We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Justin Hicks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Justin below.

Justin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

What does it mean to operate at our edge? What does that even look like? One of my favorite quotes “Acknowledge your limiting beliefs, then betray them.” Still rings true to this day. Looking back on my journey thus far, there have been many times when I came to a crossroads and took a risk. From dropping out of university in 2020 to step into the working world to leaving the security of a corporate job in 2021 to pursue more meaningful work as a creative storyteller in the film industry. The list goes on. Risk-taking is a great metric for operating at that edge. This most recent experience, however, not only rocked the foundations of my relationships but forced me to put to death the false identities and belief systems that kept me bound to my deep-rooted attachments. It all started in May of 2023 on my trip to Colombia South America for an artist residency. Before May, I felt like I had checked off many boxes. From traveling to the Middle East and Egypt for film work to directing my first documentary feature in 2022 for the Los Angeles Rams which won a Clio Award. Things on the outside looked bright as I was in stride to hit the major milestones I set out to accomplish within a short period. Still, despite it all, there was this deep hole and sense of unfulfillment within my life. The more I worked to numb things, the larger that hole became. I can remember late at night sitting in front of my computer re-applying for the ArteSumapaz artist residency. I applied to this residency the year prior but was not spiritually or mentally in a place to receive it nor did I have the capacity. Outside of film work which is still a source of income, I am a visual artist and writer.  I have been working on a graphic novel since college that I’ve wanted to share with the world as I consider it my life’s work and soul expression. However, with the hustle of the film world and living project to project in a growing metropolitan city like Charlotte North Carolina, this dream had taken a back seat. The decision to pursue a residency in Colombia was not only to re-focus on my art but to keep that childhood dream alive. Knowing full well that I had no savings or plan b for this trip, I blocked off the entire month of May from all work and hit submit. Not even 12 hours later I woke up to an email from the Director of the residency Ric Dragon, who welcomed me into the ArteSumapaz community with open arms. It was at that point I knew there was no looking back. I put in my notice for work and was off to the Andes. During my time there, I was able to re-immerse into my artistic practice and connect with other residents from all over the world whom I liked to call my fellow nomads. The vibrancy of nature in Colombia showed me how to play, explore, and be still again. It taught me that we are all connected. Contrary to the individualism sold to us in the US, I truly felt one with the environment, the culture, and the authentic community. The fan to this flame continued upon returning to the States. Over the next six months, I would take time to build out my first solo exhibition back home. Curated by Fine Artist Justin Ellis, this exhibition debuted on November 1st, 2023, and was a culmination of the deep artistic and spiritual work done in Colombia. Taking this risk not only helped me re-claim the voice of my inner child, but it also showed me that we are co-creators in this life and that we all have a story waiting to be birthed.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a visual artist and writer based out of Charlotte North Carolina. My mixed-media illustrations combine line and movement to amplify narrative storytelling often pulling connections from the nature of my dreams. Storytelling is at the root of everything that I do. My work as a Creative Director for the Film Agency Loyd Visuals reflects this. My day-to-day consists of script development, storyboarding, and building out key drafts in pre-production for documentaries, commercials, and short films. Outside of my 9-5, I am an avid world traveler and take much creative inspiration from exploring new places and communities. My brand Ronin House Studios honors the story of the dreamer. Our lives are never linear nor are we meant to be boxed in as human beings. Ronin House Studios aligns with the mission of creative ownership and authentic expression. I am a firm believer in breaking the mold and can genuinely say that building this brand as well as writing and Illustrating my graphic novel series titled The Ronin Complex has been a testament to that journey.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part about being an artist is that I can completely be myself and get paid to do so. I am no longer operating with a filter or mask to appease a certain audience. I can remain true to work that feels most aligned with who I am. I can be a child again in a world that takes itself too seriously.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

One of the best ways artists and creatives can be supported is by providing them with the proper resources necessary to not only nurture their vision but also sustain their quality of life. It is simply not enough to just provide artists with a small work stipend to cover supplies or solely provide them space to create. While these things are important, most full-time artists are dependent on their body of work to maintain their overall well-being. It can be difficult to be creative when in a state of survival or living project to project. Another important mode of support is spreading the word. In the information age, visibility is everything and there is a true need for artists to be seen, heard, and valued for their work. Whether it be marketing resources, word of mouth, or upfront investments and funding. All of these can be avenues for artists to thrive. Most important, however, is for people to invest in our work. It is our connective lifeline and visual expression of our experiences and the world around us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.roninhousestudios.space/
• Instagram: @jhicks_rhs
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-hicks-365198111/

Image Credits
Gallery exhibition image shot by Tyler Capel: @tygc_ Headshot photo shot by Taylor Hicks: @hixvisuals_1