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

Vintaj, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on has been building my personal brand and music career under the name “Vintaj.”

This project wasn’t just about releasing music—it was about reclaiming my voice. I started working on it while I was still in the military, often balancing long shifts and strict structure with an inner drive to create. Music had always been a part of me, but this was the first time I committed to doing it seriously. No label, no team—just a vision, a mic, and a determination to figure it out.

I handled everything from writing and recording to branding, web design, and merch. I even taught myself how to mix tracks and build an online presence. It was challenging, but it was mine. Every late night, every setback, every breakthrough—it was all part of shaping something authentic.

What makes it meaningful is that it became more than just music. It became a platform. A way to connect with people who felt something real in what I was creating. Hearing from listeners who told me my lyrics made them feel understood—that’s when I knew I was doing something that mattered.

It’s been a journey of growth, creativity, and self-belief. And it laid the foundation for what I’m continuing to build—not just as an artist, but as a small business owner and creative entrepreneur.

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?

I’m Isaiah D’Angelo Gilbert, known artistically as Vintaj—an independent artist, designer, and creative entrepreneur based in Arizona. I create R&B-influenced music, build brands, and develop visuals that reflect authenticity, emotion, and intention. Everything I do—whether it’s music, visuals, or lifestyle content—is rooted in real-life experience, resilience, and self-expression.

My creative journey started during my time in the Air Force. Music and design became a personal outlet—a way to process life, stress, and identity when things felt heavy. What started as a coping tool grew into a calling. Over time, I realized I didn’t just want to create art for myself—I wanted to build a brand and platform that helped others feel seen too.

Under the Vintaj brand, I offer:

Original music that blends emotional storytelling with smooth, R&B-inspired production

Graphic design and logo work for creatives and small businesses

Website building and branding services that help others bring their vision to life

Vinyl stickers and merch that reflect my lifestyle and visual aesthetic

What sets my work apart is the level of intentionality behind it. Whether I’m making a track or designing a logo, I make sure it’s meaningful. I’m not about trends or surface-level content—I’m about building something real. I know what it’s like to feel overlooked or under-resourced, and I bring that perspective into every project I take on. I meet people where they are, and I help bring their ideas to life in a way that feels true to them.

What I’m most proud of is the growth I’ve made—personally and creatively. I started from scratch with no blueprint, just a vision and the hunger to create. Every song, every brand I’ve helped launch, every person I’ve connected with—it’s all part of the mission.

For anyone new to my work, I want you to know that Vintaj World is more than a brand—it’s a space for real connection, creative freedom, and personal elevation. Whether you’re a fan, a collaborator, or just someone curious about what I do—there’s something here for you.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the clearest examples of resilience in my journey was making music while I was in the military.

Serving in the Air Force came with structure, pressure, and long hours—but in the middle of all that, I still felt this deep need to create. I didn’t have a professional setup or a lot of time. Most nights I was tired, mentally and physically. But music became my way of staying grounded and staying me. I’d record, write during downtime, and create in whatever space I could find—even if it meant sacrificing sleep or pushing through stress.

There were times I questioned if it even made sense—pursuing art in an environment that didn’t exactly prioritize creativity. But I kept doing it anyway. I wasn’t chasing numbers or fame—I just needed an outlet. It was therapy. It was survival.

That process taught me how to create under pressure, how to stay consistent even when conditions aren’t perfect, and how to believe in myself when no one’s watching. It made me resourceful. It made me sharp. And more than anything, it proved that no matter where I am or what’s around me, I’m always going to find a way to express what’s real.

That chapter is a big part of why I create the way I do now—with purpose, with emotion, and with full authenticity.

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

At the core of my creative journey is a mission to make people feel seen, heard, and inspired to be their most authentic selves.

I create from a real place—whether it’s music, design, or visuals—and I want that energy to reach people who might feel overlooked, stuck, or like they have to dim themselves down to fit in. I know what it’s like to carry emotion, ambition, and creativity all at once—and not always have the space to release it. That’s why I built Vintaj World—not just to showcase my art, but to build a platform that empowers expression and reminds people their story matters.

I want my work to reflect truth, growth, and freedom. Everything I create—every song, every design—is meant to spark something in others. Whether it gives someone peace, motivation, or the courage to start their own thing, I want them to walk away feeling more connected to who they are.

The bigger picture? To create a brand and a body of work that lives beyond me. Something that stands for authenticity, creativity without limits, and showing up even when it’s hard. That’s the legacy I’m building—brick by brick, moment by moment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vintaj.world
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byvintaj/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vintajworld
• Twitter: https://x.com/byvintaj
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Vintaj
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/byvintaj

Image Credits

https://www.instagram.com/eyeofamonk/