Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Evans III.
Joseph, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in Fifth Ward Houston, Texas. Living in a hood with so much rich history drove and inspired me. I always saw life through a different scope and lens. Often times that got me picked on, but never bullied haha. I was always the big kid. I’m thankful for the foundation that my birthplace afforded me. I learned at an early age from my mother and grandmother that if I was to make it out, I had to operate and function differently. And I did “different” effortlessly. Early on in life, since the age of four, I knew that I loved animals. I had an affinity for them and nature. Steve Irwin was my idle and role model. That shaped my fascination with zoology and veterinary medicine. It was an honor and privilege to graduate from the illustrious Barbara Jordan High School for Careers where I majored in health science. I went on to the legendary Prairie View A&M University where I graduated with my bachelor in animal science.
Shortly after graduating the real world hit me. I started working as a veterinary technician in 2014, and I have been ever since. That is when I realized that you don’t get a gold medal for graduating college. There is no gold trophy or ticket for being black, growing up in poverty, and making something of yourself. I was the first male in my family to earn a college degree and education. The world did not care. That nearly crushed me. But I trudged on. That is when I began to start thinking outside of the box. Outside of what was traditional and defined as the norm. I always loved sneakers. I always loved photography. I always loved writing and the art of storytelling. So over the course of the last four years, I have been trying to build upon that. I am still pursuing my doctorate in veterinary medicine, but the arts have truly captured most of my energy, time, and effort. And I am thankful for it. As my journey continues, I look forward to the ventures ahead.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey has been one of triumph and defeat of failures and successes. And one of shortcomings and overcoming. I was born to fail. A black man born into poverty in America. And I used to allow that to control my mindset and my moves in life. It became my crutch and excuse. The traumas and physical and mental abuse that I experienced growing up truly engulfed my spirit and soul. I had become trapped. It took a lot of accepting, forgiving, and healing. And I am still a work in progress. But I have progressed. Outside of my childhood, I had to deal with the barriers of tradition.
Being a writer, poet, author, and photographer are ventures and occupations not seen as traditional sources of income. And that is the thought in most of society. Try breaking that down to your mother and grandmother who gave you everything that they could through their blood, sweat, and tears. Not exactly something that they would easily comprehend and accept. I recently spoke with my grandmother about a podcast I had been working on and her immediate response was “What in the —- is a Podcast Big Joe”? Haha Big Joe is my nickname. So the generational gap is still there for the arts in my community. But it is slowly bridging together with the explosion of black creatives. Doctor does sound better in most cases. But I pursue the arts still. I keep creating.
The only other struggle was deciding which type of photography. I wanted the photos captured through my lens to tell the story of the black person. Similar to the photographers in the 70s and the 80s. They really captured the essence of the struggle and the beauty of living as an African American. First, I had to learn the art of photography because shooting on a phone and on a professional camera are two entirely different things. But I do love both equally. So I am working on mastering both of them. I strayed away from my original vision and began to shoot anything that I could. Events, nature, sneakers, portraits, baby announcements, engagements, weddings, etc. And let me tell you I truly stunk up some of those opportunities haha. But through that trial and era, I discovered what I truly love. So my advice to any aspiring and up and coming photographer would be to keep shooting. Shoot it all until you discover your true passion. So now, my focus is sneaker/fashion, lifestyle, portrait, and nature photography. I am also exploring editorial and architectural/street photography. I also feel like I am savvy enough to go back to my original vision. I am forever evolving.
Please tell us about HigherLXNG.
HigherLXNG is more so a resource. A vessel. It paves the way to various forms of creativity. I always say that my life is not about me but how I am able to help and inspire others. That’s it. I specialize in photography and writing and do offer those as services. But that is not the end all be all of it. When people think of HigherLXNG, I want them to think of community, culture, and art. Often times people reduce it to just meaning higher learning. That is a main component of it, but that only tells a fourth of the story. It also stands for higher loving, laughing, and living. I want us all as people to vibrate on realms of higher frequencies throughout every aspect of our lives. I know that is wishful thinking but that is the goal. I had to realize for LXNG to grow, I had to come out of my shell more.
So, I am proud to see the growth it has experienced recently. There’s my blog that just launched, the Instagram page that has been existing and the podcast that is in the works right now.
What sets me apart from others is me. Me being myself.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mother. The being whom gave me life. And also my very first camera. She may not remember but she bought me this plastic Kodak film camera when I was younger. That was my very first camera. My grandmother for being a very strong part of my upbringing. My very best friend Moni who bought my first DSLR. That was a major component of where I am today. I could not afford it. At all. My three younger brothers who inspire and push me to be a better person and man. P who is my spiritual warrior and creative support. Dr. Daley, one of PVAMU’s finest. Jason, Ren, Byron, and Drew. My brothers David, Devin, Van, and Luis. Shae and Cryssie. Sham. My entire family basically in some way, shape, or form. My church family. And last but certainly not least the sneaker and creative community in Dallas. Without them, I would not have been able to embrace who I am and grow out of my shell. The community has embraced me and helped me to grow exponentially. Thank you to Marcus who introduced me to it and who has been instrumental in guiding me through it. Shoutout to Sneaker Politics for their amazing energy and hospitality. They have been instrumental in my growth as well.
I thank you all for the love and tremendous support. If I never get the chance to say it again, thank you and I love you.
Contact Info:
- Website: higherlxng.com
- Email: higherlxng@gmail.com
- Instagram: higherlxng
- Twitter: higherlxng
Image Credit:
Sneaker Politics, The DFW Vintage Swap Meet, Nike, LeBron James, Instagram: TheAshleyAdams, Instagram: _outraegeous, Instagram: mackmizzy
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Meet Central Dallas Series Sponsor:
Pink MahogHany: Pink MahogHany is a niche fragrance house that creates olfactory courtships by way of Eau de Parfum, ambiance room sprays and diffuser blends. Most recently, PM has added moisturizing hand sanitizers made with organic 190-200 proof alcohol, organic jojoba and essential oils. With the founder (Chavalia) being a musician and educator, the brand thrives on educating and informing consumers about ingredients, their purpose and benefits outside of just fragrance usage. Each composition is created with uniqueness and individuality in mind. A good fragrance calls; an exceptional fragrance whispers™️
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