Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Heisler.
Hi Jason, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I suppose I should explain myself. Growing up was hard for me. My family always seemed to struggle financially, so I found myself daydreaming of the things we couldn’t afford. The school was also pretty hard for me. Things such as reading, focusing, and completing assignments never seemed to be my forte.
My best classes were of course Art and Band. After graduating high school, I was unexpectedly accepted into college. Working a full-time job and Majoring in Illustration Art, I found myself struggling once again. Needless to say, my studies waned. I was fired from my job for dwindling performance and suspended from school for the same reason. It seemed that everything I wanted was always just out of reach. I decided to make a change, so I enlisted in the Missouri National Guard and joined the ranks of the United States Military Police Corps.
After graduating from Basic Training, I met my now wife and took a security job at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, where I spent ten years of my life surrounded by the thing I had always loved in school. One day, surrounded by history, I had a thought. If the generations before me could build the things they needed, why couldn’t I?
I started my workshop in 2014 and decided I would learn as many skills as I could. I wouldn’t just learn the traditional skills, however. I would add a modern twist.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My biggest obstacle has always been myself. The inability to stay focused on single tasks, the fear of failure, and feelings of inadequacy were and are ever-present. “You are your toughest critic,” they say.
If I was to offer some advice to those starting out, I would say, “Don’t overthink it.” If you want to do something, just start. Analysis Paralysis is and has always been my greatest struggle. Don’t spend all of your time planning each step without taking the first. Accept failure as your mentor.
Let it teach you what you need and you’ll find the success you’re looking for.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Modern Primitive Workshop LLC?
In short, I do many things in my shop.
I am a blacksmith, woodworker, leatherworker, jewelry maker, archer, and the list is ever-growing. Custom orders for customers, as well as making tools for other craftsmen, are my bread and butter. If you have an idea, I’ll help you build it. I offer blacksmithing lessons as well as support to aspiring smiths. A short-term goal is to sell my smaller products in some more local shops. My long-term goal is to start a trade school with a store for students to work and sell their pieces.
To explain my shops’ name, the term “Modern Primitive” typically refers to a subculture of society who adorn their bodies with tribal decorations such as tattoos, piercings, etc. I found this idea of bringing the traditions from our past to the present beautiful. I wanted to expand on the practice and see where the concept took me. I soon realized that the term applies to so much more. Skills and trades that have endured over the years, and remain in essence unchanged, are Modern Primitive.
Careers like metal workers, furniture makers, carpenters, seamstresses, farmers, cooks, jewelers, soldiers, painters, have been around for hundreds of years. The list goes on and on. My business’s goal is to acquire as many of these skills as possible, in order to provide products and services that will ensure these skills have a home as society pushes further into the future.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I didn’t know what I wanted to be, or where I was going in my life. When asked, I would say things like artist, mad scientist, or mechanical engineer. I loved Jim Carey movies and quoted them often.
My favorite classes in school were Art and Band. I seemed to think more clearly when I was actually doing something. So by default, I excelled in those classes. I loved playing the trumpet, even though learning scales was hard for me. I guess I never thought about the future.
Pricing:
- Blacksmith Lessons: $60-$100. Materials included, and tools are provided.
- Custom Orders: See my website to get a quote.
- Fire Swords: Starting at $200
- Forging Demonstrations: $180 + expenses. Email for a quote or to schedule.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.shopmpw.com
- Instagram: @modern_primitive_workshop
- Facebook: @ModernPrimitiveWorkshop
Image Credits
Kats Eye Photography
