Sheer Creativity
Step into the chill vibes of Sheer Creativity, your go-to laid-back podcast about creatives for creatives! Immerse yourself in dynamic conversations, insightful interviews, and performances, all centered around the creative experience. With me, Laraya, as your guide, we'll blend special guests, personal development nuggets, and engaging creative content to inspire and motivate you on your artistic journey.
Sheer Creativity
Adventures in Sustainability with Multi-Disciplinary Artist Jakia Fuller
Sustainability is a complex topic in the realm of creativity, especially in fashion. I didn’t understand the depths of meaning the word sustainability has until I spoke with today’s guest, Jakia Fuller. Jakia is a multidisciplinary artist and clothing designer based in New Mexico. In this episode, we discuss...
- the current fashion “sustainability” space (do sustainable brands have flaws? should we buy from fast fashion brands?)
- developing your eco-friendly values as a creative
- and cultivating a sense of adventure in your life
Jakia’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/j.arifuller/
Jakia’s Website: https://jarifuller.com/
Check out Jakia's anime podcast: Apple and Spotify
SHEER CREATIVITY LINKS
Read Laraya's creative writing on Of Wisdom and Wander
Check out Laraya's website
Order Laraya's poetry collection
Well, welcome Jakia to the Sheer Creativity Podcast. I'm so glad to have you. How are you today?
Jakia:I am doing well. Um, thank you so much for inviting me to the Phenomenal Sheer Creative Podcast. I'm so excited. So I love, I've been listening to like Sheer Creativity for a little bit. And so I'm just like, I'm a fan. So I was like, Oh my gosh, when you reached out to me, so I was like, this is an alignment.
Raya:But yeah, that honestly makes me so happy. But yeah, I mean, you guys can't see her room right now, but it's so artistic. And I'm really excited to get into this conversation because I know you do a lot.
Jakia:Um, that's a true statement. I finally accept the fact that I do a lot. But before that, how are you doing? Like, how are you? Like, what's going on? What's in your world? All the stuff.
Raya:Oh, wow. Um, I'm doing pretty well. Um, we're wrapping up this season of sheer creativity, so I'm excited to get into more newsletter stuff and the creativity never stops. It just takes different forms.
Jakia:Yeah, that's I resonate with that completely. Yes, it does. It's constantly takes on new forms and shapes and you're just like, all right.
Raya:Yeah.
Jakia:What does it look like today? So yeah.
Raya:It's constantly like picking some things up, setting them down, picking them up again, and it's just happening simultaneously.
Jakia:Absolutely. All the, yes. A hundred percent. Yes.
Raya:Since we're talking about that, what are you picking up in this season? Is there anything you're picking up, putting down, starting over?
Jakia:Um, hmm. So I just so with fall and winter is like my huge like crank it out type of a session so it's more like are we working on this, we're sewing this, is like really like heavy creativity because that's where I get a lot of my energy from. A lot of people are just like spring and summer is when I have all the energy and I'm like no not my story I slow all the way down. So now that I'm in the spring season. I'm picking back up on a project that I've been working on for, for a couple of years now, um, called the Black Inn Project, so doing more of like, going over audio, and re listening, like, getting like writing done, and then also just, Um, doing more writing just as like, as an artist, trying to get on, trying to encourage and motivate myself to do a newsletter because I'm just like, you're a newsletter person and I'm like, I don't know. So yeah, and just like figuring out, um, just exploring what type of writing that I want to do. And so there's a lot of ideas, a lot of things that I'm reading that I want to like review and like critique and other stuff. So just like dipping my toe in different things. So yeah, so I would say right now it's a lot of like, Black in project stuff, and then also writing, and then there's a couple of clothing designs that are like silently yelling at me that I need to work on. So I'm like, all right, sure. So just a little bit of everything. But I would say this year's mainly, I mean, this season is more about like writing will be like the biggest thing. So yeah.
Raya:So when you say writing, are you doing like, Are you doing like fiction? Is it, social commentary? What type of things are you writing about?
Jakia:So I would say I'm getting more into social commentary, which has been a little bit of hesitate, like a lot of hesitation's been there. But I was like, Jakia, you'll be fine. You'll be fine. So, um, and I was like, right. So there's that. But then also, Prior to that, um, I've done, I wouldn't call it poetry. I would say maybe it's in the line of like prose or, um, like musings. So I've been doing that. I love to call, I love to categorize things and like name a thing, a thing. So, um, like my writing, like prose, musings type of writings are called sidebars. So it's like based off of everyday conversations that happen today. I think it's like thoughts and things that we're processing. So, um, but yeah, so that's what I said. That's the type of writing that I'm doing, and yeah.
Raya:I like that. Okay. Sidebar. I like it.
Jakia:I love a side because you know when you're with your friends and it's like your, like you're with a group of friends and then you're like, oh, wait, sidebar. And they're like, sidebar. And you're just like, you have a sidebar conversation. Mm-Hmm. So that's basically kind of the, the vibe for that. So yeah.
Raya:I love that. So thank you. Going back into your childhood a little bit, your childhood creativity origins, I read that you are born and raised in Detroit, and now you're in New Mexico. How did that happen?
Jakia:So yes, it's a true statement. I am a Midwesterner. I am like here when like, oh, you might not you're not able to see but like when people say they're from Michigan, it's like they put up their hand and so it's like where are you from like from the mitten. Yeah. Yeah. Um, so yeah, born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and I'm also raised in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. My family we moved to Rio Rancho in 2007. In 2006, we visited my mom's sister, my aunt, um, and her family for vacation, my dad just really enjoyed it. He was like, hmm, this is like, He said, I like this. And I'm just like, that's interesting. And he was like, this is real nice. It's like, and I'm just like, yeah, but it's not like we're going to move here or anything. It's like nice for vacation. Um, and then when we got back, to Detroit, our parents were like, all right, in a year we moved to New Mexico. And I was like, oh, okay. So they like a year later, they were true to their word. And they put me and all my siblings in a, in the van. And we like drove down to New Mexico.
Raya:Oh, that's a journey.
Jakia:Yeah, it's definitely a journey. It was a, um, 17 hour. No, no, no. I think it was about like 18 hours because my dad didn't really stop. So he's normally someone's like, we keep driving. Technically that's like a 19 to 21 hour drive, but he was like, we're driving. We're like, all right. So I didn't really have much of a choice or say in it. It's like, cool. I'm like, all right, we're moving. And, uh, we did.
