We recently connected with Valin “zeale” Zamarron and have shared our conversation below.
VALIN “ZEALE”, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
I have been earning a living as a full-time creative for some time now, primarily as a musical artist and visual creator. The journey was long, but completing my degree in Advertising at Texas State University and developing various skillsets were crucial. I decided to move to LA post graduation and supported myself with a handful of clients I connected with during my internships in college.
Reaching a sustainable living as a creative is a challenge. During my early stages I didn’t have an understanding of how to generate leads. However, I knew that networking was key. I decided to put a lot of energy into networking with creatives and professionals through every avenue possible. This helped me to accelerate my growth and opportunity.
VALIN “ZEALE”, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am currently a professional in the cross-sector of music, creative production, and event production based in Los Angeles. I am also a voting member of the Grammy LA chapter.
The most recent accomplishment I am really proud of was the opportunity to perform at Madison Square Garden this summer and a feature artist with four time Grammy winner Gary Clark Jr. at the historic Hollywood Bowl in LA.
I am currently working with Roland Instruments and one of the largest beverage brands in the world as a creative content and mixed media producer. Simultaneously, I am writing two new records in the genres of hiphop and hiphop/house music.
As a creative professional, I supply a bridge between the audience and corporate world by effectively translating brand messaging in a colorful, human and artistic way.
As a musical creative, I aim to break current motifs and guardrails. I want to challenge the listener, the industry, and other artists. At the same time I hope to demystify the creative process and encourage creatives to find fulfilling ways to express their art on social platforms and inspire the world instead of force feeding it trends.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Here is a list of books that have absolutely impacted my creative and professional life and that I wish I read earlier (please forgive me if I don’t get the title right):
– The Obstacle Is The Way
– Mediations by Marcus Aurelius
– The Focus Project
– What Got You Here Won’t Get You There
– War of Art
– Wherever You Go There You Are
– The Body Keeps The Score
– The 22 Immutable Laws Of Branding
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of my creative work is the freedom to express and inspire.
I want to continue to be a medium of art, creative freedom, change, and inspiration.
I fundamentally believe artists shape the world and protect the traits that make us most human in the darkest of times.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @zeale
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZEALE
Image Credits
Personal photo shot by the amazing Alex Thomas. Supporting photos shot by ZEALE