We were lucky to catch up with Kj Bennett recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kj, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I’m EASILY inspired. I’m such a fan of the creative process. My mind is always working and I’m constantly writing out ideas for concepts and things I’d like to work on. It kind of stems from wanting to create a world of my own, under the Joee Spacey umbrella, and putting myself into those ideas and concepts I’d like to see into the world. Wanting to give people a piece of who I am with everything I make.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m primarily a graphic designer. That’s 90% of what goes into the graphics/images that come out, that are released as a Joee Spacey product or item. For different projects, I’ll do whatever makes sense, like snapping photos of scenery I like so that I can design a poster, image or something for the Streetwear side of Joee Spacey. I’ve been doing A LOT of pop-up’s and have been enjoying the experience of vending lately. I have a pop-up that’ll be done by the time this interview comes out but it’ll be my FIRST pop-up in Maryland and I’m hella excited for that, because normally I’m in DC for a majority of my pop-up opportunities. The pop-up is called The Makers market at Plants Alive. I’m aspiring to touch different cities & states for pop-ups also. I’ve began to frame my posters, and that’s a dope new addition to my inventory and booth at my vending events. I’ll have screenprinted hoodies on the way really soon also, they’ll have the cat logo on the back of them.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Definitely growing to be more comfortable and efficient in Photoshop. I purchased courses from Udemy, for the low, to enable certifications for myself. Those certs helped me complete exercises that got me to be WAYYY more creative with Photoshop. Having a creative mentor, that enables resources, information and insight. Lastly, always looking internally. Because I’m easily inspired, I’m always looking to express myself and to get better at creating or getting my ideas out to potential buyers and supporters. So dissect yourself, like why you like or dislike something. What you want to put out into the world, what you want to represent. Ponder on alignment.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My mom helps me with my pop-ups. She was there at my FIRST pop-up. She’s seen the impact I’ve had and how people have been receptive to my brand and ideas. Both my parents are hustlers and are creative in their own rights. My dad talks with me about ideas and has presented different ways of execution often. I actually use his laptop and heat press to work on things STILL. They encourage me to be creative and to build something of my own. To work hard and to remain an individual.
Contact Info:
- Website: JoeeSpacey.com
- Instagram: @joeespacey
- Twitter: @joeespacey
Image Credits
Carey of Artbae Mia B. Adams