Raya:Wow. So did you learn how to make your own clothing during your childhood years, or is that something you picked up later on in life?
Jakia:I would say it's something I picked up later on in life, but I was around sewing and like clothing in the way of like my grandmother and my aunt on my dad's side. My grandma was like a phenomenal, like seamstress sewer. I don't even know what she would call herself. She made all of her grandchildren like pajamas like a summer set and a winter set and she had a lot of grandkids like she was always sewing all the time. She would sew everything and then I learned from my dad that, Because my dad, his family, they're originally from Alabama, and so they, I want to say maybe they came up in the second wave of like the huge migration that came, like from the south to the, to the north and midwest, and when they moved and they went to school in Detroit, my dad used to say like, yeah, my mom made me and all my brothers like, This like denim jean suit and we were killing it. And I was like, what? He was like, he was like sharp. And I was like, what are you talking about? No, you didn't. He was like man. He was like, you don't know nothing about no jeans suit. And I was like, okay. But it's true. I actually verified. They were like, no, this is the thing. Like she actually like made them this light jean denim suit. And I was like, that's interesting. So yeah, and it tickles me pink, but my grandma, she's, she was like phenomenal at that. And then she also made all of her granddaughters like quilts too. So she was like sewing, she was like knitting and crocheting. And I was just surrounded like I would see her do it but we never talked about it. And then my aunt, um, she's, she's like, I want to say she learned it from her mom, but I don't really know I never got to the details, but she would be mainly like sewing dresses or doing like more special event type of things for people, or she would do like the costumes and stuff for like churches and plays and other things like that so. I've always been around sewing and like design and clothing and my, I would say my grandmother knew about it, but we never talked about it. She was just more like, all right, this is what she's doing. I'm like, yeah. But I would say like, early high school, late middle school is when I was like, I started to become interested in clothing design, but just from the lens of like character design for like video games and stuff. So I would like create characters like this is what they're wearing. This is why they're wearing it for this and that. I would say my junior year in high school is when I, Um, reached out to my aunt and I was like, Hey, can you make me a homecoming dress and can you make me like my prom dress? And she was like, yeah, so I sent her like the designs for it. And so she, she made it a thing and I was like, cool. So I would say that's, um, that's where I got my start.
Raya:Wow. Is that also how you started drawing too? Drawing the video game characters?
Jakia:Um, so I've been drawing and everything from like, Kindergarten on up, like, I would say I'm drawing has been more consistent like, throughout my entire, like, origin story. I feel like clothing design and stuff came later on, but I was mainly just like, you know, drawing like your landscapes, like your characters. And, you know, when, like, when anime started to become a little bit more, like, popular, like, And like the late, well, it wasn't even popular then, but like the late 90s, early 2000s, like, you know, like, we're drawing this, we're trying this and creating our own characters. So, um, always been drawing for a long time, for the longest time.
Raya:Oh, that's cool. So sustainable fashion has always kind of been around your family.
Jakia:I would say, I don't think they would call it sustainable. Yeah, I don't know if we would call it sustainable because like, I, I feel some type of way about like sustainable fashion right now, but we really, we know how clothes are made and we know what goes into it. Um, so I feel like there's like a more appreciation, um, and respect for it. So yeah.
Raya:Okay. That makes sense. So what is, what is the way that you feel about sustainable fashion now?
Jakia:Hmm. So I would say how I feel about it. It's like I would love for the day to come where it's like we're not categorizing fashion from like fast fashion or like sustainable fashion or this and this and that because I mean, I get why we do it now. But for me, like what would be a dream is just like, you're just like, these are the clothes and this is like, it's just like good stuff because it's in alignment with like your aesthetic and how you want to dress yourself. And it's like there's like intentionality made and it's like there's a lot of care in the process, like there's a lot of things that are happening in the sustainable whole life fashion, like community because like the word sustainability is such a huge umbrella term and so it's like any and everything goes and it all depends on like you and what your definition is and there isn't a sense of a level of consistency across the board yeah so so there's like you know like there might be greenwashing claims and other stuff like that because it's not really like sustainable but then it's just like well how are you defining sustainability like what does that mean to you and your brand and then also like with a lot of sustainable fashion brands, there's not a lot of diversity in terms of like aesthetics in terms of like mainly you're seeing like a lot of brands that are like basics and we need basics. We need t shirts. We need like the underwear, the undergarments, all that stuff. Yes, we totally need that. Um, but we don't need like 75 different types of brands of like doing that same type of thing. Or if it's like, oh, here's another brand. It's like, you know, more of a muted color palette. It's like utilitarian. And you're just like, cool, that's great. But it's not really like speaking to people who are like, I want to just like this, or I'm not trying to like dress in a very like basic kind of way. But we have a lot of brands that are popping up that cater to that aesthetic and it's more of a, it's like a, it's very crowded in that sense. And then you have your like small, like niche brands who are like, you have more of a voice, which is great. but yeah, but like when it comes to like a lot of sustainable fashion brands, it's like, they really focus on like, oh, we're sustainable and that's why you should buy it. And it's just like, no, you should be purchasing it because like, You like the style. You like the perspective that they're bringing. And that's what it's about. Not the fact that it's just like, Oh, we're a hundred percent cotton. And that's a whole nother conversation. But it's like, Oh, we're a hundred percent cotton. So you should buy it. And you're just like. But I don't need, I don't need this basic navy blue thing. I don't, I don't need that. Who's that for? Um, so yeah, that's kind of, so, so for me, I, I feel like there are brands that are like, um, brands and designers who are like coming out to do different things now, which is great. But I, I would still say like the overall market is still like saturated with a lot of like basics or a lot of like utilitarian like where, um, it's not really like speaking to a lot of people in the way that it should be. So yeah, that makes sense. Yeah. Yeah. I reflecting on it. Now. A lot of the brands that I see that call themselves sustainable are very basic. Yeah, very much.
Raya:Yeah. Like there's no, there's no personality to it. And it's hard to, I mean, depending on your definition of the word sustainable, it's hard to be sustainable and also be fashionable in the way that you want to be.
