Meet Quan The Poet: Poet, Spoken Word Artist, Designer

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

Hi Quan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued a career as an artist because I have always been someone who feels my emotions very deeply. I believe that all forms of art such as music, poetry, painting, dancing, etc. can really help people heal and look inward at themselves. My goal is to use my poetry and art to encourage people to live in their truth and be their most authentic selves.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started writing in high school and it was just a hobby at first but, as years went on I found it to be very therapeutic and when I saw poets on Def Poetry Jam I knew I wanted to be just like them. I have traveled a very long road, as a kid, I was bullied a lot by family and at school. From that, I suffered a lot with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and even had a few suicide attempts. I never really believed in myself and it was hard for me to think that I could be anything positive in this world. After the death of my only brother, I decided that I had to stop living in the shadows and jump into the light to see what happens. I published my book “The Struggle” started going to open mics and poetry slams around LA and really found a home. I was so scared that people would not like my poetry or what I had to say but, from the first moment I hit the stage and did a poem, there was a love that embraced me. It’s hard to describe but, it feels like home. I am learning on this journey that you have to trust yourself and just go for it. In 2020 I thought I would not be chosen for the PAFF spoken word slam but, I went to the audition anyway. Not only was I chosen but I won the “Best Poem” award that night. That taught me to just trust my gut and go for it. Even if I fail there’s still something to learn and gain. I want people to know that my brand is not just about being a “positive” person, it’s about owning your truth. Using that to elevate yourself to the best version of yourself possible. I am about owning all of yourself. The good, bad, ugly, the stuff you want to hide from others. Own it, show it, put it in your art, and let it inspire someone else. You never know who you’re helping just by being yourself. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to a few people. First, I must thank God because he has bought me through so many obstacles and I would not be here without him. Second, I want to dedicate this to Alyesha Wise-Hernandez and Matthew Cuban Herandez of Spoken Lit. They were my first poetry teachers and taught me so much about writing, form, performance but most importantly they always encouraged me to share my truth, Third, I want to dedicate this Paul Mabon and everyone with Diverse Verses LA, they are an organization that believed in me before I did and continues to support me as I grow. Lastly, I dedicate this to my brother Brandon, may he rest in peace. He was the first person in my family to encourage me to write and pursue poetry, I hope he is watching over me and is proud of the work I’ve done so far.

Website: https://www.quanthepoet.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quan_thepoet/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/home

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quanspoetry

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Pz1cuPo6l3ZKJk-FGM7LA

Image Credits
Tru3logic Photography