Conversations with Jon Marzette

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon Marzette. 

Hi Jon, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Originally from Detroit, MI, I moved to Lawrence, KS as a kid with serious culture shock. I learned a lot about Midwest culture and myself growing up there. I always loved drawing and art, and while I was growing up in Lawrence it really bloomed there. I started playing music early on and played around downtown, the whole time making flyers, album covers, and art in school. While there I really dove into the nightlife and worked in bars like the Bottleneck, got into DJing (shout to #ASSJAMZ and Cameron Birdsall), and developed my understanding of what I wanted to do moving forward after school was done. 

Once I graduated from the University of Kansas, I moved to Kansas City to start doing exactly what I’m doing now! I do graphic design for a large array of clients, I DJ every kind of event you can imagine, and I love to be a part of the community and help out in any way that I can through art and music. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Man…it has been ANYTHING but smooth. However, pressure makes diamonds and success is nothing without the struggles and lessons you learn on the way. That being said, learning the culture of each and every one of the environments I’m in now was the toughest thing for me personally. I am not a confrontational person by any stretch, but you learn how to stand up for yourself and others you care about in the music and design world for sure. DJ culture can be very cutthroat and unforgiving if you didn’t learn the “right” way, use the “right” equipment, or disrespect your OG’s and the people who put you on or teach you game. I had to bump elbows with a lot of people to learn all those lessons but I wouldn’t have it any other way because I learned very fast the right and wrong way around the city. The same goes for design and being in competition with people or companies who may have a similar style or client base and you find yourself in some heated situations. All these lessons take time to learn and time is such a crucial and valuable thing and whenever you have the luxury of looking back, you’re always grateful you got to get through those challenges and stand where you are today. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As someone who wears many hats, I love being able to be a one-stop-shop for many of the homies and clients alike. If I was a restaurant and I had a menu of all my services, my menu would be as big as Cheesecake Factory. If someone needs a flyer, t-shirt graphic, business card, logo branding system, a TikTok, a guitar riff over a song, a live bass player, a DJ for their rap show, a friend’s wedding DJ, you name it and I’m there. 

I love bright, engaging, colorful design and I try to bring that into everything I do if I can help it. And, as I’ve learned over the last few years, I think my understanding of a LOT of different perspectives and views of people from all walks of life has really helped me. I love all different cultures, races, and subsets, and being to be able to understand that person from the hood, or from the country, or shy art school person, always helps me give them a personal touch of understanding in the work that I provide for them. 

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love Kansas City because, in reality, we have all the best things about a big city, but with wonderfully kind people who have Midwest values and understanding. If you’re lucky enough to be well-traveled, I’m sure you’ve seen many thriving cities and what they have to offer. But what I love best is coming back to Kansas City and not feeling like this place isn’t special or that it’s not inferior to any other city. We’ve got it going on here. 

Unfortunately, my least favorite thing about Kansas City is how much we’re looked over in terms of just about everything other than BBQ and football (thank you Patrick Mahomes). We’ve got so much more to offer and I hope KC gets more and more recognition as time goes on and we won’t remain a hidden gem forever. 

Contact Info:

• Website: jonmarzette.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/jonisthenewblk
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonisthenewblk

Image Credits:
Andrew White Photo