Jakia:Right. And that's, and then too, it's like, They're only focusing on like one end of sustainability because like a lot of stuff when it comes to sustainability, it comes down to the consumer and like what they do after. So it's like the actual like care, like how are you taking care of this garment? Like it doesn't matter if it was made in this, this, and that, but if you're washing it after every use or if you're doing it like after this, if you're not taking care of it properly, if you're not reading the, you know, the actual like tag, like the care instructions that kind of cancels it out. So it's just like, We're on the spectrum or we're in like the processor cycle. Is it sustainable? It's yeah, so it's interesting right now. It's like a very interesting time. And, um, yeah, but no, I agree. There's nothing. There are a lot of basics up. There's no personality. And I'm okay with basics. We need there's a time and place for basics, but it doesn't have to be like everything.
Raya:Yeah, I never even considered like the care instructions and how sustainability actually falls on us as consumers as well after we buy products. Like it's not just the brand's responsibility. That's interesting.
Jakia:Yeah, it takes all of us to because some people are just like, Oh, well, you shouldn't buy fast fashion. And I'm just like, that's true. There's a lot of things and it's like, really like it's like really complicated, very convoluted. There's a lot of problematic things. But, um, if someone like depending on their circumstance situation, if they buy this piece from a fast fashion brand, and they end up keeping that piece for like five to six years, as opposed to buying something from like this other sustainable brand, but they only buy it, they only wear it once, like what's actually going on, right? If they're taking more care of that fast fashion, like piece versus like the more sustainable or eco friendly one. Then it's just like, is this really sustainable? But yeah, but it also comes down to like care. Like most people don't know that, that the care instructions, you know, they mean something like each symbol has like a certain meaning about like, oh, that means you should wash it only in cold. Or if you should do it with like same colors or some of it's like, this is not meant to be washed, it's meant to be like spotted, like spot clean. And there are others where it's like, this is only dry clean only. So it's a whole thing, but most people don't know that because we're not really educating, like, the consumers or ourselves about, like, what does true care look like for our clothes. So, yeah.
Raya:Yeah. Wow. I, I know nothing about what those symbols mean. That's okay. I know, I know one of them. Yeah. One of them means do not bleach or tumble dry and things like that. I don't even, I don't even know what tumble dry is. I don't know if that's a, a function on my dryer.
Jakia:See, that's another thing because you might have a washing machine and you're just like, I don't have that option. And then you're just like, well, what do you do instead? So yeah, it's, it's a whole thing. It's a whole thing. So we need to be a little bit kinder and show more grace to like people in this process because it's, a lot's happening. They're just like, it just needs to be sustainable and that's enough. And I'm like, no, we all have to like, Yeah. Yeah.
Raya:So what does conscious consumerism mean to you as a creative?
Jakia:Oh, wow. That's a good question. So I would say conscious consumerism for me. It all comes down to like intentionality. It's about being intentional or conscious about the, like the who, what, when, where, how, and why when you're like purchasing things. Well, I feel like it's also an alignment. So like the who, what, when, where, why, how type of situation, but there's like levels to it. I feel like there's like levels to it. But so like for me as an individual, like it just shows up in like the everyday items and things. It's like, cool, if I'm going to buy these shoes, like why am I buying these shoes? Like what brand am I actually purchasing from? Um, like if I care about the, Like my carbon footprint, and it's just like, cool, what are their values? Are they in alignment with my values? Um, like how often am I going to wear these shoes? Like am I buying these shoes because like I'll wear my other ones down? Cool, or it's like, oh, or should I actually repair these shoes instead, instead of buying like a brand new pair? Or if it's like, if I'm buying these shoes, Um, are they made well enough to actually be repaired when the time comes to it? Because there are some shoes that you're buying you're just like, oh I can repair it and then you take it to the shoe person And this actually happened to me and he was like these shoes weren't made well and I was like no because like you'll spend like maybe like 125 dollars or something like For shoes and then you and you go to someone who actually has been like repairing shoes for a long time, but the way that the the shoes are made Manufacturer or whatever, like they didn't build these shoes to be repaired. And so like from those moments, it's like, cool, I need to start investing my money into brands that actually like, you know, um, create or produce these like, well. So that way, like when it comes down to like being like repaired, I can actually do that. I can take it to a place to actually like prolong the longevity of these shoots. Um, so yeah, it's like stuff like that. So it's just like. Just being more intentional about those things. And then also for me as a creative, like, and then like, as a creative, it's just from the initial idea all the way to going to somebody else and then it's like, what's the end of life care for it, depending on if it's like this clothing or accessories. It's just like, okay. Did I design this in a way that someone's actually able to repair it? Did I design this in a way where someone's able to thrift, like, you know, to be able to, like, trade it or something? Or is it better for it to just come back? Do I have, like, systems in place where it's, like, I can actually buy it back from the person if they don't want it anymore? Or if it's like, Oh, I have an artwork or this is the print. And the person's just like, Oh, I love this print. And then it gets to a point in their life, like, Oh, it's no longer in alignment. I don't really hear that happening as much. They're like, Hey, like, what can I do instead? If I no longer, um, want to keep this artwork or if I'm no longer have the space to keep it, like, what is that, what are the options that people have? So just being more aware of like, If I'm producing something, I'm creating something and putting it out to the world. It's, I feel like it's my responsibility to make sure that I have. I provide the people with options about like, Oh, this is what you can do. These are your options throughout the entire process. And this is what it's like at the very end if you're, if you're done. So yeah, that's about being a conscious consumer and a conscious creative.
Raya:So yeah. Yeah. I love that. I also love the idea of this conscious creative that has strategies in place where people can, I don't want to say get rid of things, but like gently recycle or move things to the next person because I feel like I, I had this question because in researching this, I was looking up how many clothing brands actually fail. Yeah, and it's close to 80 percent each year. So when we think of companies like Printify or Canva that can produce these print products in mass and bulk. And sometimes, like, we creatives, we have ambition, we have dreams, and sometimes we carry out those dreams, and, and they don't come to pass, and that's okay. But what do we do with all this surplus? Yeah. I'm, I'm thinking how do we as creatives cultivate that conscious consumerism while balancing our ambitions and our dreams of doing things.
