Rising Stars: Meet Kasey Stokes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kasey Stokes.

Hi Kasey, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My origin story is kinda crazy. I was a lost Junior college student with a crazy work ethic motor looking for something to ignite my engine. I was on the verge of getting kicked out of SMC (Santa Monica College). Not cause I couldn’t do the school work or it was too hard, no.

It was because I was uninterested… I’ve spoken on this before, but I nearly failed my first photography call til I had a few professors & administrators set me right & hit me with a huge reality check. I want to shout out to Ms. Valentine & Ms. Bradford, those ladies took me in and set my mind straight for real.

They saw potential, and wouldn’t allow me to waste it. Love them for that, they helped unlock my creative spirit & the ambition to care about my future. I had huge support from my father & grandfather when it came to learning how to hustle & what it meant to be consistent and strive for quality.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not. It’s been quite difficult on this journey of mine. Listen… I’ve been looked over, talked about, discourage, gone broke, failed classes, placed on academic probation, broken equipment days before deadlines, lied to, underpaid. stiffed on an invoice, told I wasn’t good enough.

But all in all, it’s only made me so much stronger! To be real along the way, I’ve developed a hunger to get better day by day not letting things get in my way. I’m at the point now where I feel my endurance can withstand any crazy obstacles that come my way.

By simply making up my mind and saying “ I want this.” or “I’m going to do it.” Lately, I’ve just been telling myself, “I won’t lose”. I stopped making excuses & found ways to get what I needed/wanted to feel like I’ve accomplished my goals.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create. Really simple. I’m a Fine Art major from CSUN. Multimedia art Enthusiast if I was to throw a label or tag on what I love & do. I specialized in photography, cause I love visuals. Lately, though I’ve tapped back into my sketch & design bag & I created a custom clothing thing where I take my art & throw it on some merch.

What am I known for? Man, I don’t know honestly. You would have to ask the people closest to me, my community on IG, or my supporters on social media. I’m just proud of the steps I’ve taken in the last 2 to 3 years, I’ve stayed consistent in pushing my talents out for the world to see. I believe that’s starting to set me apart from others.

I’ve always felt my hustle was unmatched in whatever I set my focus on, once I lock it I get obsessive.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I’ve said it, I’ll keep saying it. Consistency.

Along with an obsessive work ethic I took from my years of athletics. I never let people outwork me. I’m bound to go the extra mile while others get stagnant and complacent. “How bad do you want it?” These are my daily affirmations. I just found a way to convert those principles into building my artistic career.

Sacrifice, dedication & consistency… easy.

Contact Info:

• Website: Shopbystokes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbystokes/

Image Credits
byStokes