We recently connected with Tarrion J. and have shared our conversation below.
Tarrion J., appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The most meaningful project I’ve ever worked on has undoubtedly been my blog, “Perplexxed.” It has evolved into something truly special over the years, and its significance in my life goes beyond words.
The backstory of this project is deeply rooted in my personal journey and the circumstances I was facing at the time I started it. Initially, I began writing my blog as a way to cope with the challenges and struggles I was going through. It was a therapeutic outlet for me, a digital diary where I could express my thoughts and feelings, even if it meant sharing my vulnerability with the world. At that point in my life, I was battling the feeling of isolation, convinced that I was the only one going through the specific hardships I faced.
Before starting “Perplexxed,” I had a habit of bottling up my emotions and not allowing anyone to enter my world, let alone my inner thoughts. This self-imposed isolation was driven by a reluctance to talk about my troubles, a fear of judgment, and a sense of shame. However, as I continued to pour my heart and soul into my blog, something remarkable happened. People started discovering it, reading my posts, and relating to the emotions I was sharing.
The blog gradually transformed into a safe haven for others who felt similarly alone and perplexed by their own challenges. As the community around “Perplexxed” grew, I realized that I had unintentionally created a supportive space for individuals who, like me, needed a place to be heard and understood without judgment. It became a platform where people could openly discuss their struggles, share their experiences, and find solace in the knowledge that they were not alone in their journey.
This is why “Perplexxed” is so meaningful to me. It has allowed me to transition from a person who concealed their inner world to someone who fosters a community of understanding and empathy. The sense of love, joy, and appreciation that fills my heart is immeasurable. It’s incredibly gratifying to witness the positive impact my blog has had on the lives of others, knowing that they have found comfort, support, and a sense of belonging through the words I share.
All in all, “Perplexxed” started as a personal therapeutic endeavor, but it has evolved into a meaningful project that not only allows me to express myself but also serves as a lifeline for others navigating similar challenges. This transformation has enriched my life and given it a sense of purpose that I could never have anticipated when I first began this journey.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Absolutely, let me tell you a bit more about myself and my journey in the creative world. I’ve always been a passionate artist, finding solace and self-expression in the realm of creativity. From a young age, I immersed myself in various forms of art, including acting, singing, dancing, and writing. Art, particularly writing, became my go-to outlet when words alone couldn’t capture the depth of my emotions and experiences. It was a natural extension of who I was and what I felt compelled to do.
As I continued down this creative path, I noticed that my writing had started to evolve from a mere passion project into something more profound. Writing had become an integral part of my life, woven into the very fabric of my being. It was no longer just a hobby; it was my identity.
What truly sets me apart from other creatives is my unflinching willingness to be open and vulnerable. I’ve never been afraid to broach topics that many might shy away from due to discomfort or societal taboos. My guiding philosophy has always been that there is someone out there who needs to hear what I have to say, no matter how challenging or unconventional the subject matter may be. Whether it’s one person or a hundred, I believe that my words can touch and resonate with those who seek them.
However, there was a point in my journey when I allowed the performance aspect of my blog to overshadow the core joy of writing itself. The pressure to meet the expectations of my readers sometimes made me hesitate to post, as I feared failing them. This temporary setback caused me to step back from writing for a while, as it drained the joy out of the creative process. My initial goal was simple: to express my deepest thoughts and emotions with the world. I needed to recenter and regain focus, remembering why I started this journey in the first place. I realized that, while I write for others, I must always write for myself first and foremost.
What I’m most proud of is the incredible connections and relationships I’ve built with my readers. They come from all corners of the world, and I consider them not just readers, but friends. It’s heartwarming to see that so many people not only understand my work but also resonate with me on a personal level in their unique ways. My pride also stems from my ability to be vulnerable in my writing. It’s this vulnerability that allows me to connect with my audience on a deeper level, and it’s one of the key elements that defines my creative work.
In essence, my brand is about authenticity, vulnerability, and the unapologetic expression of emotions and experiences. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that I’m here to create a safe and empathetic space for them to explore their own emotions and thoughts, just as I do through my work. I’m not just an artist; I’m a friend who is willing to explore the depths of the human experience alongside them.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A significant lesson I’ve had to unlearn revolves around letting go of the opinions and advice of others. The backstory to this lesson is rooted in the impact that external influences had on my life and my creative projects. In the past, I had a tendency to allow the well-intentioned (and sometimes not-so-well-intentioned) opinions of others to infiltrate my decision-making process, and it often brought fear into my life, my mind, and even into the projects I was most passionate about.
It was disheartening to witness how these external voices could hinder projects that initially excited me. I’d embark on a creative endeavor with enthusiasm, only to second-guess my choices after seeking input from various people. While seeking feedback and advice can be valuable, I found that it became counterproductive when I allowed the doubts and fears of others to overshadow my own intuition.
Over time, I realized that not everyone would truly understand my vision or the passion behind my projects. There are those who will never fully grasp the depth of your ideas or the driving force behind your creativity. It was a pivotal moment when I decided to stop soliciting opinions from those who didn’t share my vision or passion, and I chose to block out the noise.
This unlearning process was transformative because it encouraged me to trust myself and listen to my gut instincts. I began to recognize that I had never steered myself wrong when I followed my own intuition and stayed true to what felt right for me. Fear had held me back on numerous occasions in the past, but I was determined not to let it continue doing so.
Essentially, the lesson I unlearned was that my path and creative decisions should be heavily influenced by external opinions. I realized that to truly thrive and pursue my passions, I needed to trust my own judgment and intuition. This shift in perspective has allowed me to embrace my projects with renewed confidence and, most importantly, to do what makes me feel good, inspired, and fulfilled. It’s a lesson that has enabled me to break free from the shackles of fear and regain control of my creative journey.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative, for me, is witnessing the transformation of my writing as it takes on a life of its own. It’s an incredible journey to see my words and creations extend beyond the confines of my own platform and reach a broader audience.
Over time, many of my blogs have been featured in various publications, projects, and platforms, and it’s a deeply gratifying experience. It’s as if my words have found their own path, resonating with others and making a positive impact in unexpected places.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of this creative journey is the connection I’ve established with readers from all around the world. Receiving emails, messages, and comments from people of different races, countries, cultural backgrounds, and walks of life is a testament to the universality of human experiences. It’s a reminder that, no matter where you are or who you are, the core of our existence is shared. We all grapple with similar emotions, challenges, and aspirations. This realization has been nothing short of amazing.
The reception and appreciation of my work from a diverse and global audience serve as a constant source of inspiration and motivation. It reinforces the idea that creativity knows no boundaries and that the power of art can transcend borders and connect people on a profound level. The ability to touch the hearts and minds of individuals from various backgrounds is a humbling and rewarding experience, and it’s a driving force that encourages me to continue my creative journey with passion and purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: perplexxed.blog
- Instagram: @tarrionj
- Twitter: @Tarrionj
Image Credits
Brielle Gibson ( ig @thebriellejanae)