Today we’d like to introduce you to John Carroll.
Thanks for sharing your story with us John. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started making blackout poetry as a writing exercise about 7 years ago. My main focus up until that point with writing had been fiction, essays, and journalism. Blackout poetry provided a vehicle for me to be able to create something quickly that was challenging and satisfying, but didn’t require hours of dedication.
After dabbling with the medium for a few years I decided to challenge myself to a year of making blackout poetry. I created an Instagram account called @makeblackoutpoetry to encourage others to follow along and even try their hand at the art form.
To put the focus on the art and not a person, I decided to be anonymous while starting this new artistic venture. After the first year, I had garnered 15 thousand followers and developed a discipline for completing a piece of work everyday. That was almost 5 years ago.
Since then I’ve held numerous workshops at businesses and schools teaching others the art of blackout poetry. I’ve release two blackout poetry books so far and have a blackout poetry journal coming out later this year.
It’s been a beautiful experience that has taught me that no matter how old your are or what your creative background may or may not be, everyone is creative if given the opportunity.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Make Blackout Poetry has been a very organic project. I’ve never had any major struggles. The only situation that comes to mind was when I was trying to get an agent to publish a book. I sent out 5 inquiry letters to agents. I received three rejection letters and never heard back from the other two.
A month later, I was contacted by Eyewear Press out of London who I re-released my book, Hidden Messages of Hope with in 2017. A few months later, I signed another book deal with Abrams Books out of New York City to release a blackout poetry journal later this year.
Both publishers found Make Blackout Poetry on Instagram.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Make Blackout Poetry story. Tell us more about the business.
Make Blackout Poetry is a community based art project that encourages creativity to anyone, no matter their background or skill level, to try their hand at blackout poetry and ultimately being creative in general.
Blackout poetry is the art of redaction. Anyone can create a blackout poem by taking a piece of text (book page, newspapers, etc.) and finding their own message in the words provided. Once a new message has been found, you then cover the remaining text with marker, paint or any other creative means necessary.
Make Blackout Poetry became popular on social media platforms, mainly Instagram. The first few years Make Blackout Poetry primarily featured the artwork of the founder of the project, John Carroll. With the increased popularity of the account, Make Blackout Poetry transitioned to a community focus and now also features the work of other blackout poetry artists that submit their work.
Make Blackout Poetry currently has over 66 thousand followers on Instagram.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Love and consistency has played a bigger role than luck. I believe that spreading messages of hope, love and community on a daily basis is the main factor for the success of the project.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.makeblackoutpoetry.com
- Email: makeblackoutpoetry@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeblackoutpoetry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makeblackouts
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/makeblackouts
- Other: https://store.eyewearpublishing.com/collections/frontpage/products/hidden-messages-of-hope
Image Credit:
Picture of John Carroll was taken by Wesley Cummings | @wesley_cummings on Instagram | www.wesleycummings.com
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
