We had the good fortune of connecting with Steven Shackelford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Steven, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
Perseverance. That supernatural drive to continue on, despite all the numerous obstacles put before you–having a pure love and passion for what you do will always reinforce that.

Keeping your overall vision intact, planning and preparing your next steps, marshaling your resources–and keeping SILENT about your moves!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve coined myself as a “hyper-creative”. Whether it’s my from my original stories to my graphic concepts, my art comes from two places: “What If” & “Why Not”, and I’ve applied this discipline for as long as I can remember. Being able to spot certain angles and ideas that most wouldn’t catch in front of them has become my signature.

The pathway is never easy, I don’t believe that’s the purpose of an artist’s life. I’ve lived a couple of lifetimes to get to where I am now, and I’m just getting started! It’s through my passion for the craft alone that’s helped me advance through the years. I’ve always said that if you take care of your art, it will start to take care of you.

At 39, the biggest lesson I’ve come away with is the ultimate value of ownership, especially as a creative. When I was younger and wide-eyed about submitting my scripts and concept work to the industry, I was too eager to get my foot through the door. But thankfully, I had people in my corner that were considerate enough to provide the jewels necessary to ensure I not only protected my art, but greatly benefit from it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve had my friends for Los Angeles swing by, and all we did was go for drinks and grub at Legacy West–I may need to switch it up!

I’m not too keen on going out like I used to, but I’m a sucker for going to the movies, shopping for some kicks every now and then at the malls and taking in a good restaurant if the mood strikes. Maverick games are always lit!

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?
Shoutout to my original creator, Jehovah God first and foremost.

Shoutout to my brother and creative partner, David for taking this path with me.

Shoutout to my true friends and family for all their invaluable support over the years.

Shoutout to all the dreamers and late bloomers, of course.

And a FINAL shoutout to the Shoutout!!!

Website: https://linktr.ee/stevencshackelford?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=aeb7eb64-b0c1-4d06-bd17-28c7ff9ee73e

Instagram: https://tr.ee/mKsx7MnEma

Linkedin: https://tr.ee/UAvz3opS_-

Image Credits
All images courtesy of @stevencshackelford (Instagram).

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