Meet Christopher Shaw | Multi-talented Artist | Musician | Poet | Entrepreneur | Photographer/Videographer

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

Hi Christopher, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
One of the most difficult questions that I’ve ever had to ask myself in life; Should I give up? I’ve been through a lot but I’ve never experienced something so simple in nature, yet difficult. A question; whose answer for the most part should be obvious. I don’t wake up in the morning planning to fail. However, I use to set contingencies for if I do. Which inadvertently sets me up for failure. The goal ideally for most people is to succeed by any means. For me that was never a question I chose to answer because in order for me to keep going, I cannot let the idea of failure or giving up take precedence. I don’t think of failure as something I should avoid but I must avoid completely checking out because of it. It’s okay to change my hobbies, goals, dreams or passion but it was never okay for me to give up purpose, value and direction. I don’t have a choice because to me that means giving up on more than just my dreams. As someone who battles with depression and struggles with anxiety, I had to restructure the way I think. As it is a humans instinct to survive.

While my reasoning may differ from others, the one thing that we may agree on is that, we are still living. Conceptually, you may equate giving up to not becoming a pro athlete, a singer, or successful entrepreneur but to me, I still carry breath inside my body. So I didn’t give up, I may have given up on the thought of what could be. Which could prove to be detrimental to my journey but I have to be intentional with my thoughts, my words, my actions. It is never too late to take control of my life. Everyday that I wake up, I’m making an active decision to keep going because I’m not done with life. People use,” responsibilities” as a fail safe word to ensure their reasoning behind doing the very thing they despise. In reality, they have a choice and they make it everyday because it is easier to say I have bills, so that’s why I’m stuck working this job that I hate. Although, they have valid assertions, it does not take away from the fact that they still have more options. It would be more difficult to alter the action; based on how they view their circumstance, for fear of failure or enduring greater hardships, as a result of them choosing to quit their job, to take a risk on something the love.

It’s easy to make excuses for why you can’t but harder to prove to yourself why you can and to truly live life as though you already achieved what you desire. The truth for me is that there is no room for questioning when or if I should give up. Especially concerning my dreams, I cannot think about anything other than being successful. Despite experiencing setbacks or failures. The only question I ask myself today is, what do I have to do to keep going? I don’t care what it takes because I know that’s the only thing keeping me alive. Finding a reason to be happy, regardless of what I’m going through mentally, physically or spiritually. To be transparent sometimes I don’t know but there is power in your words and your thoughts. Everyone has a different way of viewing it but for me, that can never be a question.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is my outlet. I’ve always been creative but I never knew just how artistic I was. I loved English and literature in high school. I loved writing opinion based essays and or personal topics because I was free to express myself without limitations. I started writing poetry in high school but really dove deeper into writing during my college years. I met my friend jhustyn and he is the reason why I took writing more seriously. I’ll never forget the first poem called,”just breathe”. I originally wrote it after my ex broke up with me, heading into my freshman year of college. I bought a ring to propose to her on Christmas Day but she broke up with me Christmas Eve. I had originally threw the ring in my room, thinking I lost it. It ended up in a bag that I was packing for college. When I found it, it provoked a lot of old emotions and anger, so I ended up writing a poem, as well as performing live in front of the whole campus. That poem helped me to receive a lot of recognition and people would tell me how much they loved it. I worked with my friend to refine my writing skills and eventually joined a group called Lyrical Quest. Which was a group in college for creatives to perform their talents and help each other become better. Eventually, the more creatives I met, the more I ventured off into other aspects of artistry. To the point where I became diverse in my capabilities.

Performing my very first poem I ever wrote, as vulnerable as it was for me. That was the single most exciting moment of my life. However, the thing that I’m most proud of is that my talents have inspired or helped others through tough times in their life. For me that is important because at one point in time, I didn’t have anything or anyone to get me through what I was dealing with. I had to battle with myself to keep going. Sometimes all it takes is one moment to give you the strength and encouragement you need, to let you know everything is going to be alright. I got where I am today because of my ability to adapt. To draw inspiration from others and stay focused on the overall goal. I want better for my family and friends. I don’t like to see people struggling, especially when they are loved ones or close to me. Doesn’t matter what I go through, I don’t want others to experience the same pain. I use to be extremely afraid of public speaking but I overcame that fear because of my passion. It wasn’t easy confronting my fears in the process of putting myself out there, either for fear of rejection and or that I may be taken advantage of. Although, it was difficult, I used my past experiences and traumas as a reference to show that I can overcome anything. I’ve been in the military for ten years and one thing it has taught me was to never give up, especially on yourself.

One of the most important lessons I learned along the way, is that you have to be mindful of who you are. It is so easy to get consumed in trying to be something for someone else. In this world of technology and social media, everyone wants to portray an image but if it is not who you are, then you are doing yourself a disservice. Regardless, of how others view me, I can’t lose sight of who I truly am. Being you is the best thing you can be in this world because everybody wants to be the same. Very few want to be different. If I had to let the world know one thing about me or my brand is that, the goal of my brand is to give people a reason. I want to use my gifts, my talents to help people who struggle with depression or may not have the proper resources or guidance to do what they love. I want to use my platform and gifts to invoke new perspectives. I want to change people’s lives, who feel like they are stuck doing the same things everyday and want different for themselves or for others. I don’t want my story to be sad but hopeful and optimistic. My story isn’t the focus but helping others create one for themselves is my goal as a creative and entrepreneur.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spots in the city to go to is Freemans in Deep Ellum, Black Canvas open mic, Sidecar Social and or Hookah Lounges. I frequent some bars such as Stirr, Tacos and tequila’s or Knockouts for drinks and a few other bars as well. I really just like to experiment and try new places every time I go out. I love visiting museums and or going for a walk downtown and checking out different locations. Places I definitely love to eat would be Spaghetti Warehouse, Grand Lux Cafe, Yard house, Drake’s, Ocean Prime and North Italia. Most of the time I enjoy creating my own vibe such as having jam sessions or going for late night drives around the city, doing random photoshoots, painting, working on music or making up creative projects to do. I prefer more laid back and chill environments that insight more intimate conversations and dialogue between people. I have my moments for turning up but I prefer to relax and vibe. I do brunches often at snooze’s as well every so often.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank my family first and foremost. My mother for showing me resiliency, my grandmother for instilling her faith in me and my sister for patience. Collectively they have taught me the meaning of perseverance and the true meaning of family. Regardless of our differences we all love and support each other. I wouldn’t be the man I’am today without them. Moreover, I’d like to thank my close friends because without them. They supported me at my worst and still continue to show up for me when I need them. My perspectives grew and my knowledge of what true friendship is, only exist because of them. I’m thankful to have a variety of different friends who come from different places but all have many talents and goals that align with each others. I have never met a better grew of people who are unselfish, willing to inspire, motivate, and see others be successful. I found a lifetime bond that is unbreakable. A true brotherhood. For that, I am thankful! They are the sole reason why I got deeper into music and artistry.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialshaw_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christopher.shaw.399488/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChCyVfJ18CU067eM4FZv_4Q