Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stephen Morgan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Stephen, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I would say it’s not a singular trait, but rather a combination of things. Being physically active has definitely kept me sane. I don’t frequent the gym much anymore, but I do regularly enjoy hiking and sports. Nature is my spiritual refuge, so when I’m hiking or biking it’s a duel threat in also allowing me time to recharge emotionally. I value time away from work and find it equally as important for a balanced life.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’ve always loved Art, but been too afraid to pursue it full time. I let societal and family pressure prevent me from pursuing it as a career. I was told everything from it not being a viable financially decision to it being a childish pursuit. Unfortunately, at the time, I didn’t believe in myself and so I went the traditional route. I tried college, but with only an Associates, jumbled together with random credits, because I didn’t know what my “passion” was, I left. The United States offered me an acceptable alternative to school in the Military so I joined. I played Captain America for a decade in the Army. I am grateful for the experience and the connections I’ve made. As a young boy who grew up without a positive male role model the Army provided that. Eventually, I left because I needed to act for myself. I joined the trades in Construction and quickly excelled, but I still loved Art. After an impromptu tattoo session I joined an apprenticeship. I finally decided to make Art my life. I never thought of tattoo, but It’s a been a long time coming and I’m blessed to be able pursue this full time.
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?
Adaptability, communication and understanding success doesn’t come without mistakes. I think being able to embrace change, learn new skills and pivot when necessary is essential to not only your career development but your own personal growth. Advice to others: the people you surround yourself with can hinder or propel your progress but it is up to you to decide the actions you take.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway is a great reminder to the irony of life. We often live and die for a cause or belief without questioning why?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stephenmorgan.ink
- Instagram: @stephenmorgan.ink
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550124154192&name=xhp_nt__fb__action__open_user
- Twitter: SMorganInk
Image Credits
Carolynn Jacobs
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