Jakia:No, that's like a really good question and one that I'm like figuring out every day, all the time, because it's like, I feel like that comes down to like you and your personal values like your values as creative and then also like your values as a business and sometimes like I would hope they're in alignment, but they're not always in alignment. Um, so it's like, I'm glad you brought up like Printify and Canva because there are moments like there are some print on demand drop shipping companies that you're just like oh this is cool in theory where it's like cool. They're only going to print this when someone actually buys it and you're just like, oh, that's great. That's 100%. And then it's just like, okay, um, I'm printing this out, but then it's just like, well, what is it being printed on? Like, what are the materials? Like, what actually, what type of impact did this, what type, like, what was like the cycle or the process for it to get here? Like how much water was used? How much like carbon emissions were you just to get, you know, this thing that you're going to print on type of thing. And I don't think a lot of us are aware of that because it's like, You don't want to be a starving artist. You don't want to be a starving creative. So you're just like, I want to actually do well. And like, you know, we live in a time of like capitalism and all that stuff. We're just like, yeah, buy, buy, buy.. And you're just like, well, why shouldn't I also like participate and contribute? Right. But then it's like, like you said, like there are stuff that doesn't, that doesn't work out. And then you're just like, well, what am I going to do with all this surplus? And that's like a great question. So for me, um, and I might've like done it to like the, to my own detriment, but I was like, I know that when it comes to my art prints, I want to do it in small batch, like print in small batches, but not a lot of like print, not a lot of print places do small batch, right? And if it is small batch, it's like cool, but it won't, um, they won't have like the eco friendly or green, or like the green or sustainable paper, right? And then you're just like, all right, so am I, am I going to compromise here? Because it's like a local business that I'm also like pouring back into, but that also like feeds into like my definition of sustainability where I'm like supporting local, I'm doing small batch, I'm being more like aware of like where I'm shipping stuff. So it's like, cool. I'm shipping it, but I'm like doing ground shipping as opposed to doing like next day delivery. Um, so it can be like really layered and I think it just takes, it is sometimes trial and error, but I think it's important that as creatives, we sit down to be like, cool, besides me creating the work and getting it ordered and building my inventory, like, how is it going to go out into the world? Like what, what materials am I using and why? And am I okay with that? If someone wants to get rid of it, is it going to contribute to like the whole trash situation that we have going on? Like that's a surplus, like, so, um, I think it's just really sitting down to be like being in alignment with your values about what you're putting out there, like what type of creative you want to be. And I think that also comes down to like, what is enough, or you did like on a like income revenue situation like, is this enough for me? Or is it not? And if it's not, you're just like, okay. Okay. And, yeah, so I think it's more about those types of questions. Did that make sense?
Raya:That does make sense. It's all about your personal values and, and what you're willing to compromise on when it comes to getting your work out there, which, which is a hard balance, but I think it's something worth figuring out for the sake of our environment and in the earth that we live in. And I want to segue into remnant design company, uh, because I feel like you have a lot of those values and you figured out what you, want your brand to stand on in terms of sustainability. So tell us a little bit about remnant design company, why you started it, those values that you have for that company.
Jakia:Well, what I'm glad it comes off is that because I'm still like, we'll figure it out. We'll see what happens. We'll be fine. Remnant Design Co is a concept store that functions as a modern day field for your everyday adventuring needs. And so it's a multidisciplinary space. It's divided into five different spaces to cultivate and spark one sense of adventure and wonder. And so, um, I'm in like the very early stages, like the very early phases. And so right now, I'm focusing more on like the clothing, and like the art aspect of like one of the spaces but the overall goal is to have like a brick and mortar in different locations in the US. I would like to have one in New Mexico, one in the Midwest, like, you know, each one's like in its own different region, which is great, um, but really focuses on collaborating and working with like local creatives and creatives of color. So that way it's like reflective of like that actual regions like aesthetic and style and vibe. It's a growing. business, but right now I'm in the very early stages and I'm really excited about where I am now. Um, so I'm mainly focusing on like the shop portion. That's like clothing, accessories, like skincare, stationery, and that's kind of where I'm at right now. Um, yeah, thank you. And I would say like my values are really, um, I would say that the main value is like adding a sense of adventure to one's every day. It's like the biggest value, right? So, um, however you decide, however you define what adventure is to you, whether that's like how you dress, like what books you're reading, what stationery you're using, like how you decorate your home and stuff like that, um, and like, or how you show up in community. The goal is for like remnant is like the place where you're able to get all that stuff is like to be like this is where I go for all this for these things. Really focusing on like sustainability. And so like, but I'm a little bit more, um, I don't want to say I'm lenient. I just, I'm more broad because I know that there are different, like it's such a huge umbrella term. So it's just like, well, what does sustainability mean? So I'm like, okay. When the opportunity arises, like we're working with like local, working with local people, working with Local creatives of color. If people are working with an, um, an aspect of sustainability, whether that's, like, them working from a zero waste standpoint, if that's, like, upcycling, I understand that sustainability is broad and it shows up differently for different people. Um, so yeah, I feel like sustainability is like, those are like the main core values. Going back to the value, so adventure, accessibility, circularity, conscious consumerism, and then just supporting local and creatives of color. Um, and when I talk about accessibility, I feel like accessibility in terms of like price point, in terms of like options, like sizing that, like that type of thing. So accessibility looks really different depending on who you're talking to, but just making sure it's accessible in terms of like price point, giving people options to be able to participate because a lot of this, um, sustainable, circular green stuff, it's expensive. And as it should be, cause it's like, you're actually paying people, like. You're paying people what time and effort that it actually took to go into it. And also like the labor, materials, um, and just like making sure people have that opportunity to participate while also not breaking the bank. So, um, yeah, so I would say those are, those are the values.
Raya:I love that. I was sitting here while you were talking about sustainability and I feel like we need more terms under the sustainability umbrella. Like, I feel like we need a breakdown of what this means to different people.
Jakia:Yeah, I think because it's because my thing is like, um, and that was my biggest kind of I think it was a frustration in my, like when it came, comes to the fashion industries.'cause like we'll throw it around of like, this is sustainable. And then someone's like, well, is it circular? And you're just like, well, if it's circular, it should be sustainable. And then sometimes it's just like, oh, this is Eco-friendly. Like, well, what is Eco-friendly? Just, and they'll say like, oh, it's natural, but not everything that's natural is actually sustainable. And so it's like all these things and it's just like, well just say what it is that you mean. Yeah. Instead of trying to be like, Oh, we're the end all be all for sustainable. And I'm just like, well, no, this like, this is like what we're going for. Like, this is how sustainability looks in this brand is how it shows up in our business model, this is what it looks like. And we're just like, we're not perfect, but we're trying to like get there. and it takes all of us of like doing like, not perfect to like, you know, continue to move the needle. Cause it's not going to be perfect. Cause like, we're going to make mistakes but we have to at least try. I wish there should be more terms, but it's like, there's a new term that's coming out all the time or a new one and you're just like, here we go. It's another thing.
