Life & Work with Jared McCloud

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jared McCloud.

Hi Jared, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Well, I got my start in art at a very early age. Art ran in my family – it was something we all did. Very quickly I figured out it was something I could do and enjoyed doing. I was into drawing, painting, sculpting- really whatever I could get my hands on.

I also started playing music very early too- my older brother showed me how to play my first song at 5 on guitar and I was immediately hooked. It quickly became all I cared about and having the art background as well, the two went hand in hand- from designing shirts or album covers to directing music videos.

Once I got older, I started an apprenticeship to be a tattoo artist. This would open a lot of doors for me to create- both at work as well as having the time and freedom to develop as a touring musician and songwriter. Since then I have toured the country a few times over and had some success as well as maintained a tattoo clientele over a few different states and continued to try and grow as an artist both in tattoo, painting, and songwriting.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Art is a fickle thing. Sometimes it pours out of you- like you have to get it out. Other times there are a lot of challenges like time, or money, or maybe just some sort of block. You can get into periods where you think everything you do is awful… but you learn to push through it. More often than not it’s all leading to something else, and usually something you wouldn’t have got to unless you went through the struggle. It’s a life lesson I suppose.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a nationally touring singer/songwriter as well as a tattoo artist for the last 16 years. I’m not sure what sets me apart from others- I approach everything I do with thought and honesty and try to make the best art I can possibly make. I would hope other people in my position would do the same.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I love playing a new song for an audience for the first time and having them be into it. Or finishing a new painting. Having a client smile when their tattoo is complete. I suppose it’s all in the reaction- I think all art is. Affirmation I guess.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jared-mccloud.com
• Instagram: @jer.makes.da.artz