We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jay Ballesteros. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jay below.
Jay, appreciate you joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
I have been able to work in the creative field for the last 20 years and make a full-time living. During my last year at college, I started researching, networking, and contacting companies about work or internships. After graduation, I was fortunate to find a job in NYC as a freelance creative.
That first time as a freelancer helped me with the foundation of my creative career. I gained experience working in a fast-paced environment, collaborating as a team to meet deadlines, learning new skills to help expedite the job, being flexible to changes during a project, and preparing for working long hours.
Having those experiences has helped me as a graphic designer and photographer.
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?
I was always interested in storytelling growing up. Stories from books, TV, animations, theater and video games helped spark my imagination.
The first computer I had was back in 1986. I was fascinated by this technology and wanted to learn more about the software programs. I started to experiment in using technology to explore creative projects.
I have studied 3d modeling, animation, graphic design, and photography. Combining these skills with my experience, I use the technology and creative software to help me evolve with the way I tell stories in my artwork and photography.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Some of the projects I work on include live events. I would wear many hats for this job ranging from graphic designer, presentation designer, photographer, and live AV support.
I’m excited to take on these projects, but they can have many challenges. There are many moving parts, teams involved and deadlines. Unexpected delays seems like it looms around the corner.
For these projects, it takes a lot of organization, communication, and preparation. The ability to be flexible, improvise when needed, and patience me overcome these setbacks.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
One of my goals in my creative journey is to find ways to stay inspired. I’ll look for inspiration from traveling and exploring new places.
Studying new skills to build upon what I have already learned.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jayb.photography/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayb.us/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayballesteros
Image Credits
Dancer: Ane Arrieta. Model: Tony James. Photographer: Jay B. Ballesteros