We recently connected with Justin Hustle and have shared our conversation below.

Justin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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?

Making a living as a creative artist is a wild ride. It’s all about following your passion while dealing with the ups and downs of financial stuff. You’ve got to juggle your artistic dreams with the need to pay the bills, hunting for opportunities to keep the creative train moving. There have been times that I’ve had to take on projects that I wasn’t passionate about just to pay my bills. Making it work comes down to a mix of talent, never giving up, knowing a bit about marketing, and being good at self-promotion.

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

Hey there, I’m Justin Hustle, and I wear multiple hats in the worlds of entrepreneurship, social influence, and photography. I graduated from film school, and my portfolio boasts some exciting campaigns for brands like Nike, BeatsbyDre, Jordan Brand, Chipotle, Hypebeast, Durex, High Times, Aspen Dental, and New Era.

I’m not just a photographer; I’m also a brand architect. You might’ve seen my clothes on Rihanna, LeBron James, Big Sean, Drake, Miley Cyrus, Pete Wentz, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, and more.

Beyond that, I’m a consultant, and I’ve taken the reins on projects for High Times, UMG, Any Means Necessary, Le Specs, Kicks Lounge, Whiskey Grade, and Brigade, showcasing my adaptability in the creative industry.

My primary aim with each project is to create an unforgettable experience that captures the vibrant energy of youthfulness. I live by the mantra, “My net worth is my network.”

When I’m not knee-deep in creative projects, you’ll find me in my hometown of Cleveland, OH, hanging out with my wife, Sarah. I’m an avid collector of vinyl records, artwork, and Hot Wheels, which adds some unique flavors to my colorful personality (and annoys my wife – just the Hot Wheels).

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

1. I find a lot of inspiration from The Disney Way, a book about Walt’s secret success formula that propelled his company into the highest echelon of business, creativity, innovation, and success.

Disney is all about making their guests, or in this case, customers, feel like they’re in a fairy tale or a different world separate from reality. So, the first ingredient is a relentless focus on delighting people. They go to great lengths to ensure everyone has a magical experience whether it’s on a crazy immersive ride experience or in a simple Happy Birthday wish from a cast member.

Ever noticed how everything at Disney is so meticulously designed? That’s because they believe in paying attention to the tiniest details. It’s like they’re saying, “Magic is in the details.” The Disney model is all about evolving and innovating. They don’t wait until they need to update, they are in a constant state of updating to stay relevant and ahead of the curve.

So, the Disney model for management is a bit like mixing these ingredients together to create a recipe for success in the world of entertainment and customer service. It’s all about creating magic, one detail at a time.

2. Photographer Christopher Payne has an insightful interview on Creative Boom on abandoned places and the importance of cultural heritage. One of the best takeaways from it is: “Enjoy the process, even if you fail. The journey is the fun part.”

Payne expresses concern about the decline of craftsmanship and manufacturing in the American workplace, citing factors like overseas competition and unequal trade policies. He highlights the loss of jobs in apparel and textiles, emphasizing the disconnect between consumers and the manufacturing process.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I tend to be my harshest critic and routinely find faults or errors with a project that no one else would notice.

Unlearning negative thinking about your own creative work can be a transformative and challenging journey. It often involves recognizing and breaking free from self-doubt, criticism, and limiting beliefs that hinder your creative potential.

The first step is acknowledging that negative thinking patterns exist. It’s about being honest with yourself and recognizing when self-doubt or critical thoughts creep in. Delve deeper to identify the specific negative beliefs or thought patterns that affect your creative work. These might include thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “No one will appreciate my work.”

Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Instead of saying, “This isn’t very good, no one will like it” tell yourself, “I am capable of creating something unique and valuable.”

Understanding that creativity involves ups and downs. Not every project will be a masterpiece, and that’s okay. Accept that setbacks and failures are part of the creative process. I don’t fear criticism, and I try to embrace it as an opportunity for growth. Constructive feedback can help you improve your work.

Seek out a supportive creative community or friends who understand the challenges you face. They can provide encouragement and perspective. Recognize and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. This positive reinforcement can boost your confidence.

Overcoming negative thinking about your creative work is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It allows you to tap into your full creative potential, leading to more fulfilling and successful artistic endeavors.

Contact Info:

• Website: anotherenemy.com // thebreaks1980.com
• Instagram: @justinhustle // @anotherenemy // @thebreaks
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnotherEnemyBrand // https://www.facebook.com/TheBreaks1980
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinlipsky/
• Twitter: @justinhustle // @anotherenemy // @thebreaks1980