Today we’d like to introduce you to JohnJames Urata.
Hi JohnJames, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always felt like my purpose was bigger than just myself. Growing up, I knew I wanted to create, but not only for the sake of creating. I wanted to inspire people, to connect them, and to show that you can lead with love and peace even in a world of so much evil.
My story has been about growth. I’ve made mistakes, I’ve learned from them, and I’ve kept pushing to better myself. I do this now for my son, my family, and the people around me. I want to be the kind of person who leads by example, who shows that no matter what you go through, you can turn it into something positive. At the end of the day, I just want to be a bridge, the glue that brings people together, creates understanding, and hopefully leaves behind more peace than there was before. If I can do that, that’s all I can ask for.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve had to face a lot of challenges, from to work-life balance, fatherhood, and relationships all at the same time. There were moments I felt stuck, moments I let people down, and times where I questioned if I was even on the right path. It’s hard to keep going but what I like to ask myself is, “what if you kept going?”
But those struggles shaped me and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them so I don’t regret them. They taught me patience, discipline, and the importance of staying consistent even when things feel heavy. I’ve learned that the hard times are really what push you to grow, and that’s what keeps me moving forward.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’d say my work is rooted in creative direction and design. I found my lane through experience really, working with different people, testing out different roles, and eventually realizing what I really wanted to do. Running my own business, o2riginal, taught me the most because I had to wear every hat. I wasn’t just designing, I was handling everything from the vision to execution, and that showed me how valuable it is to adapt.
What makes me different is that I can shift depending on what’s needed. For example, when I work with DARC SPORT, my role is focused strictly on graphic design — clean, specific, and nothing more. But in other situations with other companies it can be the total opposite. They want me to think big, come up with the creative ideas, the energy of the shoots, the look and feel of the brand. That balance is what I’m most proud of being able to contribute wherever I’m placed while still keeping my own creative identity. I love to be myself in all these different environments and make a big impact where I can while still being myself, Ø2.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something people might not know about me, even if they know my work, is how deeply rooted I am into Lowriders. It probably wouldn’t shock anyone who knows me, or who has heard the music I play, or even the tattoos I have, but it’s my therapy. I’ve owned at least one Lowrider every year since I was 17. Sometimes they’re down, sometimes they’re out on the streets, but the process has always been what I love most.
Working on cars taught me patience and attention to detail. I’ll strip a car down, learn every inch, search for parts, and put it back together and make it even better than it was new. It’s not something I get to do every single day now with work and being a dad, but it’s something I always come back to. It keeps me grounded, gives me peace, and reminds me to take my time with things in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://o2riginal.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnjameso2riginal
Image Credits
@maccthashooter
