We had the good fortune of connecting with Jason West and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jason, why did you pursue a creative career?
I decided to pursue an artistic career because creating has always been in my blood and nothing else satisfied my soul.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art career started off in a small college town in Illinois and then shipped up to Chicago. My original plan was to play and write music for a living, while also working on a journalism degree but unfortunately, non of that panned out.

After years of trying to find my direction creatively, i began putting my paintings in small pop up art shows. After my first sale, a spark was ignited in me and I started working on my craft everyday and haven’t stopped since.

My own self worth has been my biggest challenge when it comes to my artistic career. There have been times that I have wanted to throw in the towel because of my frustration with how the art world seems to be at times but once I found an artistic community of like minded individuals that help and support each other, it has been much easier.

Because of that community, I have learned that if it is something you live, you should never give up on it or yourself. Each artist that I have met along the way on this journey, has inspired me to keep going with my art and creativity.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take my best friend out for a cup of coffee and conversation.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this to my sister.

Website: Www.jasonmichaelwestart.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/musicartandunity

Facebook: Www.facebook.com/JasonMichaelWestArt

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.