Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joshua Poole (j.poole). We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Joshua, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?

The road hasn’t been smooth, especially with the name “Make It Nasty.” I never believed it would be easy to convince people that a name with a derogative meaning can also have a positive influence on others. Just like an idiom, taking something negative and turning it into something positive has been my goal since the first moment I spoke the words “Make It Nasty. “In the beginning, many people took the phrase as a joke or something that has only been seen as a negative, but over time, just like a culture, it begins to grow. Over the years, many people told me I should change my name and make it more professional, but “Make It Nasty” is more than a phrase; it’s a lifestyle. My entire life, I’ve had to earn what I got. It wasn’t handed to me; it didn’t fall out of the air, and my parents didn’t give it to me on a silver platter. I worked hard, gave it my all, determined to achieve it, and mastered it. This is what “Make It Nasty” is all about: giving it your all, knowing the struggle, and overcoming the struggle.

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 started as a designer for my own and expanded my horizons by delving into various areas, including the direction of music videos that gained an impressive viewership (17k) within only three days and the organization of high-end events across major US Cities like Dallas, Atlanta, and more. My portfolio further includes experience with set design for short film pictures alongside talent management. In the near future, I intend to launch the ‘MIN Corner’ Talk show featuring discussions about popular culture alongside genuine expressions of artistic souls through YouTube content and social media platforms.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to connect people through the arts. The arts offer a unique way for individuals to communicate beyond words, providing healing for the soul and expanding the mind. While many forget how art can unite people, it also celebrates individuality by honoring different perspectives. My lifelong goal is to create, inspire, and motivate others to become their best selves, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with relentless determination

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

The most important lesson I’ve learned so far is understanding my purpose. One of the most crucial things in life is discovering why you are here. As a teacher, I’ve struggled at times to balance my career with my passion for the entertainment industry. However, I’ve come to realize that I can embrace all my talents and share them openly.

Growing up in the murder capital of the 90s, Gary, IN, wasn’t easy or inspiring. Many people sought any way to escape the hardships of the neighborhood. Thankfully, certain teachers—like Mrs. Boynes and Mrs. Brinker, my vocal performance instructors, and Mr. Miller, my social studies teacher—instilled in me the values of networking, determination, and perseverance. Their influence helped shape who I am today. Understanding your purpose is key to defining your character and pursuing success. Without it, you can easily be led down paths that bring negative consequences.

The performing arts gave me a sense of purpose and a passion to strive for my goals. Rooted in vocal performance, dance, and drama, I found my voice and learned the discipline needed to define the person I wanted to become.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://voyagedallas.com/interview/daily-inspiration-meet-j-p-o-o-l-e/#:~:text=Daily%20Inspiration:%20Meet%20J.%20Poole.%20Today
• Instagram: @j_poole91 or @MINLLC

Image Credits

Alex J. Martin
Chinem McCollum
J.Poole