Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Jackson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Maya. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
She’s 14 years old, skinny jeans, red hoodie, checkered vans – sitting quietly in the corner of her classroom. Her headphones are blasting anything from Thank Me Later to Avril Lavigne, because unbeknownst to her, she’s a woman of variety. Colored pencils are scrambled across the desk and her drawing book is full of God knows what.
If this image tells you anything, I’ve always loved taking what was in my head and bringing it to life, whether it was a fashion design, a surreal portrait, poetry, ballet dancers, or mock-ups of the work of Jean-Michel Basquiat. I’ve always had a knack for creative expression.
When I was growing up, my family moved around often, so naturally I was pretty shy, and making a ton of friends was not at the top of my priority list. Exploring such outlets of creative expression just seemed to stick with me. From childhood to adulthood, I’ve always been able to count on my imagination.
In college, I majored in Broadcast Journalism, but I always knew that being in the newsroom wasn’t my calling. However, I was able to scratch my creative itch whenever I was able to make videos in class, choreographing with my dance team, and creating steps with my sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Upon graduation I was able to get a position working in TV Production so I moved here to Dallas. Since then I have been able to sharpen my skill sets as a videographer and editor. Soon after, I got the notorious art itch again, and figured why not learn how to do some of this digitally, so I taught myself how to use the entire Adobe Creative Suite.
Inevitably, I started helping my friends and family with their visual identities via video, graphics, flyers, etc. Initially these were volunteer projects because I genuinely wanted to utilize my gifts to help my loved ones; I did it in a heartbeat. After proving myself “fit”, people then started trusting me with the creative directions for their brands! Through me lending out my gift, I found my true calling. Helping develop mission statements, brand guides, directing, shooting and editing videos, serving on boards…the whole nine. I found how I wanted to serve. I discovered my superpower.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course I would be lying if I said it has been a smooth road, but the challenges have only been enhancers to my story – adding character, wisdom and growth.
I didn’t go to school for the majority of the services I offer. I had to teach myself a good chunk of everything I know. I read, I buy courses and I continuously make sure that I am up to speed on the industry. I ask questions, I seek answers, I learn and I apply. I dismissed the word “excuse” from my vocabulary, fueling my journey through passion and purpose.
Fortunately, I have been surrounded by people who poured into me as well those who challenged me because they saw things in me that I would never see by myself. That support was essential for sure. I consider myself blessed!
Esque Creative – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The name “Esque” is a suffix meaning “in the style of; resembling”. Esque Creative is an agency that is rooted in translating the heart of either the individual or the brand into visual assets that tell a story of their “why” in a way only they can define. We achieve this through anything from brand development, logos, videos, brand guides, graphics or even websites. When clients come to me, my objective is for them to feel that they have received the best representation of their -esque.
What I do best is provide perspective and insight in three layers. As a millennial, there is a gap to be bridged between the younger and older generation that I feel I can strongly relate to and influence. As an African-American solely, being a minority grants me the opportunity to serve as a pathway for diverse communities’ voices to be heard. Plus, as a woman…I mean…who runs the world? lol
I strive to make things very personable and the goal is to really dive deep into who you are, what you stand for and why you do what you do because all of that plays into what the audience will see and feel through your brand, all the way down to your colors. That’s what makes you unique and authentic.
I’m really proud of where I am so far after one year, and I’m only growing and getting better each and every day. Right now I’m a team of one and will have a full-blown creative agency down the line.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for me has always been acknowledging the mini-steps that one takes to make up the bigger picture. I celebrate the small accomplishments just as much as I celebrate the big ones! It’s waking up in the morning to eat banana pancakes and send off that email – success. It’s learning that one new trick in Photoshop – success. It’s doing 12 push-ups instead of 10 – success.
I try to keep a daily habit of celebrating all the little stuff and coupling gratitude with it. Of course, I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m happy where I am at.
I actively take strides to be better the next day because that’s all I can do in this very moment. Over time all of these steps will add up and I will look and see “there yet” as a “here now,” and then I’ll be looking for “what’s next?”, because what’s next is EVEN BETTER!
The effort, the acknowledgement and the gratitude, that’s success.
Contact Info:
- Phone: (760) 848-3407
- Email: bemyesque@gmail.com
- Instagram: @EsqueCreative
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