Conversations with Jack Reed

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jack Reed.

Hi Jack, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I moved to Los Angeles in 2011 to attend an MFA program in fine arts. A few months into the program, I realized it was not the trajectory I wanted to be on. Luckily for me, Los Angeles is the media capital of our country. This provided me the opportunity to pivot from fine arts to set and production design.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
A successful career in any creative field is challenging. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that you have to advocate for yourself. There’s a romanticized idea that if you’re talented enough, somebody will discover you and opportunities will just fall into place. That’s exceedingly rare. The reality is, nobody is coming to discover you. Talent matters, but talent alone isn’t enough. You have to work hard, create your own opportunities, put yourself out there, and get back up when things don’t work out. Ultimately, you have to be your own biggest advocate, because no one is going to fight for your success if you don’t.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a production designer for commercial and branded content, and also an artist.

As a production designer, I’m proud to have built a successful career in a field I didn’t even know existed until I was 24. While many of my contemporaries went to film school or had industry connections, I found my own way through tenacity, drive, and talent.

That said, what I’m most proud of is that I’ve never lost my instinct to make art simply for the joy of it. I’ve always maintained a personal art practice, and I continue to create prolifically outside of my professional work. I create because it makes me happy, and because I love sharing that joy with others. I’ve been on a social media hiatus, but I’m excited to start sharing some of the things I’ve been making with the world soon.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I foresee a growing backlash against the slick, hollow aesthetic of AI-generated content. I think artists like myself, who create tangible, handmade work, will become increasingly sought after. I believe there’s going to be a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship, regional aesthetics, individuality, and the human touch.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://WWW.JACKREED.COOL
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackreed.cool/?hl=en