We recently connected with Zen J. Jackson and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Zen, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from no longer wishing and hoping but instead knowing that what I want is already done. I simply need to take actions aligned with my desires. Over time, I realized that resilience is the result of trusting myself, even in the face of resistance. I view resistance as an opportunity to confirm whether or not I truly believe in what I am doing, depending on how I respond to it.
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?
My name is Zen J. Jackson, and I’m a writer, illustrator, and conscious creator deeply invested in storytelling. My journey has always been about more than just creating worlds or telling stories—it’s about serving the community through art. I write novels and comics, with a strong focus on crafting universes that spark imagination and invite readers to explore themes of self-discovery, balance, and transformation.
What excites me most about my work is its ability to connect people. Whether it’s through the adventures of my young comic protagonist, Jak, who must master his powers to restore cosmic harmony, or the layered storytelling in my novels, I aim to create narratives that resonate on both an emotional and spiritual level. My work blends action, adventure, and metaphysical exploration, inspired by creators like Roald Dahl, Tim Burton, & Akira Toriyama.
Currently, I’m working on a comic book that introduces readers to the Star Mystics—a society of beings dedicated to universal harmony and self-mastery. I’m also in the middle of writing my second novel in a three-book series called The Bunny Book. Finally, I am releasing my second picture book based off a short story I wrote called Lidia and the Lost Wand.
Beyond the stories, I’m building a personal brand that bridges creativity and entrepreneurship. I’ve been experimenting with platforms like TikTok to bring audiences behind the scenes, showing the process of creating art while teaching storytelling. This allows me to engage with my readers and aspiring artists in a way that feels authentic and collaborative.
Looking forward, I’m exploring ways to expand my reach. This includes launching new products like character-driven merchandise, creating an accessible subscription service for my content, and continuing to strengthen the foundations of my self-publishing business. My goal is to maintain full creative rights to my work while developing a model that supports passive income, allowing me to stay focused on what I love most—storytelling.
If there’s one thing I’d like people to take away from my work, it’s that stories have the power to heal, connect, and inspire. Whether you’re reading one of my comics, novels, or just following along on my creative journey, I hope to spark a sense of possibility in every interaction.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been consistency, adaptability, and vision. Each has shaped not only how I create but also how I navigate the challenges of building a career as an independent storyteller.
1. Consistency
The most important skill I’ve developed is showing up every day, even when I don’t feel inspired. Creativity thrives on routine. Writing early in the morning and drawing at night has been a discipline that allows me to balance my craft with family life and other responsibilities. For those early in their journey, I’d advise building habits around your creative process. Start small—set aside even 15 minutes daily to create. Over time, the habit will build momentum.
2. Adaptability
Life is unpredictable, and so is the creative process. I’ve had to learn to pivot between projects, like balancing a comic book with a novel or adjusting my creative workflow when circumstances change. The ability to adapt has kept me moving forward. My advice? Be flexible in how you approach your goals. Don’t be afraid to experiment or change course if something isn’t working—it’s all part of the process.
3. Vision
Having a clear vision has been my guiding light. I know why I’m doing this: to create stories that inspire and connect, while building a life that aligns with my values of freedom, creativity, and family. For those just starting, I encourage taking time to define your “why.” When the challenges come—and they will—your vision will keep you grounded and motivated.
Above all, trust yourself and your journey. No one is ever truly “ready” when they start, and that’s okay. Begin where you are, learn as you go, and let your passion guide you. Every step forward is a victory.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The number one obstacle I’ve been facing is managing the impact of undiagnosed ADHD and PTSD on my creative process and daily life. I haven’t prioritized getting diagnosed, but a medium revealed to me that these were dominant characteristics for my behavioral patterns as a result of experiencing childhood trauma. For a long time, I didn’t realize how much these conditions shaped my approach to work, relationships, and even my ability to focus. ADHD makes it challenging to stay organized and consistent across multiple projects, while PTSD has, at times, made it difficult to fully trust my instincts or feel grounded in the present. Together, they’ve created a mental tug-of-war between big-picture ideas and the execution needed to bring them to life.
To overcome this challenge, I’ve been focusing on a combination of self-awareness, structure, and self-compassion. I’ve established routines—like writing in the morning and illustrating at night—to create structure in a way that works with, not against, my natural rhythms. I’ve also leaned heavily on tools like planners, timers, and task lists to help manage the overwhelm that comes with juggling multiple creative projects.
On the emotional side, I’ve been prioritizing mindfulness and reflection. Practices like journaling, meditation, and breathwork have been invaluable in managing triggers and staying connected to the present moment. Most importantly, I’ve given myself permission to embrace the unique way my mind works. ADHD and PTSD don’t define me—they’re simply challenges I’m learning to navigate as part of my journey.
For anyone facing something similar, my advice is this: seek to understand yourself fully, but don’t expect perfection. Build systems and habits that support your goals, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether it’s therapy, accountability from a loved one, or just leaning into community, it’s okay to not do it alone. Growth is a process, and every step forward counts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ZenJJackson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenjjackson?igsh=eGNpMGNnZWJucW10
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