Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts
In this episode I sit down with Amon Focus, a Creative Director and Founder of New York Said. New York Said is his documentary series comprised of photography, featuring words and messages found on the street, as well as his accompanying podcast, in which he interviews New Yorkers with something to say. We start with the birth and the evolution of New York Said, which started as a simple photo series and has taken on a life of its own.
We then go into his origin story, starting with getting out of a rough neighborhood in South Jamaica, Queens. After graduating high school, Amon went to Mississippi where he worked different jobs including Subway sandwich artist and a poultry factory worker. Next, he realized he needed to go to school to live up to his potential. He ultimately landed at Full Sail University in Orlando where he pursued and flourished in the digital arts. He started his New York career working in motion graphics at MTV. Amon has developed his technical skill set, creative eye and vision over the years. Now Amon’s focus is as a creative documentarian; he shoots photos, video and interviews people to share positivity and inspire others.
We get into how to live life fully, play the long game, and go out there and experience things. Amon relays his perspective on purpose, and how living on purpose gives him inspiration when he walks out the door each morning. He is a wonderful storyteller with knowledge to share. His joy, passion and laugh are infectious.
Highlights
- New York Said origin story
- Kickstarter campaign with a 30 Day Video Series, and hitting the wall
- Origin story
- Culinary school
- Studying digital media at Full Sail University
- First creative jobs in a NYC
- Podcast audacity
- Biggest fears
- Tasting Life
- Purpose – why are you here and what are you meant to do
- Travel – as a way to unplug and get in touch with intuition
Bio
Amon Focus is a travel photographer and the founder of New York Said. He’s also friggin’ enamored with travel, art, fresh music, good eats, great people and all things creative.