Meet Jason T. Graves | Professional Artist & Owner of Apollo Ink Printing

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jason T. Graves and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jason T., how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I’m not sure I think of it as being balanced. I think of it more like what are my priorities and how do they relate to my/our immediate and longterm needs. When I was younger I put an emphasis on life experiences, now I’m more focused on accomplishments. As an artist I don’t look at work and life as separate entities. I look at the things I want to do that relate to work as goals that I want to achieve in my life.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I see my art as evolving. As an expression of my current interests and thought processes. What sets me apart is, my skillset, experience and my professional approach to my work. I’m most proud of the continuous refinement and progression of my artistic styles and abilities. I got to where I am today by dedicating myself to my work, owning my creativity, realizing opportunities and allowing and accepting the challenges. Easy in relation to what? The easy part about being an Artist is, all you have to do is say that you are one to become one. The hard part is making art that other people like too. As a professional Artist, I’ve learned a lot of lessons along the way. Many of those lessons resulted in the same conclusions, that being, that I need to listen to myself and set boundaries that will allow me to remain original and my projects to be successful. What I want the world to know is, that I don’t intend to be a brand, I intend to be myself.

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 think it depends on the time of year. I would most likely take them on a brewery and mural tour, probably throw in the Kirkland and Denver Art Museum too. I really enjoy going to Rockies games, that would definitely be a top choice for entertaining someone who’s visiting out here for a week. I prefer small or private venues for music, so I guess that would depend on who is playing where and how late it goes. I’m not too picky about types of food and luckily in regards to restaurants, there’s more good than bad in Denver. Breakfast, I’d probably suggest the Hornet. Lunch, tacos at any number of places or ceviche and drinks at Denver Central Market. Dinner, I’d take them to Satchels on 6th, sushi or to get some Korean BBQ. Besides playing tour guide, I think hanging out at home or taking them to meet friends at their houses makes for the most memorable and personal travel experiences.

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?
It’s honestly everyone. My family, friends, teachers, colleagues, competitors and supporters. I want to give them all a shoutout for providing me with support, knowledge, encouragement, motivation and validation.

Website: jasontgravesart.com

Instagram: @jasontgraves

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gravy78/

Other: apolloinkprinting.com