We had the good fortune of connecting with Jay Venom and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jay, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I choose an artistic and creative career because of the way it has allowed me to freely express myself in ways I couldn’t when I first came out. I feel like when I first decided to dive in into the world of makeup I began to develop my creative mind. I saw people becoming interested in what I would post next on Instagram and gave me that push to peruse it more. Being artistic and creative is subjective to many so it has been fascinating seeing the difference perspectives when it comes that world and the doors it has opened up for me locally but also across the country.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I began my social media journey as a travel account, I would frequent tons of parties across the US, pride festivals you name it. I would frequent so much that I began to get complimentary tickets and accommodations just to attend them and post them on my socials.

Attending these parties allowed me to meet content creators who where YouTubers, make up artist etc. My interest began when I really started to watch makeup tutorials and really began to become fascinated in the transformation of some of these influencers. How easy it was for them to transform themselves into different characters play with colors and prosthetics and I wanted to do the same.

I remember the first time I posted a rainbow Halloween skull look on Instagram in 2019 it got some many people talking about it , I received a lot of positive feedback and I noticed my engagement go up tremendously. I invested in some brushes thereafter along with eyeshadow pallets and a ring light and the rest just came naturally.

It wasn’t easy at first because I had a creative block and after the first Halloween post I asked myself “what next” but I kept exploring and discovering other artist that inspired me and gave me ideas of things that I could do but with a twist of my own. This creative field has really thought me a lot about taking risk and believing in yourself. With a lot the positive that came with this journey it has brought some negativity as well with people criticizing the work or just having anything negative to say in general.

Luckily I have had great support in other people who have done this longer than I have and on a greater scale that have really helped me to navigate that side of success. I really hope I inspire people to see that it’s never too late to take a leap of faith an explore an interest you may have because you never know where it could lead.

Fast forward to 2022 I now have financial freedom doing what I love to do I have beauty and makeup brands sending me their latest products for me to use as well Now I have been starting to get booked to do work on other creators and friends, but most importantly the most rewarding thing that has came out of this has been being able to help and provide to my family something I have been wanting to do for awhile. I hope In the future I am able to do this on a greater scale, like a movie, Tv show etc and take it to the next level.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Whenever I have friends visiting from out town that have never visited Phoenix I always show them the historic art district in down town because that really says a lot of how fun this city is. From the colorful murals to the different restaurants and bars that you can explore all within a short walking distance. Off course that’s if said people are more so in the nightlife. For those who love the outdoors one of my favorite places to visit for some zen and relaxation vibes the Japanese friendship garden is one of my favorite places to visit as well as taking a day trip to Sedona to explore the beautiful scenery, shops local restaurants.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think my core group of friends who aren’t phased with the amount of followers I may have or how much I have in my bank account deserve recognition. Often times they remind to stay grounded and have helped me navigate a world that not only has thousands of of supporters but also tones who criticize.

Instagram: OfficialJayVenom

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