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

Hi JratMonster, why did you pursue a creative career?
My decision to pursue a career in the creative arts is deeply personal. I’ve always had a knack for art and music, creating melodies and visual ideas from a young age. I believe that my purpose in life, alongside being there for my children, is to create music and art. I’m a strong advocate for learning and self-improvement, and I’ve been resourceful in using online platforms like YouTube to educate myself and acquire the necessary skills for composing music and graphic design.

In 2020, I lost all my jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which made me realize that I needed to elevate my skills to thrive in this economy. I decided to pursue formal education, and in the spring of 2024, I completed an Associate’s Degree and Trade Certification in Digital Media focusing on Digital Audio and Video.

The next step for me as an artist is to become an entrepreneur, so I co-founded Sewer Vision Media LLC.

What should our readers know about your business?
Sewer Vision Media LLC was established in 2024 by me and my wife, Selene Lopez. Sewer Vision Media (SVM) is a valuable tool for artists in today’s digital world, providing support to overcome time and skill constraints. We offer digital solutions for independent artists, content creators, filmmakers, entertainment, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. We provide music production, design, and arrangement, including beats, sound mixing, sound and audio editing, as well as graphic design, digital art, video editing, and animation. SVM was born from my life experiences as JratMonster, the independent artist. As a lifelong artist, I know firsthand the mental impact of suppressing your creative outlet. Self-doubt and artist’s block are created when we allow the daily mundane part of life to take over without balance. But life has taught me to never stop creating and learning; you are the masters of your art—your life. We believe that being resourceful and doing what you enjoy, like a creative outlet, will always support good mental health and well-being. Never give up on your dream because it’s never too late to try.

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.
1. We’ll start our day with breakfast at Served 2 Enjoy in LA to try their delicious green chilaquiles topped with a perfectly runny egg.

2. If you’re looking for a quick sketch, head to Cafe Calle where you can enjoy the best Spanish Latte and find a cozy spot to relax or get some work done.

3. Afterwards, we can visit Quintatina Studios for a tattoo and have a smoke sesh in the lounge out back. You’ll find yourself inspired to get tatted from one of the talented artists there.

4. Don’t forget to explore different pockets of LA by getting lost on the Metro. You can catch a sunset at the beach or enjoy dinner in DTLA. One of my favorite spots is Shin Sen Gumi in Little Tokyo, but DT is always crackin.

5. For culture and history, consider visiting the Watts Towers in Watts, CA and La Placita Olvera in DTLA.

6. If you’re into sports, drinking, and chiefing, consider catching an LAFC game and tailgating with the LAFC Hooligans for a good time.

7. After all the activities, you might want to recover with a great workout at Griffith Park by going for a hike. While we’re in the area, grab a pepper steak sandwich from Giamellas.

8. For the most exciting experience, you rolling with me to a video shoot at some of the dopest graffiti walls in Los Angeles today.

9. At night we definetly have to check out an art show at Thinkspace or Superchief gallery because they get wild.

10. For the hangover, we definitely hitting up Birrieria Gonzalez on Maple for some bomb consome and quesatacos.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Throughout my journey, I have met wonderful, beautiful people in my community. Each of them has contributed with their encouragement and admiration for my craft. Many of my close friends are now part of the Sewer Vision network as part of the #SLAP (Support Local Artist Program). This organic network is made up of artists, creatives, talented friends and family; good people who are committed to keeping our social capital within the community of creatives and small business owners. These people deserve a shoutout because their support and contributions is what keeps me going.

Website: https://jratmonster.com/

Instagram: @jratmonster

Twitter: @jratmonster

Facebook: @jratmonster

Youtube: Jratmonster

Other: You can also find my music on all streaming platforms under JratMonster.

Image Credits
Photos by Anais Maldonado @anaisdigital

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.