I find most of my joy comes from being inspired by others.
Growing up as an MTV kid of the late 80's and early 90's, music and film production were my first passion. Anything conceptual that contained a starting point, visual journey "mapping," and a compelling brand story to associate, would have my full attention.
Throughout my life, I've attended hundreds of concerts and live events, having traveled around the country to gather inspiration from various styles of design and culture, interesting people, and unique places. Yet, my focus remains undeterred: to express, and give back to what I have taken in.
Some of the most fun and exciting times I ever had were spent during the years I focused on writing and recording an album in the studio, and sharing the experiences of performing live with my bandmates, in front of audiences, my closest friends and family, and those I am meeting for the first time.
It was during these early years that I knew I wanted to establish myself as an artist with a personified name and style, and follow in the footsteps of those I had been so inspired by. I began releasing art and music under the alias name "J:10," and years later, would continue to develop this persona into name, "Justin Phoenixx."
When I set a goal, I commit myself: Los Angeles
My love for music and visual production would soon inspire my first leap - a move to Los Angeles (Hollywood, CA), furthering my education and development as an artist. While living in California, I experienced how large (and small) budget teams work together to fuel and carry a vision.
Being on the set for various independent films and music videos, I would find myself fascinated with the entire creative process, while many times also contributing with model/acting, makeup and special effects, prep/styling, helping light a set, sound-check a stage, and even documenting the process from behind a lense.
Leaving Hollywood and moving back to my hometown of Cincinnati, OH (Northern Kentucky) was one of the hardest decisions I've had to make. In many ways, it felt like everything I had worked for up to that point was being ripped from me.
Life seemed to be one continuous episodic rollercoaster, filled with dreams and aspirations, hard work and doubling-down, only to reach the finish line and realize that I would be better-suited to hit the "refresh button," and start over.
Delivering the Commencement Speech for Antonelli College of Art & Design's Class Graduation (2010)
Faced with the decision of staying in Hollywood to continuing pursuing my style of art through music, (which I had worked so hard to achieve up to this point), or refining my skills as a professional designer, meant swallowing the bitterness of leaving Los Angeles behind, to move back home and re-enroll as a student and completing the mission of being only the second person in my entire family to complete college.
There isn't a day that goes by that I don't feel a bit of sadness and remorse for having to indefinitely put my dreams on hold and leave California. Although, the amount of gratitude and joy I felt when my Mother, (the person who had given and sacrificed everything for me to have a chance to succeed in the world) was there to witness and share this moment, proved my decision of leaving California to finish college to be worth the sacrifice.
Home-grown: Cincinnati
Upon graduating, rather than following the traditional path of working with design agencies, I began to explore the idea of early entrepreneurship. And so, I began anew.
Having already accumulated years of experience in networking, collaborating with other artists and other entrepreneurs, the tough decision was made to bypass the "safer" route of working for established entities, and instead - invest in my own private art studio. Thus, officially began my design career as an independent.
These pivotal years would challenge me in ways I could never begin to imagine. Over the next decade, I would create my own LLC (Phoenixx Creative), and begin making a living the hard way, while splitting time between working out of my studio, startup shared co-op spaces, coffee shops, and practically anywhere I could find wifi.
"J:10 Studios," private art studio (2010-2017)
Along the way, I landed clients by attending any, and every networking or live event I could find, while documenting the process, and learning everything I possibly could from each project and person I experienced.
Many times, I didn't make enough money to afford rent. If I managed to get paid, it was a bonus. If there was no pay, sometimes there were other perks - entrance and access into special events, and at the very least, I found the opportunity to meet and network, to be compensation enough.
However, I continued to march forward, finding feature projects to keep me busy. I worked on set for several indie productions (Rockabilly Blood, Main Moon, The Heights Music Festival) and participated in live art exhibitions (Ghost Empire Collective, "Art's Bizzarre"), while continuing to experience design culture by exploring travel to other cities (New York City, Boston, New Orleans, Tampa, Nashville, Louisville), and I even took a venture into the world of professional wrestling.
My passion for 80s and 90s culture helps fuel my creativity and inspire a lot of innovative thinking.
Leading By Design: Nashville / Louisville
It was around this time that I landed a freelance gig with the biggest music and live events marketing agency in the Midwest, Outback Presents. It was here that I developed the precision skills needed to create, design, and edit professionally, with the purpose of supporting marketing and sales for live events.
My work was featured nationally, around the country on billboards, in magazine publications, and inside music venues all across the country. I was provided the opportunity to work directly with nationally touring artists, and their management teams, as well directly alongside the internal marketing agency.
In addition, I've had my work featured in several magazines and publications, (including multiple features in PGA of America) and prominently display ads on billboards across many major cities in North America.
Professionally, I've been blessed to work on projects, large and small. From startup teams and entrepreneurs, to established companies with traditionally organized structures, I've experienced everything imaginable.
Home Again (Cincinnati)
A leap into the digital world of User Experience and Interface Design (UX/UI) would yield a golden opportunity for me, as I was hired to support the early creative efforts of SoLo Funds, Inc. (the first of it's kind, pure, peer-to-peer mobile lending platform).
Through effective design and marketing strategies, we would collectively raise the company's first $5MM in funds, eventually earning SoLo Funds a spot on CNBC's "Disruptor 50" list.
Today
I have full intentions of continuing to capitalize on any opportunities provided, while my ambition to create for today is no less than it was when I first began this journey almost 20 years ago.
Regardless of the size of the team, or the particulars of the roles I have been placed, I continue to find new ways to challenge myself and make it a point to leave a piece of my soul within everything I create.
The passion for creativity and design are embedded in me, and as long as I have the means to continue to make things that bring me joy, I will inevitably find happiness in my life.
Me and my best girl, Kyla.