We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hunter Jones. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hunter below.

Hunter, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I can’t emphasize enough on how important taking risks are. Taking a risk could severely change your life for the better. Through my high school years of life I became really depressed because I hated living in Conroe, Texas. As a creative, I felt like Conroe wouldn’t be able to provide me the necessary opportunities I needed to move forward in photography or anything creative for that matter. Thankfully because of Robb Klassen who was a photographer for The Hundreds at the time, was able to land me an internship for The Hundreds in Los Angeles, California. I was still in high school when I received this opportunity, so I told myself no matter where I was financially when I graduated, I will pack up and leave to Los Angeles for this internship. As an 18 year old right out of high school, I packed up everything I owned and drove out to California taking on the biggest risk I’ve ever sought out. I can’t tell you enough how much I wanted some type of change in my life. I could not stand the thought of waking up another day in Texas. When I got to California for this internship I thankfully had a bedroom to stay in for one month. After that, I either had to pay rent or figure out somewhere else to stay. Instead of forking out $1,000 for rent (which I didn’t even have that type of cash) so I decided to take another risk and live out of my car for the next 7 months. Everyone thought I was so crazy for sleeping in my car but that’s how far I’d go to not live in Texas. I had no job for 7 months and took up any type of photo work I could. For 8 months total I was finally free of Texas. I was finally living my own life and exploring whatever it is I wanted. I had absolutely no money but I was the happiest I’ve ever been. Sitting on that thought when sleeping in the car everyday is absolutely insane. All because of the risk I took of leaving and seeking change, I had the best time of my entire life in those 8 months. I got to see some of the most beautiful views you could ever ask for. I’ve met some of the most talented / creative people there as well and I got to create some of my best work in California. That 8 month period shaped me into who I am today I truly believe that. Everyday was whatever I made it. You can easily do the same by taking a risk sometime!

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 name is Hunter Jones and this is my story. I am currently a 21 year old photographer living in Houston, Texas. I started taking photography seriously when I started using it as an outlet for my everyday issues. When I was 12-13 years old, I was very self conscious of my weight. I was always the biggest kid in my class. So by always being this biggest kid in my classes it really made my life hard in school with almost everyone being relentless and rude. I started to explore photography during 12-13 years old and I realized how much it took my mind off of my existing issues. Photography occupied my mind but it also brought me so much happiness it’s really a beautiful thing. From my experiences through junior high and high school I decided to start a brand called Perception Movement. The idea is that you can move so many people just because the way you perceive things. I’ve always wanted to encourage anyone who is young and wants to do something with their life that YOU CAN DO IT! No matter what you look like, race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. you can do whatever it is you want to do. Some people go their whole lives believing what other people think of them or what people tell them. No one understands even half of what you’re capable of doing! With Perception Movement, I inspire the youth through photographs, my own clothing, and print magazines to show you that you can do anything!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Truly I think the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is really being a storyteller / inspiration for people. In our own way, an artist / creative are teachers too. We teach people you can be inspired and YOU CAN do anything too!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The goal that is driving me completely is the simple mission to inspire the youth. Some kids grow up thinking they are nothing and us artists need to change that for them as much as we can.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.perceptionmvt.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceptionmvt/

Image Credits
Lela Visic Robert Kerr Marcellus Juvann Castle Warren