Meet Raja Green | Man of God, Artist, Photographer,

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

Hi Raja, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve understood the cliche, “the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward” or ” no guts no glory”. So with all my risk, I’ve had to sit, think and make sure they were calculated risk. Trying to decide which risk would be the most beneficial, not even speaking monetary wise all the time either. But risking time off my 9-5 by calling into work but putting a lot of time into my art. Taking a risk I feel is very essential to anyone pursuing their dream career, or dream in general of who they want to become and what they want to do. But once you second guess your risk you’ll lose your chance because that plants the seed for self doubt. Then you won’t even take the risk. But also knowing every risk won’t come with a reward but you have to take it anyway because with every loss there’s a lesson attached to it. So risk has played a huge part and led to where I am currently and the reward has been big. Taking risk creates the opportunity instead of waiting for it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What I believe sets me apart is that I can do both photography and paint. But I don’t try to box myself in with my creativity. I can take editorial pictures, street photography, which is my fav, or photograph a wedding. I can paint/draw something specific or I can go off map with some abstract things. I am where I am today professionally by way of family and friends saying that I can sell my art even though I was just doing it because I like to create so I wasn’t thinking about the money that could come along with it. it wasn’t an easy process at all because now im juggling between being a creative and a business person. and for all the creatives out there that know what that transition is like understand how im feeling sometimes, merging two different worlds. So now I have an LLC and maintaining a website and social media page and im a one man army right now so its all only shoulders but we don’t shy away from obstacles. So those are lessons within themselves. What I want the world to know about my brand The Art of Pursuit is that there are going to be tough times happening in life but if you really have a willing and determined mind to pursue your dream life, or career then you can’t let nothing come in between you and that goal. Know it’s an art to pursuing things, doctor, lawyer, dancer, film director, painter, NBA or NFL player, Pilot, etc, its skillfulness, artistry, technique, knowledge, determination, relentlessness to it. And put everything into that journey, recognized or not even when no one believes but you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would escort them to any underground artist or creative event that I know of at the time rather it be poetry night, cigar lounges, one of the homies or homegirls Dj’ing somewhere. I would take them to any local black owned restaurants that I’ve tried or we can try randomly. Try to take them to all black owned business first. I would take them to East market or North market where the food is good and its always something around the corner fun to do.IT depends on the season too, if its hot or cold because the winter will limit your options because you’re not gonna want to be out in the cold.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wanna give a S/o to God first. My family and friends who stuck by me, encouraged me, supported me. Most of all my mom who is no longer physically on earth for noticing a gift God gave me and invested in me early once she saw that I was passionate about my art and gift. She played a huge role.

Website: TheArtofPursuit.net

Instagram: _0raja or theartofpursuit

Facebook: Raja Green