Meet Jay Hubbard

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

Hi Jay, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I just wanted to show myself that I could succeed. Growing up there wasn’t a lot of money going around and I didn’t think I’d ever go to college, let alone hold a camera or get to do anything with video production. But once I found myself in Columbus, in college, and doing filmmaking, I wanted to hit the ground running. I wanted to do everything in my power to keep the train moving, so I started pursuing work outside of school. I wanted to connect with as many artists as I possibly could, and I thought the easiest way for me to connect was to be as professionally prepared as possible. So I made a film and video business. It’s still small, but it’s mine. I’ve been able to meet, learn from and work with a bunch of very talented people through that business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is just me channeling my feelings into a vision that promotes creative input and collaboration with other talented artists. I love working on music videos, I feel like it’s when everyone gets their flowers. Being a small team of multifaceted and talented individuals all working through different mediums to create a vision and story is so lovely. And it’s nice to share the garden with everyone, instead of the flowers going to one or two people.

I got here because of my desire to make a change in my own life. In October of 2019 my father suddenly passed away. He wasn’t even 40 years old, and that was a hard thing for me to take in. It left me feeling very empty, and very lost.

I found myself revisiting my safe points, things I’ve always done that made me happy. Like reading novels, comic books, watching movies and generally making art.

I originally wanted to be a comic artist when I was a child, growing up my Uncle worked at a few shops and he always read the books to me, and gave me the ones that were too damaged to be sold. I loved the framing, and the way they utilized style and color, I still do. Tom King’s Mister Miracle has gotten me through some hard times.

After my father passed away I ended up writing a short film called Papers For Superman. I finished the script, I applied to college. I fought for the opportunity to make the film. I felt like I had shown myself that I can do everything I thought I’d never get to do. College as a concept and Art as a job felt so far away, and in that moment it all felt real.

I’ve learned to keep my composure, and be less anxious. It was hard starting college, being in the workforce and doing doubles in kitchens is easier than the college social experience in my opinion. I felt left out going to college four years after I had graduated highschool, and I often felt alone. But I like to think I’ve found a lot of peace the past year and a half. I have been smiling more, so I guess it’s working haha

I’ve learned to be more present and aware that any failure, or neglect, hurts the whole team. Art in video form is collaborative, and I’ve met a lot of people who want to be artists, and a lot of people who want to make art. I prefer to be with the people who just want to make art.

I want people to know that if I make something, at this point, it’s because I really really want to. I want the audience to be as entertained as I am. It’s important that what I make is engaging for myself, because if I like it and I’m happy with it, then maybe other people will resonate with it. And the best part of art is finding yourself in it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Honestly I’d probably taken them to the usual spots. The Book Loft is a staple, and a wonderful place to visit. Two Dollar Radio is always a blast, Used Kids Records is a regular stop for me, and Parable. Parable is probably my favorite coffee spot in the whole city. I also love Little Cat Boba, and the Topiary Gardens. I just kinda go wherever and have fun with my friends. And of course, it’s always fun to show off the Hanif Abdurraqib mural done by Bryan Moss. They’re both amazing Columbus artists, I check out book readings for Hanif whenever I can. But a non-negotiable place and event is catching a hardcore show at Dirty Dungarees, I feel like everyone should go at least once to experience it.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Honestly everyone who’s ever given me the time of day to answer a question or offer me any kind of advice. If you’ve allowed me to stop you for just one question, if you’ve responded to an Instagram dm, or if you’ve gotten multiple cups of coffee and had multiple conversations with me, all of you are the reason why I am the person I am today. Specifically thinking of Marshall Shorts, Bryan Moss, David Powers, Ryan Feeney, Kory Johnson, Dem Lashawn Keilu and Jeff Stuckel. They’re all incredible people and artists in their field and I have learned so much from them. Their patience, guidance, advice and friendship have helped me grow and be better as an artist and as a person.

Website: https://readymag.website/u2089138666/4839511/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaythecreativeguy?igsh=ZTZ1dHk2ODk2eG10

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-hubbard-115b55239?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app 

Image Credits
Joey McManus, Robin Oldaker