We recently connected with Monroe Parker, Jr. and have shared our conversation below.

Monroe, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

I can’t put into words how I felt when I received my first dollar as a creative. Joy and happiness are two emotions that come to mind. It was a joyous moment, an incredible sensation that I will never forget. The sense of accomplishment I felt was indescribable, and I knew that all of my hard work and effort had finally begun to pay off.

When the first item was purchased, it confirmed the worth of my work. Someone had recognized the value of my work, and that was extremely satisfying. It made me more proud of what I’d created and gave me the confidence to continue on my creative path.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Before becoming an entrepreneur, I worked as an inspector for a municipality to help protect our sewer systems, waterways, rivers, and streams from grease. Some do not understand how bad grease can be for the environment. (Please do not pour grease, fats, and oils down the drain) I spent 14 in that industry, working with my colleagues to help provide clean water to our neighbors and friends.

It has always been important to me to do what I can to protect our planet. I remember as a child I used to go through the house turning lights off behind family members. At that young age, I did not know much about protecting the environment, but I knew using unnecessary electricity was a waste. It made me angry, but at least I was nice about it.

As a creative entrepreneur, I enjoy designing beautiful products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also capable of capturing people’s attention and curiosity. I’m enthusiastic about every stage of the design process, from concept to execution, and I’m always looking for new and creative ways to bring my ideas to life.

I believe that the products we use in our daily lives should be both functional and visually appealing. This conviction motivates me to create products that not only meet my customers’ needs but also add beauty and joy to their lives. Whether I’m designing a new piece of home decor, an accessory, or a gadget, I always try to incorporate a sense of pride into my work.

I got into this industry because I wanted to offer customers something different – products that would make a difference while also being beautiful and eco-friendly. Using software design tools and a 3D printer, I began making 3D-printed flower planters. The material used to make the planters is made from vegetables to create a biodegradable plastic that is both environmentally friendly, durable, and long-lasting. My goal is to provide high-quality products to my customers, and I believe that these flower planters meet that standard.

I also make AI-generated artwork. As someone who has always wanted to draw and paint but lacked the necessary physical skills, AI has enabled me to create beautiful, imaginative works of art that captivate the imagination. A thought can enter my head. Those thoughts are then used to generate the artwork and incorporate them into a canvas. The results are truly stunning.

I also incorporate sustainable features in my artwork. Most of my artwork is only produced physically once it is ordered. This ensures that there is no unnecessary waste of materials. Also, the art piece is produced as close to its final destination as possible.

My commitment to sustainability is one of the things that distinguishes me from others in my industry. I don’t believe you have to be perfect but we all can make a change here or there to help benefit our habitat and maybe those around us. I believe that creating products that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible is critical to our future and those that will come after us.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

One of the most significant advantages of being a creative is the freedom it gives me in terms of my schedule and workload. Unlike a traditional 9-to-5, my creative work allows me to set my own schedule and work from wherever I want. This gives me more time to spend with my family and friends. That is very rewarding.

The freedom to express myself and share my thoughts and ideas with the world is the most rewarding aspect of being a creative for me. As a creative, I’m constantly coming up with new ideas and exploring new avenues of inspiration, and seeing those ideas take shape and come to life in the form of a product, artwork, or creative project is incredibly fulfilling.

But, aside from the practical benefits, the most satisfying aspect of being creative is the sense of fulfillment that comes from creating something that has the potential to positively impact others. Whether I’m creating a piece of art or designing a product, there’s a sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing that my work has the potential to make a difference in the world.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes, there is a specific goal driving my creative journey, and that is to make people happy. I know this may sound simple but there can be levels of complexity. For me, creativity is about using my skills and talents to bring joy and happiness to others, not just expressing myself or pursuing my own interests.

God has been a great source of inspiration in my creative journey. At the core of my creative mission is a simple but powerful principle that is rooted in the teachings of God: treating people how I would like to be treated. Making people happy is my attempt to follow this principle

Whether I’m designing a product, making art, or telling a story, my ultimate goal is to make people happy. I want my work to make people smile, brighten their day, or make them feel like they’re not alone. It’s a simple mission, but I believe it has the potential to make a significant difference in people’s lives.

Of course, this mission is not always simple. There are times when I struggle with setbacks and challenges. Even in those moments, I try to keep my focus on my goal of making people happy, which keeps me motivated and driven.

In the end, my creative journey is also about the people I’m creating for, not only me. I want to use my abilities and skills to make a positive difference in the world, and I believe that treating others with kindness and compassion is the best way to do so.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OrtfulCreatives
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ortfulcreatives
• Other: TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@ortfulcreatives