We were lucky to catch up with Masai Heard recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Masai , thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The most meaningful project I’ve ever worked on has to be the one in production right now, actually. It’s called “Self-Destruction 2”, named after its 2018 predecessor. At the time, the first Self-Destruction was my first solo collection after 3-4 collab projects, the darkest, most vulnerable body of work I had ever dropped, and the birth of everything my clothing brand is & will become. Before it even came out, I knew I wanted to make a follow-up project that would get the recognition Self-Destruction didn’t receive. I was honestly embarrassed to promote it because I was so worried about how it would be perceived by anyone willing to give the project attention, especially those that knew me. 5 years have passed and I feel like an entirely different artist. I can feel the weight Self-Destruction 2 carries, and I’m ready to show everyone the world I’ve been creating for the last 2 years I’ve been MIA. Self-Destruction 2 will bring me the closure I’ve needed needed since the first project was released. It’ll show everyone what I’m capable of and get me out of the box people have tried to place me in for so long. The day Self-Destruction 2 is the day I’ll feel born again.
Masai , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I got into my craft by running out of other options to be honest. Nothing else really interested me, so I figured I’d take the risk and run with it. I primarily make clothing, but I’m not afraid to experiment in anything else that peaks my interest. I believe what sets me apart from others is my hunger and commitment. I don’t know many people that will put their entire being into a body of work like I do, shoutout to the few that do though. I’m most proud of the strength I find in bringing you beautiful people a project that’s more vulnerable and polished than the last. You can see my growth through each and every project I release. If you find your way to this article, thank you. If you support me, thank you. If you’ve given me words of wisdom behind the scenes, thank you. If you kept faith during my hiatus, thank you. You all have helped bring this project to life, so thank you for helping me change mine.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I built my audience on social media by just being a regular person I guess. Don’t become so obsessed with the “algorithm” or your follower count that you forget the numbers making you feel seen are humans. They’re invested in what you have to offer to the world. Be kind to them and they will take you very far. Appreciate your supporters. Use your social media to tell them you love them.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I wanna be known as one of the greats in the underground art scene. I know I have a lot to offer to the community and I’d love to show everyone before I die. It would honestly be a dream come true because I’ve looked at the underground scene as the driving force behind everything mainstream for quite some time now, and I’d love to be accepted by the same community that made me who I am today. I want my story to inspire somebody else to be great, too.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masaiswrath/
Image Credits
Photo 1 & 3 : Adriana Aguilar