We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jasper Mangum a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jasper, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
Creativity is a passion, its my therapy session. Creativity is my way of escaping reality, while giving me the ability to perceive the world in new ways. It challenge my ability to think above my expectations and around difficult obstacles, seeking new hidden patterns and making connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena. I think that’s what makes a great artist. I have never been so happy just doing what I love. It also allows me to express who I am as a person.
I started out working regular jobs, the frustration, the wear and tear your mind and body accumulates over time is just terrible. I was actually fire from my last job from being creative. I was working for a fire extinguisher company and this job was a “production” base company. Well my production was always low because it was hard for me stay focus on the task at hand. My mind would sort of wonder off at times generating different ideas, and when I have these moments, I would zone out and began to think of ways to challenge these ideas. The day that job fired me was the day I knew I couldn’t deny my passion no more. IT’S TIME TO MAKE A CHANGE!!!
Jasper, 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 was always a creative person. I was always creating something new over and over again. I think I turned my passion into a business because of the people. Yes!!!, sharing my creativity, my passion, my work with my audience is the reason why I love what I do so much. Seeing the smile on people face when they see I can turn their vision into a reality piece is more than just “Thank You” to me.
So currently, I make custom rug pieces, whether its for your home or your office, your floor or for your wall. It compliments who you are as a person. From your favorite cartoon anime, sports teams, logo, favorite quotes, and even your favorite portrait of someone. When someone walks into your space, this rug piece would be the first thing they notice and the last thing they remember. Trust me… you will be questioned from your peers.
Staying consistence and challenging myself every day to become a better artist, paying attention to small details and loving what I do is what set me apart from a lot. I’ve set the bar for myself and I will conquer all expectations.
I never gave up, although I’ve lost a lot within this journey and this is just the beginning. To any one who is reading this article, I would like to share this one thing with you. “If your dream doesn’t scare you… you’re not dreaming big enough.” That’s my favorite quote I would like to share with anyone who is thinking about chasing the (“im”possible).
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal is to share my creativity and experience with the world, hopefully I can inspire the youth and let them know never settle for what you think isn’t possible. I’ve face many hard battles just being a creative artist… honestly. Nothing passionate in your life falls easily, there is obstacles you will have to face, but the outcome of conquering will be the most beautiful rewarding gift. My journey is a long road just like others but we all have to take one step at a time.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building my audience was NOT easy at all. I will admit I struggle from creating flyers to walking around passing out business cards with 2D barcodes asking people to follow me. I believe I had my first break when Arthur Sidney reached out to me and told me “I see what you doing and I got someone I would like to link you with.” He linked me with a major music producer from Memphis, TN by the name of “DrummaBoy.” DrummaBoy told me that he wants to help me get my name and work out so everyone can see who I am. Very grateful for both of those guys. But before I met them I struggle for almost a year trying to make a name for myself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/t3n.lab?igsh=eXl0NjY4cHprazh3
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18b16RyUJW/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/t3n.lab?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=77858f2d-bd70-470b-bf14-e02ef0502372
Image Credits
Headshot Photo Credit: Sedrick Askew