. One night, after a long day, I sat on the couch feeling completely drained, staring at my computer screen, and wondering what it would be like to have a 9-to-5 job where I could clock out and leave the stress behind. I imagined a life with predictable hours, a steady paycheck, and the simplicity of focusing on one task at a time.

But honestly, I didn’t have much of a choice in becoming an artist—my parents were both artists and creatives, so it’s kind of in my DNA! (Haha.) Plus, my girlfriend works a normal 9-to-5, so I have a perfect example in front of me all the time. We both see the positives in our work lives. Look, there are pros and cons to everything—do what pleases you! For me, while the challenges of being an artist are real, they’re part of what make the journey so fulfilling. It’s a reminder to embrace the freedom and creativity I thrive on and to find ways to create balance, even in the chaos.”

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey into the creative world started early, deeply influenced by my grandparents and my mom. My father, a prominent music composer, left my life when I was very young, but my mother—a painter and later an art teacher—surrounded me with creativity. Growing up, everything in my environment revolved around art. I learned about famous painters, musicians, and artists from a young age, and much of my childhood was spent visiting museums and galleries. It felt inevitable that I would carve out a creative path of my own. I began as a photographer, but deep down, I’ve always been a creative director. Eventually, I also became a music producer, and now all these roles fit together seamlessly, like pieces of a puzzle.

I first gained recognition during the early days of Instagram. As one of the first music photographers on the platform, I was constantly experimenting with fresh and innovative ways to showcase my work. At the time, I was working at Louis Vuitton during the week and shooting photos on weekends. I bought a Polaroid camera, signed the bottom of the pictures, and handed them out to artists and industry contacts as business cards. I’d also post the Polaroids online. Back then, Polaroids were rare, and people didn’t know where to get them, so it really helped me stand out.

In the early days of my career, I reached out to anyone and everyone to find opportunities to photograph major artists. I used to sneak into shows and had an unstoppable drive to create and explore. It’s surreal to think about now, but artists like Mac Miller, The Weeknd, Drake, and Travis Scott posted my photos. During this time, I also worked with Revolt TV, where I learned how to interact with artists and built my network. As my career progressed, I expanded into video and launched a series with Ty Dolla $ign called A Day in the Life. We created countless episodes, seasons, and even music videos. Looking back, it feels like a time capsule.

I worked with Ty Dolla $ign for over seven years, touring the world multiple times and doing everything from photography and video production to editing, social media management, VJing, graphic design, and designing show visuals. I was grateful for the freedom I had to express my creative vision through so many different mediums.

When the pandemic hit, I was working with artists like Lil Pump, Offset, and Cardi B, but the world changed, and so did the industry. I pivoted to working with Wiz Khalifa and Taylor Gang, where I gained invaluable experience in eSports, day-to-day artist management, label operations, and event planning. I managed Taylor Gang’s social media and helped Wiz with all his creative needs, delivering content for his various business ventures. One of my favorite achievements during this time was organizing large live-stream events that blended Wiz Khalifa’s music with the Pittsburgh Knights eSports team. These events raised over $250,000 through sponsorships and online donations.

Today, my services are broad and tailored to each project. I offer creative direction, photography, music production, and, over the past four years, I’ve specialized in creating AI-based tools that help artists elevate their work. Whether it’s crafting album visuals, directing music videos, or designing cutting-edge AI vocals, my goal is always to bring a unique perspective and unmatched quality to the table. I see myself as a problem solver, helping clients bring their visions to life in ways they may not have thought possible.

What sets me apart is my relentless commitment to innovation and authenticity. I’m not about following trends—I’m about creating them. My ability to seamlessly merge artistry with technology allows me to deliver results that are both visionary and deeply personal.

The thing I’m most proud of is the impact my work has had—not just on the artists I collaborate with, but on the creative landscape as a whole. I’ve been fortunate to be at the forefront of integrating AI into music, contributing to iconic projects that resonate with audiences worldwide.

For those discovering my work for the first time, I want them to know that I’m deeply passionate about pushing boundaries and delivering creations that are both innovative and meaningful. My brand is all about bridging creativity and technology while staying true to the art itself. Whether you’re an artist seeking collaboration, a fan of the creative process, or simply curious, my mission is to inspire and contribute to the world of art in a way that feels fresh, impactful, and genuine.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the ability to turn ideas into something tangible that connects with people on a deep level. It’s incredible to know that something I’ve created—whether it’s a photograph, a music video, or an AI vocal—can inspire someone, evoke an emotion, or even become a part of their personal story.

There’s also a unique freedom that comes with being a creative. I get to explore new concepts, push boundaries, and constantly reinvent myself. That journey of discovery—both of the craft and of myself—is deeply fulfilling.

But what truly stands out is the impact. Seeing how my work resonates with others, especially when it involves collaborating with artists who have massive reach, makes all the challenges worth it. Knowing that I’ve contributed to iconic projects or created something entirely new feels like leaving a legacy, and that’s a feeling I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One thing non-creatives often struggle to understand about the creative journey is the emotional investment that goes into the work. Being a creative isn’t just a job—it’s a part of who you are. The highs are exhilarating when you see your vision come to life, but the lows can be deeply personal when things don’t go as planned. It’s not just about the product; it’s about the process, the passion, and often the sacrifices made along the way.

Another aspect is the unpredictability. Unlike a traditional career path, there’s rarely a clear road map or guaranteed stability. Non-creatives might not realize how much of our time is spent hustling—finding new opportunities, marketing ourselves, and navigating rejection—all while trying to maintain the energy and inspiration to create.

What I’d like to share is that the creative journey requires resilience and a constant belief in your vision, even when the world doesn’t immediately see it. It’s not easy, but it’s incredibly fulfilling. To anyone who isn’t a creative but supports one—your encouragement means more than you know. And to those who might not understand our world, just know that behind every piece of art, song, or photograph is someone who poured a part of their soul into it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gabeshaddow.com
• Instagram: @gabeshaddow
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabe-s-76a26488/