Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jonathan Gabriel Jr.. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jonathan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

“Thank you for the warm welcome! I’ve been fortunate to be part of multiple projects that hold significant meaning in my creative journey. One such endeavor involves merging my passions for music composition, production, and visual storytelling. My music compositions delve into intricate melodies, harmonies, and cinematic soundscapes, aiming to evoke emotions and immerse listeners in unique sonic experiences.

Parallel to this, my illustration work in Pen and Ink cartooning and comic book-style art allows me to convey narratives through captivating visuals. Both these projects represent distinct creative dimensions, allowing me to channel my creativity in diverse ways.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about the potential to align these projects in the future. The realm of film offers intriguing possibilities to seamlessly weave music and visual storytelling into immersive cinematic experiences. This project signifies not only my creative pursuits but also the exciting prospect of harmonizing music and visuals for compelling narratives.”

Jonathan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Jonathan Gabriel Jr., and I wear multiple creative hats. I’ve been a full-time Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) in the pharmacy field since 2006. My passion for music led me to become a full-time musician and music producer, channeling my creativity through rhythm and melody. I’m also an adept Pen and Ink cartoonist and comic book-style illustrator, translating my artistic expression into captivating visuals.

Beyond these, I have ambitious aspirations within the film industry. I aim to contribute as a Storyboard Artist, crafting visual narratives that guide the direction of scenes. I’m driven by the desire to create intricate animations for intros to television shows and flashback sequences in modern horror films, adding depth to storytelling. In addition, I’m drawn to the world of film composition, aiming to compose captivating soundtracks that set the tone for intros to television shows.

My creative journey extends to the realm of writing, where I plan to craft Graphic Novels, Comicbooks, and short novels, combining compelling narratives with vivid visuals. Although I’m currently focused on honing my skills and obtaining credentials, I’m actively preparing the groundwork to establish businesses within these endeavors.
As a startup, I’m embracing this phase to learn, grow, and refine my craft before embarking on a path to establish sustainable businesses in the creative industries.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist or creative is the sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that comes from creative expression. There’s a unique exhilaration in taking an original vision from the depths of your mind and translating it into something tangible. It’s even more thrilling when others resonate with your creations, experiencing the same emotions and ideas that you poured into your work. The act of seeing my finished creations, whether they’re large or small, beautiful or imperfect, serves as a powerful reminder of my capabilities. It reinforces the belief that I can not only create that specific piece, but also achieve other feats in life, as long as I trust my instincts and embrace the creative process. These moments become confidence-building milestones in my artistic journey.

Another rewarding aspect is the joy of bringing imaginative ideas to life through various mediums. When I immerse myself in the process of transforming ideas into reality, a surge of dopamine rushes through me. This creative high becomes a driving force that propels me forward, even through the less glamorous and often tedious aspects of the creative process. Regardless of the outcome, the memory of those dopamine-fueled moments combines with the satisfaction of seeing the finished results, providing a profound sense of fulfillment.

Moreover, being an artist or creative allows for continuous personal growth and exploration. The nature of creative problem-solving involves a delicate balance between empirical and qualitative decision-making. This unique skillset not only applies within the creative realm but can also be extended to other domains. In corporate settings, for example, the ability to rapidly generate and visualize ideas can lead to innovative solutions and perspectives. This transferability of skills underscores the value that artists and creatives bring to the table beyond their primary disciplines.

Lastly, the privilege of connecting with fellow creatives and like-minded individuals is immeasurable. Over the years, collaborations with fellow musicians and artists have broadened my horizons and deepened my appreciation for different styles of creativity. This shared affinity creates a sense of unity that transcends cultural and artistic boundaries. It’s both inspiring and fulfilling to engage in meaningful discussions with individuals who share the same passion for creating and expressing themselves. The connections formed through this shared journey are a constant source of motivation and enrichment.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Navigating the journey as a creative is often accompanied by challenges that non-creatives might find difficult to comprehend. One of the significant intricacies involves translating abstract concepts into tangible creations. The process of taking ideas from their ephemeral state within the mind and bringing them to life is an art in itself. Inspiration can come from various sources, including personal experiences, real-life situations, and even the work of other artists. This intricate process demands patience, dedication, and the ability to bridge the gap between imagination and reality.

Another aspect that non-creatives might struggle to grasp is the relentless pursuit of skill refinement and perfection. Within the creative realm, artists often find themselves in a competitive environment where excellence is a goal. However, this pursuit can narrow perspectives and lead to a tunnel-vision focus on outshining others. While comparing progress can be valuable, refining skills solely for competition isn’t sustainable. Perfection is a subjective concept, and the journey toward it is unique for every individual. Instead of fixating on external benchmarks, artists find fulfillment in their personal growth and progress.

Balancing artistic freedom with the practicalities of turning creativity into a business is another challenge that might be misunderstood. Mastery and competency form the foundation for any creative business. Yet, the financial journey can be tumultuous, with income and expenses often resembling a rollercoaster ride. Managing expectations, having sustainable backup plans, and focusing on the fulfillment of creating value become crucial strategies. While society’s results-driven mindset might challenge this perspective, artists find that prioritizing intrinsic satisfaction and genuine impact leads to a more fulfilling and sustainable creative journey.

Emotional investment and vulnerability are integral to the creative process, and these emotions aren’t always apparent to outsiders. The act of translating thoughts and feelings into tangible creations requires vulnerability and the willingness to expose one’s inner world. Often, artists grapple with self-doubt and overanalysis that can be paralyzing. Yet, these very emotions, if harnessed correctly, can fuel constructive action and drive the creative process forward. The emotional rollercoaster that artists ride is a testament to their dedication and passion, resulting in work that resonates deeply with audiences.

Lastly, navigating the intersection of multiple creative pursuits presents its own set of challenges. As someone who wears different hats, I’m constantly balancing various creative endeavors alongside responsibilities. Managing time, preserving mental health, and tending to the diverse needs of different creative projects can be overwhelming. While the inclination is to immerse oneself in creative work, it’s essential to strike a balance that nurtures both creativity and well-being. Juggling these aspects is a daily battle that non-creatives might struggle to fully grasp, yet it’s a testament to the multifaceted nature of the creative journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: linktr.ee/ExxoStack
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exxostack_band/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exxostack
• Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathangabrieljrmusic
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ExxoStack
• Youtube: www.Youtube.com/ExxoStack
• Other: Streaming Links to ALL MUSIC: Hyperfollow.com/ExxoStack TikTok (MUSIC): https://www.tiktok.com/@exxostack Instagram (ART): www.instagram.com/Thanatoglyphs Facebook Page (ART): www.facebook.com/ThanatoGlyphs

Image Credits
Christopher Sheffield