Raya:Yeah. And I think that's why I respect your work so much with Remnant Design Co, because you say exactly what you mean by sustainable. And I'm, I'm curious, like, why is adventure such a staple in your work?
Jakia:Oh, man. Okay. So I am the product of a father who was like, we're watching Dragon Ball Z. And I was like, may the creator rest in peace. So my dad got me and all my siblings into anime from a very young age, so like Dragon Ball Z, and I was like, well I'm watching Sailor Moon, or he gave me into Robotech, and I was like, because of that show I don't like anything Gundam or anything Mecha, I don't care, people can come for me and that's fine. Um, so from there, and then also like from that, We got involved in like video games, like we're PlayStation, we're Sony only. That's the type of family we are. And that's okay. We got PlayStations over here too. Absolutely. We don't believe in Xbox. Like, I don't understand what that is. Like Microsoft office is it? That's the only thing I got. That's it. Only thing that's acceptable. So PlayStation is strong. And so like he got us into like Tekken and Mortal Combat and Soul Calibur and then, um, Capcom versus, yeah, all that stuff. And, um, from there. Like me and my siblings, like we'll have like tournaments and stuff. We still do that now. And then I got more into like me and I want to say like three of my siblings. Yeah. Three of my siblings, we got into like RPGs. So like the role playing games and so like the final fantasy franchise and all that other stuff. So, um, I would say like video games, specifically RPGs are really what got me into like an adventure and just being like, well, you know, there aren't any monsters flying around. So like, how's this adventure going to show up in my life? Right. And so it's like, It's true. And I'm grateful for it. Just being like, well, how does adventure show up in my life? And like, how do I want to embody that? Because I'm like, that's like really core to like who I am. And so, um, yeah, so that's how I came to be. And, and then also just like, Um, you know, there'll be some characters you're like, cool, I like this style or this aesthetic, but I don't want to like go out into the world like this. Like, how do you make that but for every day? And so I feel like my clothing designs are more about like your adventure, your RPG moments, but like my everyday life for you to go into the office, right? Without it looking like cosplay, because it's really, because like, don't get me wrong, cosplay designs have gotten better. There are people who've been putting in work to make it look not as like, gaudy and weird. But, um, yeah, that's kind of where it came because I was like adventure for every day, but for everyday life is how it shows up. And we're not cosplaying here. And that's fine.
Raya:Would you call your fashion sense adventure? Or like an adventurous look?
Jakia:I wouldn't say it's like an adventurous look. I feel like there are like elements to it. I think they're timeless, but in the sense of like, they're very, uh, future, I would say they're more future esque on the future end. Um, cause we were just like, man, that's very futuristic, but not really. And I was like, right, it's really subtle. And like, we just need the small little moments. But the goal for remnant is like, I'm working with other brands and it's like, cool. Like, I like the way that you do this. And we're able to like, have all the different types of like, Clothing and accessories where people can be like, Hey, I'm actually into like more new fashion and I want to go out and live my Ford, my best Forger. life. I'm like, cool. That's in that section over there. Or someone's like, Hey, I'm really into like cyberpunk and we're like, cool, here's some stuff over there. And it's in that alignment. So I would say personally for my style, I feel like it's more of like a timeless, like future, like subtle, like futurist moments, but for remnant overall, it's more about like giving people, providing people with like the actual accessories and like the different parts to be able to like, cool. I can actually like, Dress myself in the way that's like truly in alignment with like my fashion in my in my style. I want to make sure that we're able to like Tap into like all those different like sub genres and stuff of fashion that you see yet You know that you see in your favorite shows are you seeing your favorite games or those that type of thing or in your books?
Raya:Yeah And I feel like, for me personally, I dress different every day. All the time. Like, sometimes I'm real girly girly, and sometimes I look like I'm going to war.
Jakia:Right, and that's, it's a whole thing, so it all depends. And it's just like, but you should still have like, You know, the arsenal be able to do that to be able to like, to, you know, to be able to be girly girly one day and didn't be out like we're going out to conquer this anthill. I don't know something like that. I don't know. Yeah, that's the adventure part of it. Or you're like, Hey, I want to go hiking and I'm still working on that. It's like finding like cute like hiker stuff. And my best friend's like, you're not going to find it. And I was like, just you wait. I'm gonna come across a brand that's in a line of where I'm going to like have this that is environment that I want. And it's functional. And I was like, just you wait. Or you could make it yourself. I mean, that is a thing, but I will say, I've learned a lot. And I've learned the importance of staying in your lane and I respect and honor the fact of staying in my lane. I was like, me making active wear is not me respecting my lane. And I'm just like, and I can say that, like, I can say that. Some people are just like, no, I can sew, so I can make that. I'm like, I'm sure you can make that, but do you have any business making that? Absolutely not. So, yeah,
Raya:you know, I respect anybody who stays in their lane. Yeah, I try my best to do the same.
Jakia:Yeah, I do my best because I'm already doing a lot and I'm just like me doing a lot is like, are you standing in your lane? I'm just like, yeah, it's just a wide lane. So that's fine.
Raya:So since you talked about doing a lot, you are also an artist and I would love to know how do you describe your artwork that you do? You have a lot of drawings on your Instagram and they feel like very bold, a lot of shapes, a lot of lines.
Jakia:Okay. So this is what I've been telling people, I would say, so I create art that brings a smile to people's faces and like sparks and cultivates joy. And like my clothes are all about adventure and I'm like, great. But yeah, I'm all about creating joy with my work. That took observing how people engage my work. Over the years and I'm just like, Oh, I was like, Oh, this is something you need to tap into this. And so when it comes to my drawing, I'm definitely into light lines. I love lines, but I'm also, um, there's a lot of geometrical elements. A lot of my stuff to, um, getting more into like sculptural work with like found materials and reusing materials like cardboard, which is great. That's how I would describe my work and then I'm also really into botanical illustrations right now and I'm just like, I'm not ashamed of it. And all the botanicals are just like, based off of or from local plants that are like actually in my environment or when I go out into the world and travel, like I'm like, Ooh, this is great for like, I take a lot of study pics for like stuff. So, um, all the botanicals are like things that I actually like have taken pictures of, or I actually like in my space. So yeah.
