We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maya Pegues. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maya below.
Maya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I think a part of me always knew I wanted to be an artist, but didn’t believe that I could because it just wasn’t talked about. I went to a high school that focused in academics and sports, so I assumed art wasn’t really an option for a career. However, once I made the choice to go to art school, it changed everything for me. My once narrow horizon, broadened and I no longer thought an art career was impossible. I knew then that this was what I was supposed to do and what my brain was made for.
Maya, 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?
My mother is an artist so I have always have art surrounding me or was encouraged to extend myself in an artistic way. I first dove into the world of dance and used that as my main creative outlet but then transitioned into Painting, which was my BFA. From there I dove into many other forms of art. I started working on films as a Production Designer, Costume Designer, and Director, I collaborated with my peers on solo shows, books, and art pieces, and even into the music world as a composer. I would like to say I am a jack of all trades but softly because there is still so much for me to learn. Currently, my main focus is in the film and working my way up in the industry. In time this will shift, since I have so many interests and goals, but really I am just focused on furthering myself within my craft and persona. In terms of branding, this is my current focus: I want to be a leader, a supporter, and inspiration to others. I want to share stories, ideas, and emotions. I want to change things, hopefully in a better direction, and I just want to express myself.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
I believe that an increase in just a colorful and expressive style, woven into everyday life would really help us thrive as a collective. There is nothing wrong with a simple, clean style but I feel like it can be lazy or cheap looking if it isn’t really a part of the brand. I think this touch of empathy and personality would really impact the education and corporate world. Office spaces and school rooms can be so boring and create such an unproductive space that adding a change in composition, color, and flow could not only increase productivity but also add happiness to a persons day. It could also be a way to utilize the local community of artists and increase their own network. I think it could be a simple switch but to many people just don’;t understand art and what it does for a collective. They don’t want to take the time to because they think art is too complex, but it can be really simple and make such a difference.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
First things first, follow your gut. If you don’t have a good gut feeling, get one. Following my gut and not what I have learned or been taught was the “right” thing, was what landed me on the right path. For most of my life, I was a serious dancer. I thought that was going to be my career. I let it become my identity because I knew nothing else. Then it came time to decide where to go to college. I applied to a handful of schools with great dance programs and on a whim I applied to an art school without a dance program. When I had to choose one, in my gut I felt that the art school was the best choice. To me then, that was a crazy idea because it meant my time with dance was closing. Now, I can comeback to dance because it never left me as a person but it was time for me to move on and invest in other things. This shift left me to find out who I was, great friends, a network, and and skill set. It really was for the better. Trust your gut.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mayapegues.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaartinsta/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-pegues-686058198/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8e3cUUpdjCt_4juu7U9TpQ
- Other: https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/mayapeguesart/
Image Credits
For the bio headshot, it was taken by Liv Laurel Poole