Today we’d like to introduce you to Mickey Jackson.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m a freelance photographer based in Las Vegas. I was born in Portland, OR. Shortly after, me and my mother moved to LA where we bounced around until ending up in Vegas. I still hold a very special connection with the city though.
I’ve been into the arts since I can remember. Starting off in Los Angeles during the clown dancing movement, ultimately transitioning into Krump. Dance was my first love. When dance no longer fed my urge, I fell into music. I bought my first camera in 2011 just to shoot music videos with friends. I never took it seriously even though I had ideas. Spent a few years chasing rap dreams before realizing I felt better behind the scenes. When I lost interest in music as a career, I found myself in limbo. I worked a ton of odd jobs before deciding that I’d take another crack at the art scene. I just didn’t know what lane.
I started taking photos of an ex and her friends out of pure boredom. It was a good time and a way for me to connect with people. I’m a horrible public speaker. But After my first post getting like 20 likes, I thought I was made, I found my niche and this was it lol. I’m now going on my 3rd year of photography and I couldn’t be more pleased with where I landed. It helped me broaden my perspectives while fully recognizing others. It provided me an interest that would keep me out the streets and focused. I’m grateful for finding something I can be recognized for. You know?
I hope to venture into other mediums like paint & film but for now, I’m focused on mastering this craft.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s been super tough every second of the way but only because of expectations I placed on my art. Constantly wondering where it belongs or if I’m even creating it to belong. The biggest mistake we can make as artist is to rush or time our arrival as an artist.
The scariest thing is losing the fun in it all. So I try to preserve that pure part of just wanting to mix it up and come up with stuff to wow my peers. It’s always going to be tough. & if you keep investing into your ability, eventually an audience will find you. If that’s what it’s about. But again, “expectations”.
I got some really solid advice recently that might save all the blah blah, “keep discovering the things you love and find ways to put them into photographs” d.s.c. I’ll never forget that.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Creators Societe – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I’m apart of a collective of creatives called Tha Societe. It consist of photographers, directors, writers , graphic designers, etc. They push me and support me. It’s super valuable having people in your corner. Especially like minded people. Personally, I guess I’m in the business of telling stories that are pleasing to the eye . I’m most proud of being able to say that I love what I do though. I obsess. I love making people feel something and I know my team does too.
I’d also have to say you have to be borderline insane over your work in order to grow . Im pretty nuts about my ideas and my me time(shooting) I’m huge on studying artist of the past and young artist setting the pace now. You have to be knowledgeable . You have to evolve.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Outside of the traffic and parking, I don’t have anything bad to say about LA. I love it there. I’d really like to move back and create there. Soon.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @csmickey
Image Credit:
Tj and tibs, Cierra, Jocelyn , Xavier , Thaina , Esau and Cris
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