Raya:That's pretty cool. What environments do you feel like you create in the most or the best?
Jakia:I would say, I would say my house. I would say I create more of my house. So I call my house studio house. The whole house is a studio. Mainly I set up camp in the living room. It's like where I'm able to sprawl out more, but then I also have a little office and I'm turning my garage into a creative studio where it's going to be like different stations and stuff would be like, bam, bam, bam. Um, but yeah, I would say my house. Yeah. Studio houses were, um, I feel more comfortable and confident, but I also like when I'm out in the world, if I'm on like on the train or, um, like the train for work, I'm just like, cool. I'm going to sketch. Cause like, I have like little sketchbooks on the, on the ready. Which is why I like drawing because, like, you can do it from anywhere at any time.
Raya:Yeah, that's how I feel about writing as well. I always try to keep, at least, well, since I have my phone, I'm a big notes app person. So as soon as I get an idea, I try to write it down. But yeah, so at your job, you said you work for
Jakia:oh, so I work at SITE Santa Fe, which it's a contemporary arts space in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and, um, I'm the executive associate there where I support the two directors, and, um, yeah.
Raya:What has that experience been like?
Jakia:Every day is literally an adventure. I'm learning a lot all the time. one of the reasons that I decided to work there was because I wanted to learn more about the art industry and the behind the scenes because this is the world that I'm in. That's the world that I wanted to get into. And so just learning how, how a museum actually works. Like works in terms of just like what it means to engage with artists and how it's run and like all the different things like I'm just learning that in real time from the behind the scenes and it has been a huge learning experience.
Raya:I love that. And you've recently done an exhibit with Deborah Roberts. And I wasn't familiar with Deborah Roberts until I started researching for this interview. But can you tell me more about her and how her artwork resonates with you?
Jakia:Oh, wow. Okay. I don't know if I'm right. Am I able, am I confident to like, talk about Deborah Roberts in that way? I had the opportunity to help organize the exhibition and also facilitate, um, also be the moderator for a panel discussion for Deborah Roberts exhibition, Come Walk In My Shoes. If you haven't heard of Deborah Roberts, I'm pretty sure you've seen her work. Or you might be more familiar with it. You're just like, oh my gosh, I've seen this work. or You see how a lot of people have. been inspired by her work. but yeah, so Deborah Roberts is a mixed media artist who challenges the notions of ideal beauty and explores the identity of women and children of color. Her work, she works with like found and manipulated images and she does like hand drawings and painting details, so like for her collage work. But yeah, she's phenomenal. She's She's the best thing since sliced bread. She's so cool for school. I love Deborah. She's awesome. She's really great. Yeah.
Raya:Yeah. So what was that experience like putting together this exhibit come walk in my shoes?
Jakia:It was an eyeopening experience because, for me, it was even more impactful because like Debra Roberts is like, is a black woman. She's literally doing the thing. We're like, this is what I do. if you haven't heard any of her interviews, definitely check out her interviews because she's in it about like her journey and how she got to where she is now. But just for me, it was just like seeing okay, this is possible. Like this career path is possible for me. In addition to all the other stuff that I'm doing, I'm just like, yeah, as an artist, this is viable, right? Cause I'm seeing Debra do it in real time and how she moves and like what she, like who she's working with and why like gallery representation and then like being more aware of like, what does it mean for me to have gallery representation? Do I want to go down that route? Is my work in that alignment to be with the gallery? Um, Being aware of like price points, all this stuff. So it was just like really huge for me just like to learn in real time, just like, I'm like, Oh, this is what it takes. And then like when you're on this journey of like of an artist that's like getting their dues and like getting like the recognition and stuff that they deserve, you're just like, okay, this is what it looks like. So it was just really, um, a phenomenal eye opening experience. Uh, learned a lot. I'm still processing it all the, like even months later, I'm just like, Whoa, that's crazy. That's crazy. I'm just like, I was doing that. And I was like. That's wild. Um, Going back to your other question about like what about her work resonates. So, um, most people don't do this but most museums, um, most museums and other cultural spaces like they already have a schedule in place like, like up to like two years out in advance so there'll be artists be like, Oh, I wanted to show at your institution you're like cool. We're already planned out for the next like, we'll see you in 2027. Right. And that's it. And that's if they are already like looking at other people. Right. So what it's like, um, but so like, like Debra was already on our schedule. And so I was like, cool. Um, but like her work has always like resonate, like her work resonated with me strongly just from like what she's talking about. Cause she's talking about identity. She's talking about notions of beauty and then also like specifically when it comes to specifically like black kids, like she has like series on black girls and like black boys. She's so passionate about our kids. Do not mess with our kids in the sense of this life that you shouldn't be treating like they're a kid like any other kid, so you shouldn't be treating them like they're like a grown person but that's our society moves, is how people engage with a lot of young black like with a lot of like black kids and it's and it's like unfortunate and it's terrible. And she really like brings those conversations to the forefront.
Raya:That's what I like about art. Challenges, societal norms, and I really love when you can see people doing what you want to do and they look like you. That's the thing that makes the difference is that you look like me and we can both do this. So I have a hard question for you.
Jakia:Oh man, you've already had some really hard tough questions, but I'm ready.
Raya:And you have great answers.
Jakia:Oh, I hope so.
Raya:But I think considering all of the artwork that you have right now. If you were to do an exhibit, a show, at this point in your life, with the artwork you have now, what would you title it?
