Meet Freed

Today we’d like to introduce you to Freed.

Freed, before we jump into specific questions about the company, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was introduced to art at an early age, as my father was a musician and painter. My fascination for all things creative intensified when at the age of 6, I was given clay for the first time and made a kangaroo out of it! From there, I was all things art. I drew everything from Bart Simpson to Wolverine and the X-Men. My childhood dream was to always work with Disney. Like many kids in the 90’s, I got super caught up in Hip Hop. This would become a part of my identity as I became fascinated with the culture. I started writing rhymes and rapping around 10, always a hidden talent I kept to myself though because I was, and still am such an introvert.

I was an overweight kid, so I would use my art skills as a way to make friends. I was the kid who would draw a picture of Tweety Bird for the secret crushes I had. The major way to break the ice! In high school, I’d go to the center table of the cafeteria, break out a paper and pencil, and start to draw. Before I knew it, I’d be surrounded by a large group of people. Good times.

I moved to Phoenix from California back in the early 2000’s to go to school for animation. It was always a dream of mine to make my cartoon. I went to one of those tech schools you’d see on late-night TV during episodes of Jerry Springer. I got a part-time sales job selling long distance phone lines to make ends meet. It was supposed to be a part time thing, but I ended up making full time money. I can’t stress enough the importance of learning how to sell. The profession most certainly changed the trajectory of my life and helped me build massive confidence.

I started to get away from making art but got deep into hip hop. The name “FREED” is my stage name. Looking back, I always loved rapping but wasn’t sure I loved rapping for people.

In 2009 I was planning to make another push toward music. I got married to my wife and was excited about the next steps. I’d put together an album and was preparing to put it out at the top of 2010. Then right around Thanksgiving of that year, we had a flood in our home and had to live upstairs in the house for weeks. To make things worse, the next month, right before Christmas, I’d had a tragic loss in my family with my younger brother passing away. A tough time to overcome, I found it hard to create. Things were truly put into perspective for me. We didn’t grow up with much, but we always had everything we ever needed.

I found out my son would be born on July 8th, 2010 (this is my brother’s birthday). Right around that time, I had a dream about my brother. I remember him saying to “keep drawing.” Excited about the upcoming birth of my son, I decided to commit myself to learn digital art. I always knew how to draw with pens, markers, pencils and all of that, but the trend was headed to digital.

I immersed myself in every course and every tool I could afford. I strengthened my skills as much as I could. I wanted to learn as much about enhancing my skill set as I could before my son would be born.

When he came through, I felt blessed with a new type of energy. My creative juices were jacked up 10x. His presence gave me life and inspiration. Feeling anything was possible, my son challenged me to produce and create in ways I’d only imagined.

After years and years of working in sales, an idea came to me to produce a cartoon about my experience working in call centers. Phoenix is like the call center capital of the world. I knew a lot of folks would be able to relate to the stories. I’m currently working to have the cartoon pitched to network television. Hopeful for the world to see it on TV soon! I recently completed my first art show. It was the first time I truly put myself and my art out there. The turnout was great and the love was amazing. I knew after that show. I was truly meant to produce art visually and share it with the world. I was blessed with the opportunity to promote my first show on ABC 15 Arizona. The recognition and love have shown my confidence in my ability to another level. I’m a true believer that if you work on your gifts, they’ll make room for you.

With my family, my purpose is strengthened. I anticipate executing my vision daily because the stakes are incredibly high. I value the responsibility to provide for them at the highest level. I’m full steam ahead on getting this cartoon out to the masses!

Has it been a smooth road?
The biggest struggle was competing with my mindset. You wrestle with making art for yourself vs. art for others. I found that when trying to placate the needs of other’s interests, it can lead to a limiting belief as I’m making art for the wrong reasons, not for the joy of creativity itself. It took me a while to get over the whole likes and comments on social media. Once I began to produce and truly work on my gift, every door and person, I needed to connect with or be exposed to reveal itself to me.

The most difficult thing for me was to be open and be available to everyone publicly. As an introvert, that was the hardest step, getting on stage. Once I conquered that mission, I knew I was meant to share my art with the world.

We’d love to hear more about the company.
My company is called “The Art of Being Freed”. I specialize in illustrations and character designs. I recently showcased my pieces during my first art show back in February. In a record rainstorm, over 50 people came out and saw me, Thankful for every one of them. I’ll be publishing my first book through “The Art of Being Freed” this year called “The Art of ABC’s”. My son inspired it!

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Phoenix changed my life. I met my wife out here and started a beautiful family. I found my profession out here and learned to master it. I would highly recommend Phoenix for it’s the creative vibe and melting pot of people give you a network to many opportunities. To anyone just starting, I’d highly recommend learning the art of sales and communication. I find artists are great at creating but cannot sell themselves and their work, or any work. Lead the way. In this new day and age, your ability to communicate effectively, and act with purpose will take you far. Be the example of what you want to see. Your ‘e dealing with many intangibles in this new world: emotions, egos, attitudes. Be a master of empathy.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theartofbeingfreed.com
• Email: freed@theartofbeingfreed.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com./callcentertv

Image Credit:
Jaron Ikner

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