We’re looking forward to introducing you to James Spikes. Check out our conversation below.
James, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Are you walking a path—or wandering?
Through out my life, I’ve always prayed that my steps be ordered so that I’m only doing what I’m meant to do. I believe in walking in purpose and sometimes that comes from a bit of wandering so you can discover who you are and what you’re meant to do. So I’d say I’m walking a path but I also leave a little room for wandering.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is James Spikes and I’m an overall creative. As a visual artists, I create multimedia art works, apparel, and designs inspired by Afro-futurism and science fiction. I have 2 solo exhibitions in September and January – February and you can find work at www.timetravelersonly.bigcartel.com. As a business owner, I co-founded a creative agency called IRIS and an artists resource hub called The Art Incubator with my wife. We’ve been able to impact the lives of artists, businesses, and organizations across the US through our thoughtful and skilled design and project management services as well as our ability to find, share, and create opportunity for others. You can find our work and our online community for creatives at www.theaihubkc.org.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
There are several moments that have shaped and continue to shape how I see the world but what sticks out to me the most is anytime I have had the opportunity to serve to others. The best things that have happen to my life have come from my willingness to serve my fellow man and woman. In college, my schooling was paid for through community service. As an artists and business owner I’ve painted free murals, given free design services, and created space for others. All of these experiences have not only given me intrinsic value but also have lead to more opportunities for me to share my work with the world.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Always find ways to share your light with others. The only way you stop walking in your purpose is if you stop operating in your genius and doing what comes naturally.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
You meet in life the exact reproduction of your own thoughts. You rise as high as your dominant aspirations and
you descend to the level of your lowest concept of your self. Elevate your mind and your life will follow.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I think this is a day to day or moment to moment question. Anytime I’m able to make a real connection with someone else or make an impact on someone else’s life, I am doing what I was born to do. I may not be happy about everyday, but everyday I have an opportunity to make an impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://timetravelersonly.bigcartel.com/, https://www.theaihubkc.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesspikesiii/, https://www.instagram.com/theaihubkc/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theaihubkc
Image Credits
Taylor Burris Spikes