Jakia:Oh man, okay, so there's, there's two. There's two that I'm ready for. Okay. Oh, you've thought about this. That's another thing from just going back to this. I'm going to address this question. We're going back to the Deborah Roberts question, but um, there were two curators that were part of like the panel discussion, Echo Eshun and Philip Townsend, who are both also phenomenal and dynamic. Just from that experience, like, we've talked, we had, like, a huge conversation about, like, what does it mean to be prepared, like, as an artist, as a creative and that was, like, a, a recurring theme that's been, like, sort of, that's been in my orbit for, for a while, just from the different, like, organizations I've been a part of. A lot of us think, like, Oh, I'm this or I'm like, I'm a, I'm a writer or I'm, I'm a designer, I'm a graphic designer. You're like, cool, where's your work? And they're just like, what are you talking about? Or it's like, oh yeah, I made this work from two years ago. And you're just like, cool. What's the newer? What's the newer work you've been working on? They're like, oh, that's them from five years ago. And I'm just like, well, what else have you been working on? Right. When the two curators came, they're just like, yeah, we'll totally be down to like, check out some like people like locally and stuff like that. And a lot of people I reached out to, they weren't, A lot of people weren't ready to be able to show new work. Only a couple of people were ready, but it just showed me in real time, just like, Oh, it's important to like, always stay ready and be ready. We'll never be prepared as much as we want to be prepared. But when someone's like, Hey, I'm in town, I'm ready to like, check out your work. Cause I have, I'm, I'm curating this exhibition. I need to fill in those few spots. That would have been your moment and your opportunity to be like, Well, here's, this is what I got. Right. Um, Instead of being like, Oh, I actually don't have anything to show you, but I have this, you know, or yeah. So, um, that was another huge, like learning thing about just like the importance of truly being ready. But anyway, going back to your question about one, I would say, I don't know if this is the right title for it. I know this is like the ongoing series for it. And I'm going to just use that as like the title for now. And it can just be a working title. But it will be for my oscillation series, and then also like on my Instagram, I think I have I have a couple. Like a couple of images of like that series, but um, that one's really growing. I feel like that's one that I'm really like expanding and growing my vocabulary for and that's really cool. And it's really focusing on like patterns, like what are the patterns that people are like processing and going through on a day to day basis? Like what are your, what are your recurring recurring behavior patterns, right? So, like, like, um, tapping in on those different, like, types of, like, repetitiveness or, like, what does it mean to be, like, in the sense of, like recurring, like, overwhelmed or, like, restlessness, like, what are these patterns and how does it show up? So, that's kind of, like, what that is focusing on, just, like, a brief ad lib moment of, like, oscillation. And then there's another Exhibition that I would want to do would be more focused on friendship and just like how friendship like, and that would be more like works on paper to like more installation like works and other things. And it will probably also have some textile works in it too but just Friendship and how friendship changes and like navigating friendship and how it looks different from like when you're in school and you're dealing with more close proximity friendships and all the stuff that happens in those relationships as, and then like, what does it mean to like have friendship in adulthood and like, how do you navigate that? Um, so yeah, so one would be on friendship and then another would be on like recurring patterns. So yeah, that's what I would do.
Raya:First of all, the recurring patterns one is very deep and I love that because, because I'm looking at it behind you as we're talking and it's like, wow, like it is a repeated pattern and I see exactly what you mean. Also the friendship one I love because friendship is often something that we don't talk about. Like as a society, it's not given the same amount of research or care as like familiar relationships or romantic relationships, but friendships are a big portion of life.
Jakia:It's a core relationship. If people are just like, they'll be really quick. What is it? What's my favorite? meme where someone was like, You'll be in a romantic partnership with somebody and they do da da da da da and you're like oh no it's fine and then like a friend does it and it's like we're done and you just cut them out completely and it's just like It's interesting, like, you know, how, yeah,, I agree, I feel like it's not something that's talked about as much, except for how people are just like, oh, I don't know how to make friends, and you're just like, cool, but what does friendship mean to you, how do you show up in friendship, like, how are you like, like, you know, like, some people are just like, well, you know, and I'm just like, no, like, are you just, Focus on like the ones from like high school and middle school where you're just like you saw each other every day. So yeah, but like, you know, when you're older, it's just like, Hey, I might not see this person for another two months because they out here working and doing their thing, but this is someone I still care about. Right. So what does it mean to like maintain friendship? What does it mean to go about and like cultivate a new friendship? Yeah, it's a whole thing.
Raya:Yeah, we're, we're much more inclined to journey with family or journey in romance, but friendships, we just push those things to the side, but it's a journey just like any other relationship.
Jakia:It really is. It totally is. It totally is.
Raya:So I'm looking forward to your exhibit coming. Oh, okay. So we can talk about that. Yes.
Jakia:That's why I had to say that, because a lot of people are just like, Cool. And I'm just like, Oh, I have pictures up. They're just like, I just want to experience it real time. I'm like, all right. I'll think about it.
Raya:Yes. I want to see it. So we're going to go ahead and come on down to the end of this podcast episode. And this has been so fun. Thank you for coming on. So I just have one final question for you. And that is what excites you about creativity in your own life?
Jakia:Man, what excites me about creativity in my own life? Hmm. Um, I would say what excites me about it is like, I never know when it's coming. I know. It's like, um, I'm a firm, uh, practitioner of like moving with inspiration strikes. Most of the time I'd be like, Ooh, this thing, cause I have like a. I have my idea book that I've been carrying or toting around for like almost five years. And I'm like, this is the book to put all the ideas. Like I'll write it out. Like this is the plan to survive. So yeah, I would say like how I never know when it's going to show up. And then I think what also excites me most, but then this is more about my practice. Like, I'm like, cool, this is the idea. I'm like, here's the idea. And I'm like, I'm gonna try it out and see what happens. But then how I'm really unattached to the initial vision, because some people are just like, it has to look exactly how I pictured it. I'm like, no, I was like, how it ends up is how it was meant to like turn out. And so I feel like that's something that's always exciting, but then I have to remind myself, I'm just like, Jakia as a clothing designer, if you, if you tell somebody, this is what it is and we all in alignment about it and it changes at the end, that's a little different. I would say in that moment, I'm just like, Oh yeah, I'm going to make this type of thing. You know, like, Ooh, this is not what I said it was going to be and that's okay. But I think I'm navigating that a little bit more with a little bit more confidence, but I always love how like this, how I started and this is what I ended up with. And I'm usually like, Oh, wow. Who would have thought that that's really cool. Or, or like, while I am creating something, I'm just like, Oh, that's a great idea. And I'm just like, cool. I need to make another one of this so I can test this out. So, yeah. So I would say like, I, never know when it's going to happen. I know it's going to happen. I just don't know when.
Raya:I love that. That's the beauty of creativity. You never know what it's going to end up like.
Jakia:Yeah, but what about you?
Raya:Oh, see, I always ask the questions, but nobody asked them back.
Jakia:I wanted to, and I was like, Jakia, I was like, I gotta be respectful more of her time because you can't be like, well, how do you go about conscious consumerism? I was like, wait, stay focused, stay on task. So yeah.
Raya:What excites me about creativity? I think, like you said, I, I never know. I like how spontaneous it is and I never know what it's going to end up like. But also I like how I experience more of myself the more I create. It's like a self discovery.
Jakia:I love that. Okay, that's so beautiful. That was so well said.
