Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jon McGregor. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jon, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
By trudging forward, even in the face of fear, doubt and sadness. Throughout my life I’ve been in environments and scenarios where artistic creativity has been discouraged but my compulsion to create could not be quelled.
I guess much of keeping my creativity alive is a rebellious nature that regardless if it was middle school, church with my parents, bleak office jobs etc I’d have a sketchbook and if I didn’t I was going to find something to draw with. Like even if you feel it’s not appropriate I can’t be stopped. This sounds incredibly dramatic but I love art, I love the act of creating and when I’m kept away from it, it breaks my heart. I’m grief stricken.
Retaining the joy of creation and discovery is by fiercely protecting it.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Recently I discovered my official title is “multimedia artist”. I’m an illustrator, a graphic designer and dabble in animation. I like to do the fun stuff and continue to learn and study to make more fun stuff. My website has six sub-portfolios: animation backgrounds, characters, illustration, graphic design, pixel art and painting. I’m also slowly, quietly assembling a pitch bible for a cartoon which could very well just be a fun project but you never know, y’know?
My journey has been a rough road fueled d by my passion for art and a need to prove myself after a lazy reputation in art school. Unfortunately my lifelong battle with major depression hindered my progress, causing missed opportunities and self-sabotage.
In 2019, a manic episode led me to move to Los Angeles, pursuing success and glory. But my plans fell apart, leaving me homeless and distant from my partner and child as the covid lockdowns were going into effect. My depression worsened, and out of the mourning of my career as well as the grief that I might not see my child again I got pretty close to the edge.
Determined to turn my life around, I sought help. With therapy, medication, and thicker skin, I slowly rebuilt my world. After nine excruciating months, I was finally reunited with my family, working hard to make amends and regain their trust.
Now, I prioritize self-care and mental health, working a steady job while exploring my creativity with my kid. So I guess story is a redemption arc, which I’d like to think demonstrates the power of resilience and the importance of seeking support. If you’re reading this and considering a similar route, I encourage you to take a step back, ask who you’re doing this for and if you’re thinking clearly to avoid the same results.
I haven’t taken on many commissions lately, I’m in the pursuit of creative discovery and developing a portfolio good enough to make use of my degree so I can have a job I care about that also keeps us fed.
I’m not opposed to anyone following my progress if they’re interested.
Also, my name online is “McGaggles” which was a college nickname and it became my thing.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1) Learn from other disciplines. If you paint, look at graphic designers. If you’re an illustrator, make a moodboard of perfume advertisement photos. Your work not only stands out but you realize how much you have in common with other artists.
2) Dependability is more valuable than talent.
3) Have some self respect. If you want to make the best work possible sleep when your body needs it and expect a living wage. Being an artist isn’t trivial.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
Survival.
The risks I took pursuing the top bars of Mendel’s Hierarchy rather than the bottom had an impact on our standard of living s0 that while I’m no longer catatonic with depression we haven’t ever
In spite of everything, I am proud of the progress I’ve made as a creative and a parent. The unbelievable sacrifices I’ve for both my creative passions and my child have made be better for both.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mcgaggles.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-mcgregor-56151453/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/soberskeleton
