Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Shapiro
Jason, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Found my love of art at a very young age. I went to school for graphic design while I worked in the food and beverage industry. it wasn’t until much later in life that i made culinary arts my career but consistently did artistic work from home AND while on the job! encouragement from others helped me make this decision to continue being a chef, but also to never give up on my other talents
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
while I was not necessarily a “starving artist” i found moderate success in the field while conducting business as a chef. it wasn’t until Covid that things really took off and i launched my business. not out of necessity, but at that point i had the time to dedicate to that passion.
being a business owner came with its own sets of issues and opportunities for success, but being steadfast and determined helped get through. not a financial benefit right off the bat to say the least, but it begs the question: “do you do it because you love it, or do you do it for the money?”
I CAN say that i continue to get paid for what i love to do (either traditional art, graphics, commission or culinary arts).
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’d say I specialize in traditional forms of art (pencil, pen & ink, acrylic, mixed media). subject matter moves and sways depending on passion project or commission.
I’m most proud of the pieces that I haven’t sold but gave away to have happy homes in a number of places around the world!
I think what sets me apart is my approach. ever changing, developing, learning, growing, and experimenting with what i have seen in a grand scope to integrate into my own unique style.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
help support local art and small business. there are so many creatives trying to be successful in their own right and it take a WORLD of support for those people (much like myself) to reach their goals and dreams.
be open to interpret all art. Beauty is seen in the eye of its beholder, correct? Don’t be afraid to look. in times right now this is profound to look everywhere and see what the creative world is doing and expressing, and do not stifle them, but encourage more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cre8thaletterj.com
- Instagram: @cre8thaletterj @tha_letterj
- Facebook: cre8thaletterj & Tha_letterJ
