We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jerome “Buzzy” Hughes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jerome “Buzzy” below.
Jerome “Buzzy”, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Keeping my creativity alive comes from staying connected to the things that shaped me. Growing up in Trenton, living in my family’s funeral home, was such a unique experience. My brother and I would tell each other stories at night before we fell asleep, and that’s where my imagination really got its spark.
These days, music is a big part of keeping that spark alive. I’m all about funk and jazz from the seventies—that groove just does something to me. I’ll throw on a playlist, let it fill the room, and suddenly I’m in the zone.
When I need a fresh perspective, I’ll head out for a nighttime drive, soaking in the city lights and the energy of people just living their lives. Those little moments—someone crossing the street or a glimpse of something unexpected—can plant the seed for a new idea.
It’s not always smooth or perfect, but that’s part of the magic. Creativity thrives in the messiness, in the stories waiting to be told.
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?
My name is Jerome Hughes, but everyone calls me Buzzy. I grew up in Trenton, NJ, in my family’s funeral home. That unique upbringing exposed me to the harsh realities of life from an early age, but it also taught me the importance of connection and storytelling. My brother and I would make up stories at night before falling asleep, and that creative spark has stayed with me ever since.
After attending the Art Institute of Atlanta—where I also met my wife—I returned to Trenton, where we raised our son. I spent decades working for my family’s funeral business and various other jobs, all the while working on my art in my spare time. In 2014, we moved to my wife’s family home in North Carolina. When COVID hit in 2020, it forced me into retirement, but it also gave me the chance to dedicate myself completely to my passion. That’s when I started “Make it Funky Studio” and began pursuing art full-time.
Since then, it’s been an incredible journey. This year, I won “Best in Show” at Artsplosure in Raleigh, NC, and exhibited my work at Artspace, the Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh, and the Durham Art Guild.
What excites me most is how my art connects with people and being part of a vibrant creative community. I’m looking forward to keeping the momentum going and seeing where this journey takes me in the new year.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
My journey has really shown me how impactful observation, persistence, and confidence can be in shaping an artist’s path. Looking back, I can see how my ability to observe the world around me—from childhood, watching people and creating stories—has been at the core of my creative process. I’ve always had a knack for finding the extraordinary and absurd in the everyday, and this skill has allowed me to bring those observations to life through my art.
Persistence has also been a huge factor in my journey. Balancing family, day jobs, and life’s many challenges has often pulled me away from my creative work, yet I’ve always pushed forward. Even when setbacks—whether personal, physical, or emotional—got in the way, I kept at it. I’ve had to refine my craft through persistence, and I’ve learned that no matter the obstacles, the act of creating has always been worth it.
Confidence has been just as crucial. There were years when I didn’t have exhibits or opportunities to showcase my work, but I never stopped believing in what I was doing. I knew that my stories mattered, and that people would connect with them when the time was right. That belief in myself and my art kept me going, even in times of doubt or uncertainty.
One piece of advice I always give to those starting their journey is to immerse themselves fully in their passion. Absorb everything you can from others in your field, and commit to your craft as much as possible. Life will pull you in different directions—whether it’s family, work, or other obligations—but it’s so important to prioritize your passion, even when it feels like there’s no time. And above all, work on building your confidence. Be your toughest critic, but also your biggest fan. Self-belief is key; it helps you stay persistent through the hard times and continue to grow as an artist.
Looking back, I realize that these three qualities—observation, persistence, and confidence—have worked together to keep me on this path. It’s not always been easy, but each time I’ve trusted my vision and kept moving forward, I’ve come out stronger and more committed to my art.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Growing up, I always felt a bit different from my siblings. While we shared a family bond, I often saw and understood the world in ways that felt unique to me. There were times when it seemed like no one really “got” me or my perspective, especially when it came to my passions and the way I viewed life. But through it all, my parents stood by me. They believed in my potential and supported my dreams, even when they were hard to fully understand.
One of the most significant ways they showed their support was by investing in my education. They made the decision to send me to a private boarding school as a day student—an experience that was both eye-opening and transformative. It wasn’t just about academics; it was the exposure to new ideas, diverse perspectives, and a broader world beyond what I had known. This school opened doors for me to explore new interests, from visiting art museums in the city to engaging with people from different walks of life—experiences that I never would have had access to otherwise.
Their belief in me didn’t stop there. They saw the passion I had for art and understood its importance in my life, so they made the sacrifice to send me to art school. Their unwavering support gave me the foundation I needed to pursue my dreams, and I’m grateful every day for the opportunities they made possible. Because of their faith in me, I was able to grow in ways I never imagined, both personally and artistically.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @makeitfunkystudio
Image Credits
Family member, n/a
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
