Today we’d like to introduce you to James Chester.
Hi James, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always had an interest in standing out, being the odd one when it came to being creative. And it didn’t matter if it was in music, designing graphics, or even how I spoke or acted. I wanted to be different than everyone else. All of that is what has led me to where I am today. That level of individuality sets me apart from the rest. Yes, I may offer services that hundreds of others offer, but they’re not J. Avery. They can’t bring to the table what I bring.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Where I currently am, it hasn’t been smooth at all. For years I didn’t know what my purpose was. I literally wandered through life without purpose and not even living. Everything was cloudy, if you will. I spent nearly over twenty years drinking my life away. I hid behind the alcohol unable to see who I was and what my purpose was. It wasn’t until recently, about a year and a half ago, that I decided it was time to do something different because it was obvious that everything I had been doing up until that point, wasn’t working for me. Once I stopped drinking, the cloudiness disappeared and I began to see J. Avery in a different light. But still struggled with depression. I got to a point where I had to decide to either climb my way out of the twenty year hole I had dug myself into or I was going to sit in my BS and continue to fall deeper. I had a period of isolation where I locked myself in my room and dealt with me. I faced all of my crap and issues, stared them in the eye and told them they would not continue to have a hold on me. I cried, I got angry, I cried some more. But within that two months I realized how amazing I am, I realized how resilient I am, I realized how unstoppable I am. Today, even though I am still a work in progress, I stand here more confident, healed, and level headed than I’ve been in my forty years on this earth. I realize that I have so much to smile and be happy about and this is only the beginning.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am what I like to call an artist of authenticity. I specialize in graphic design, writing, and storytelling focused on helping other creatives amplify their voices in the areas of music, video, and film. I’m a singer-songwriter, thespian, writer, producer, podcaster, graphic designer, actor, and voice actor. Out of all of that, I think I am most proud of the journey I’ve been on as far as growing to who I am currently. Seeing where I came from and what it took for me to get out of that dark place, it makes me so happy and beyond proud of myself that I did it on my own. And the authenticity I showcase is what sets me apart from others.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Honestly, there are a few ways to work with me or support what I’m building. If you’re a creative—whether you’re a writer, singer, designer, or just someone with a dope idea—I’m always open to collaborations that feel aligned and intentional. I offer graphic design, editing services, and digital content creation, so people can hit me up for help bringing their visions to fruition.
On a support level, following my journey, sharing my work, listening to and sharing my music, booking my services, or just spreading the word means everything. I’m an independent creative building something from scratch, so even the smallest support doesn’t go unnoticed. And if you’re someone who believes in raw, healing storytelling—hell yeah, let’s talk.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.j-avery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/javerysings
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@javerysings
- Other: https://www.umgfx.com
Image Credits
TP Conover Photography (Teren Posey-Conover)
