We recently connected with Jasten King and have shared our conversation below.

Jasten, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

Well, I actually started photographing almost 20 years ago when I first moved to LA, just to get into punk shows for free. It escalated rather quickly- mind you with no training- working for local music magazines only probably cause I was just really outgoing and involved in the scene. That all got put aside when I joined one of the bands I was photographing to then focus on playing music and touring for several years. I then got into video work- again with no training- just playing around with cameras and making music videos for the bands I was in. That went on for awhile until I sort of hit a road block in what I could do just learning on my own. So I went to college, much later in life than most, and really went to work on stepping up my skill set. After that, it was like being shot out of a cannon! I immediately got work doing photography again, as well as video projects such as web series’ and short films, but now having more control over the process.

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 work started more around the rock music scene. I made music videos and projections for bands, including my own. That evolved into doing a full rock musical called “CHARLIE!” where the sets were all video screens. That did very well, winning the Fringe Festival in LA and I reached a wider audience and client list. Then I started working more in the LGBTQIA scene- from videos at nightclubs, photography at drag events and, most recently working with the RuPaul Drag Race production company, World of Wonder. So now, I really enjoy keeping a balance of both- maybe to show the drag crowd some more rock references, and vice versa. I mean, to me they’re both very much the same attitude, but might be intimated by the other or too locked into their own world to explore much else.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I really enjoy working with people who maybe have the idea for something they want to do, then helping them break it down step by step to get to the finish line. I understand being on the other side of that, and not knowing where to even start. So, from working in a variety of genres, I can really pull ideas and references from experience now. It’s funny, cause I originally got into this only for my own enjoyment and project ideas. Then it just evolved into my full time job for over a decade now. I’m excited to now take a moment and do some new projects of my own again- having the skills and experience I use for everyone else.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I think eventually I’d like to slow down and really focus on a big project I have the say in- be it a movie, documentary or even a musical again. Just something I can through all my eggs in one basket and showcase a variety of what I have to offer. I’m pretty stoked on an upcoming project called “(A Band Called) The Bats”. I took some leftover demos I had from a recent band, and turning them into a series of 4 short films as well as a vinyl 45. Just taking my time to have a collection of really polished music and film together, with a cohesive theme. That should be out later this year, then we’ll see where it leads me!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jastenking

Image Credits
Self portrait (edited by ZENAIDO) MICROSCOPE video stills – directed by Jasten King Swarovski museum projections – by Jasten king DragCon & World of Wonder photos- Jasten King