We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Meda Sheik a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Meda, thanks for joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

im happy when im making and sharing art, but sometimes the social and financial side of trying to be an artist full time. i constantly think about what my life would be like if i stayed in school and wouldve been in a more “normal” career. but i would rather struggle as an artist then as anything else.

Meda, 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?

ive always enjoyed art, from painting and drawing as a toddler. but when i was in middle school i started to write stories and poems. without the idea of what my career would be later in life passing my mind. but in highschool i started to think about turning my passion into my lifestyle/career and ended up landing on clothing design. mostly with the intention to make a brand that had the spirit and style of the hip-hop and skateboard related brands i liked as kid but at a price-point where kids like me who never had enough money for “fashion” brands. to this day i still follow that initial mission but in much more than clothing. my brand garbage co. is now producing videos, clothes, stickers, and music. my only goal is to continue to grow this brand to a point where we can help people and artists in ways similar to what yall are doing here.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

being able to support my mother financially and get her anything she needs. its my drive and also the thing that makes me question if im doing the right thing.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

when i say “i dont think i could do anything else besides art” i truly wish i didnt feel it was true. i do work outside of art to be able to survive but even then it almost feels self sacrificial. the idea of not being able to make art or the thought of one day not being artist anymore hurts.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.garbageco.net
• Instagram: meda_sheik
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@garbageco.00?si=ZUy7m9bTG_HBmqU4

Image Credits
meda sheik