Raya:Oh, thank you.
Jakia:I mean, well, it makes sense. You're a writer. You're a poet. I'm just like, yeah, I was like,
Raya:Yeah, I've been told I have a way with words. I've been told, like, you know, I suppose it's true. I'll just go ahead and claim it. I'll silence the inner critic and I'll go ahead and say,
Jakia:Absolutely, you gots to, you gots to or it's gonna hold you back. Yes.
Raya:Well, Jakia, thank you so much for coming on this Sheer creativity podcast. It's been a joy having you.
Jakia:Thank you. Thank you so much for having me. It's great. Before we close out, is there anything that from the conversation that you just like, Ooh, I want to double tap or like circle back on?
Raya:Let me address my notes over here.
Jakia:That's okay. Address your nose. Take your time.
Raya:Oh, I did see on your website, you talk about marine life preservation and oceans and things like that. And I'm curious about it. Oh, okay.
Jakia:Um, so, all right. That was a different way to like, put my question to make it be back on me for my question. I was like, that's fine. I respect it. I accept it. I embrace it. When I was a kid, I was like, they're like, what do you want to be when you grow up? And I was like, marine biologist. I want to be like a video game designer and artists and all these things. Right. And then, like marine biology didn't work out in terms of like schooling wise, which is fine, which is fine. But also I'm still passionate, still passionate about marine life. And so I was like, well, how can I, as an artist, as a designer, like, how can I still like pour into myself and still like live out that dream of being like a marine biologist. Like, how do I want to actually express this? And I was like, all right, I was like, you're getting really more into like illustrations. I was like, let's try out with like Animals, let's try to do like marine life. And so a goal of mine, and then I'm like working on is like, I would love to work with different marine life conservation or preservation like organizations and create illustrations for them that they can use, whether it's for like merch, whether it's for like educational materials. So that way it's like Want to like educate people about like marine life. Whatever proceeds or that we get from like the illustrations can go actually back to those causes. That's like the overall dream. That's the vision and we working on it. But, um, yeah, so that's kind of where we are with like marine life and I'm just like I love the oceans. I love all bodies of water. It's just like how our everyday life spending habits it's all connected. Like we're all intertwined and it all has an impact. And so it's just like, we need to be aware of like how our, um, habits are impacting, like, marine life and sea life. So, um, yeah, so that's kind of where we are with like marine life illustrations. Thank you. I love that series. It's cute.
Raya:You are truly the definition of what it means to be multi disciplinary, like, multi faceted. Oh, thank you. Because your mind is in so many different areas, but it's all kind of under the same umbrella, which I like.
Jakia:Oh, good. thank you, thank you. That's really good. It's really wonderful to, like, hear and receive, so I really appreciate that.
Raya:Of course. Now, one thing I did forget. Yes. How can people get in touch with you or get connected to what you're doing?
Jakia:Oh, okay. You can follow me on the gram. Um, I don't know if those are the young people who are saying that's fine, but I call it the gram and follow me on Instagram at j. arifuller. Then you can also check out my work on my website, which is jrefuller. com. Um, where else am I? I'm not in many places because I'm trying to figure out like, do I need to transition off of social media, which is why I loved your podcast episode where you're talking about going off the grid. And I was going to be like, how do you feel about making that transit. That was one question I had for you for real. I was like, how do you feel, or what's that experience been like as a creative that had that moved from social media, especially we're in a world in time where it's like, if you create, if you're going to have your website, you've got to have your social media platforms. You have to have this, this, this. You need to have your newsletter. You need to have all this stuff. And that's like a whole nother conversation about like, what is the, the digital impact have on our environment? And that's a whole nother conversation. Um, but yeah, so how has that been?
Raya:Um, it's been, it's been good for my mental health. It's been really good for that. I think creatively I'm actually doing an episode about this that's coming out on Monday. Well, it's coming out before this episode. So, I, I feel like since leaving social media professionally, I have to work a little bit harder to like get people on the podcast. Like you, Gabi reached out to me and told me about you. So, yeah, shout out to Gabi. so it's Been a lot of networking in that sense. Thanks Which is good, because I feel like social media has made networking a little bit, it's not too easy, but it's, it's not really personable, because I could slide in your DM, sure, but something about you being connected to somebody else I know and we can have conversations together, something about that just feels more personable to me. And also I leverage meeting people in real life more so that I can have guests. So I think it's been, it's been challenging, but a good challenging, if that makes sense.
Jakia:No, that does definitely make sense. And I, yeah, cause it's something I'm just like, are you ready for that? And I was like, well, I think I networked pretty okay. But it's like, how do you, so I'm just like, how are people going to see the work that needs to be seen if like, yeah, so I don't know, I'm still trying to figure out what that, what does that transition look like? Um, but yeah, I was very curious. I was like, what's that been like trying to, I was like, what is that?
Raya:And I think the person I interviewed, Amelia, she's built a whole entire business without social media. Right. I think she has, I should send it to you. She has a list of a hundred ways to promote yourself without social media. And I will find it and email it to you. She takes it back to like, Putting up a flyer in a coffee shop and all things like that. Yeah, I think it's just been really rewarding being out of that space. And also social media marketing is not the only type of marketing. And I feel like we forget that other people. Like people in like the 1960s or seventies and stuff like that. They didn't have no social media. It's still had thriving.
Jakia:Yeah, absolutely. Social, like I remember when social media wasn't a thing in my lifetime. I was like, yeah, I was like, this is not, it's not too crazy to not be on social, but just for how quickly, like the world has changed, like shifted to be all like, no, we social and I'm like, okay,
Raya:yeah. It's like, I want to give creatives the, the idea that you really don't have to be on here if you don't want to. And the goal of social media companies is to keep you there, to keep you addicted, to keep you scrolling, because that's how they make their revenue, how much time you spend on the app. So, so it's like you, I want to encourage people that you don't have to be there, but you got to get a little bit more creative about how you put your work out there. So maybe that's like SEO marketing and making sure that you're available on Google. Maybe it's going back to business cards and things like that. So it may take a little elbow grease, but I think in the end, your mental health, your sanity will thank you for it.
Jakia:Oh, that's nice. I like that. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for the encouragement. Thank you for telling the people and thank you for reminding us that there was a time without social and that it's possible and it's doable. Yes.
Raya:Yeah. And it's more personable that way.
Jakia:Yeah.
