Meet Jayvone Paige | Photographer & Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jayvone Paige and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jayvone, how do you think about risk?
I, generally, think the outlook on risks and wether you take action or let it drown you in anxiety determines the resulting fruits of your labor. If anyone were to ask me how do I grow as an artist, person, and in overall life, taking risks will find its way into the answer. I am a firm advocate for the expression ” You only have one life “, and this expression leads me through the path of unknown destination while simultaneously countering any anxiety that comes with the life of a creative/artist. In a way, it opens your third eye and clarifies the thought process that sometimes its not about the destination and end goal, but it’s the journey and experience… with the destination being only a result of that journey. Personally, the path to my goal had many road blocks and foggy roads. Down each foggy road, I had to make a important decision on wether to choose an entirely different path, take a few steps back and start over, or risk walking through the fog without knowing the possible outcomes. Parents would try to convince you to hold off on dreams and get a job, society would deem you a failure for your shortcomings and not meeting their expectations, and anxiety will instill fear in you and overtime you’ll become your worst enemy. This was the times I had to take the risks and be intransigent to all outside voices. I lost friends, money, and mental security during these times, but I endured off mere will, work, and faith. When the fog cleared, I was in a better position than I have ever been, my art had reached levels in a couple months that I assumed would take years, I lost toxic and unnecessary friends and gained new friends that I could call family. With that being said, I think life and risks are like rain and water… you can’t obtain the latter without the other..

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is unique because it is born from my brain and thoughts. Since the start of my journey, I felt I would only achieve my goals if my art is pure and raw from source with no outside altering or tampering. I can only consider myself an artist if its my art and I can only consider myself a creative director if I created and directed it. I wouldn’t say this sets me apart from the others, but it does make me smile when I hang my art on the wall. I figure it’s the same feeling Beethoven felt when making Moonlight Sonata. In other words, I rather make raw art that is appreciated by few rather than replicating art that is appreciated and admired by all.

I got to where I am today professionally by simply seeing the road through and keeping my eyes on on the top of the mountain without looking down. No, it was not easy., but learning comes from failure and this breeds progression wether the path is tedious or smooth. There is no such thing as failure when it comes to making art, only when it comes to having expectations. I cleared my mind from expectations and achieving standards. I do what I do because I love it and enjoy it, and just so happen I can turn it into my career. In the end, the ups are ups and the downs are always bittersweet

The main lesson I learned along the way is; it’s you’re life, you have one, either you just be and eventually become more or you spend it chasing “being” without ever acknowledging the present until they are memories.

With that being said, presently, I want the world to know that I love Anime, alternative/indie and retro music, chilling with the same 6 people I have always chilled with since 3rd grade, and artistic and therapeutic things. I don’t love money but I love having it so I can buy hoodies and off-white shoes.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I personally feel I wouldn’t be where I am today without my 4 closest friends that I grew up with and two recently gained friends that I can now consider family as well. These guys provided me with something money couldn’t buy, success couldn’t replicate, and School couldn’t teach. Wether there was a cloud over my head or a sun shining down on me, they always guided me when I had questions and worries that I couldn’t answer myself. They know who they are… so all love and upmost respect to you guys.

Instagram: @jayvonepaige