Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Kang.
Jamie , please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I picked up my first camera the summer I graduated high school. Before then, I had no goals and no plans for the future. Photography was the first thing that I felt gave me purpose. I ran around with my friends that summer taking ridiculous pictures and putting together a portfolio that I now laugh and cringe at.
I was very blessed to have parents who supported me through my rebellious high school years, where school was the least of my worries, to my very very expensive dream of going to art school. They sent me to a portfolio school immediately because I had absolutely no experience in art. After a year of creating a portfolio, I applied to my top school, School of Visual Arts, and to my amazement, I was accepted.
I attended SVA for a year and realized that the school was not a good fit for me.
I looked into the prestigious Art Center College of Design and happily transferred as soon as I was accepted. Attending Art Center provided me with all the tools to get me to where I am today. Not only did Art Center’s rigorous program nurture my growth as an artist, but it also helped specify and hone my skills.
Has it been a smooth road?
There were definitely bumps in the road. Struggles that will always stick with me is the mistreatment I endured from the professors at SVA. This is actually one of the main reasons why I also chose to transfer to Pasadena Art Center instead. From racism to mischaracterization, I had to endure a lot of unnecessary trouble at SVA. I used all of the negative emotions as motivation to push myself to achieve greater heights.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to attend business school in the near future. I have always wanted to build a creative agency with a few friends. As artists, we are constantly marketing ourselves and I personally feel it is important that we learn business in addition to our craft. Something that I am looking forward to are the challenges and rewards of running my own business.
Let’s dig a little deeper into your story. What was the hardest time you’ve had?
I think we have all heard of the term “starving artist” before. I think most artists have gone through this stage at least once in their lives. One of my most difficult struggles was surviving through my starving artist phase. I was in my first year of art school in New York, an expensive place to live, as we all know. I was constantly choosing between buying equipment for school or eating a meal – I remember buying $1 pizza and choosing to walk 20 blocks instead of riding the subway.
My family was almost 3,000 miles away in California and the feeling of helplessness was absolutely crushing for the 19-year-old me. I minimized as many costs in my life as I possibly could, cutting spending wherever possible. I worked whenever time permitted for some income and held on to the money for dear life. Thankfully, I had the constant support of my family and friends, and through sacrifice and hard work I was able to overcome these difficulties.
What about “Wow-moments” – any moments that stick out? Any moments when you felt like you had made it?
One of the best moments of my life was when I graduated Art Center College of Design. I received a job offer from Mattel’s Creative Studio the night before I graduated. That amazing experience personally reflected my talent and growth. I feel that I still have a long way to go in my career because it has just started. But, being featured in a magazine has been a great accomplishment where I definitely realized that my career is advancing.
Pricing:
- Always be confident in your pricing because it reflects on your talent.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jamiekangphoto.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: primajama
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jakarmie
