Today we’d like to introduce you to Jared Rodriguez.
Hi Jared, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been an artist for as long as I could remember. As a kid, I would make up my own characters in my head and draw them, create outfits for each character to match their style, painting sneakers to make them my own, listen to music and be fascinated on how these songs came together. As I got older, my love of art just amplified into new levels of creating. I began to paint my own canvases, teach myself how to do graphic design, start my own clothing line, and my love for music pushed me to start creating some of my own.
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?
Being an artist comes with so many challenges only a fellow artist can understand. Once I got older, I came to the realization that I had to make a decision for myself. I was in college unhappy, spending tuition money on a degree I felt would do nothing for me in life but be unfulfilled. I dropped out. Some may say it wasn’t smart for me to do that, others may agree, but I had to ask myself who are you doing this for? I was taking the road most followed to please the people around me, I wasn’t doing it for myself. I made my passion my plan A, no plan B. No turning back. When you’re an artist sometimes even your closest friends and family members won’t see your vision. I had to learn that. I had to learn that my path is a lonely one. Only I know what I’m capable of, I just have to put in the work and show the world. I’m nowhere near where I want to be but I’m happy, I’m working towards my goals which make me feel fulfilled in this life and that’s all that matters. Any artist just wants to leave something on this earth that can be praised even after they’re gone. I just wanna make my mark.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a multimedia, clothing designer, and musical artist. My clothing brand/record label “GRAMBLING” (www.gramblingbrand.com) includes streetwear pieces such as hoodies, trucker hats, t-shirts, etc. all designs I’ve created myself. I’ve also released my first full-length album entitled “JUST WANNA BE A RAPPER” under my own label. As well as my new single “SAVING FACE$.” I think what sets me apart from others is that I’m authentic in who I am and what I create. I don’t look for shortcuts or handouts. I’m willing to take the long road if it means I won’t change for anyone. I’m doing what’s true to me and in the end, that’s what I’ll be most proud of.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is to just do what you love. Find something you enjoy that makes your heartbeat. Find something that makes you excited to live. Forget the doubters. Block everything out and lock in with yourself. Even if that means cutting out people or things from your life. Keep this mentality throughout your journey, not just when you start. As an artist there will be many roadblocks along the way, enjoy the process. Enjoy getting better with your craft. Stop comparing yourself to others, your only competition is yourself. You will be exactly where you want to be as long as you don’t quit.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gramblingbrand.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/jigginjay
- Twitter: Twitter.com/jigginjay_
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCUc6Y8henejcM0CkHWXWKaA
Image Credits
Demetria Jennings Nick Ramirez
