Today, we’d like to introduce you to Josh Garcia.
Hi Josh, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
First and foremost, I’m honored to be featured. Thanks for reading! I am a husband, father, Christ-follower, creative, and I have been blessed to make art my profession. I am the owner and founder of JMG Creative, a creative agency based out of Houston, TX. Here’s a glimpse into my story.
Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of being an artist—or maybe a professional drummer for a late-night talk show. I could spend hours lost in my sketches or drumming out rhythms until that evening’s curfew while living with my parents. After high school, I went to the University of Houston Clear Lake, where I earned my Bachelor’s of Fine Arts. Initially, I initially thought graphic design was my calling, but after taking several art courses, I discovered that sculpture was my utmost favorite medium. There was something about creating functional art—pieces that were both beautiful and served a purpose—that really spoke to me.
I pursued sculpture for a while and even showed my work in a few galleries. But then, something unexpected happened: photography stole the show. It all started when my girlfriend (now wife) bought me a 50mm lens so I could take better photos of my sculptures. After we got married in 2016, we wanted professional photos for our first Christmas card, so we set up a tripod and snapped some shots. The next year, we did the same for our first anniversary, and soon, people began asking us to take their family portraits, and before we knew it, we were launched into the wedding industry.
Our photography business, JMG Photography, started to grow, though it was just a side hustle at first. Meanwhile, I served as the Creative Director at Life Church for four years, where I had the chance to grow as a photographer, videographer, graphic designer, and team leader. This role helped me develop my skills and gain confidence in leading teams of creatives.
In 2023, I took the plunge and went full-time with JMG Creative. We expanded from solely photography to offering numerous artistic mediums for individuals and businesses, including video, logo and web design, book design, digital and print marketing materials, and even traditional paintings. As our business continues to grow, we continue to expand our team to keep up with the demand.
I’m really excited about the future of JMG Creative. God has truly blessed us and we are trusting his direction for our business. We’re just at the beginning of this journey, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Well, yes and no. Running your own business is definitely a complex journey, and we’re still on it. Life has thrown its fair share of craziness our way, but it’s also brought me to a place where I’m content with our business model and the mediums we provide. Each aspect of our business’ growth, though, has its own unique story and challenges.
Working with more experienced photographers, for example, has been a challenge, but also a blessing. They push me beyond my comfort zone and help me to improve. And was it unnerving to start a business and let go of a steady and consistent income? Of course, but it was also exhilarating to be able to take the leap of faith and trust that if we put our future in God’s hands, He won’t fail.
Right now, one of our biggest opportunities is learning to scale the company comfortably. With every new venture and aspect of the business, there’s always a learning curve. We’ve experienced exponential growth, and while I don’t want to turn down any opportunity that comes our way, managing that growth comes with its own set of complexities. You learn to figure out what you enjoy and how to market yourself to attract your ideal clients.
At JMG Creative, we’re doing what we did in the beginning with JMG Photography: saying yes to everything until we discover what we’re most excited about pursuing. This approach has led to some amazing opportunities, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us next!
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?
JMG Creative has evolved from strictly photography into a budding creative agency. We provide photo and video services for individuals through weddings, family sessions, senior sessions, etc., create marketing content for businesses, and have even had the exciting opportunity to work with the city of Houston tourism highlighting exciting events around town! We’ve assisted with rebranding, logo design, book design, revamping websites, and even commissioned art pieces.
Though I wouldn’t say this about myself, clients often mention that what sets us apart is the energy we bring. We take that as their appreciation of our vigor, but more so, I take that as appreciation of our exuberant voice that is uniquely us. As an extrovert and a Christian, I genuinely love connecting with people, making them feel comfortable, and helping them look and feel their best. That positive vibe and connection we establish with our clients are what really make our clients’ experiences with us stand out.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about Houston is how it always has something new to discover. Even as a native Houstonian, I still stumble upon new places and experiences all the time. Plus, there’s a certain pride that comes with calling Houston home. It’s a perfect mix of southern hospitality, modern flair, and incredible diversity. I love the local art scene, the museums, and of course, the amazing food.
What I like least? Well, I’m a big fan of theme parks, and I really miss Astroworld. It was such a fun spot, and I wish we still had a great theme park in town. I definitely miss those rides and the excitement it brought to our city.
Contact Info:
- Website: jmg-photos.com
- Instagram: @jmgphotoshtx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jmgphotoshtx
Image Credits
JMG Photography
