Today we’d like to introduce you to Jimmy Kang.
Jimmy, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I gave my life to the good Lord and let him guide my life. It was then, the doors of my artistry and hard work began to open up. I currently work as a commercial agent where I assist business owners with their insurance portfolios, the Houston Cake Dealer for Johnny Cupcakes, and a hip-hop dance choreographer. I have done art and dance all my life and studied business in school. Through my years of education and practicing my craft, I am able to balance a life of business, fashion, and dance. Jeff Staple of Staple Designs says that we are moving in a direction where the youth is no longer looking up to just being one thing. We used to look to a basketball player and dream of only becoming that one profession. However, times have changed and the youth is looking up to the Kanye Wests of the world who is able to wear multiple hats. ( EX. A rapper, Fashion Designer, Producer, Artist, Curator, Etc.) My experiences and dedication to hip-hop and professionalism have ultimately lead me to collaborate with some of the most ambitious people in Houston whether that’d be media, food, streetwear, sneakers, music, dance, or traditional business. If I am able to be a positive role model for the youth today, I have served the lord well. My story has only just begun and look forward to what God has in store for me.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
As a hip-hop dancer, I create choreography for the youths in the Houston area. Although I have trained on the advanced levels of modern hip-hop, I still create dances for kids as young as 5 years old. I want to relay the message that we have to continue to educate and inspire the youth in order to lay a foundation for the future of these young athletes and artists.
As the Houston Cake Dealer for Johnny Cupcakes, my role is to collaborate with local businesses in Houston and supply the people with limited Johnny Cupcakes products. It is a great way of spreading the brand that I have been loyal to for years while also allowing the people in attendance to network and shop.
I consider Business Market to be an art form as there are many artistic elements that go into it. I apply some traditional means of marketing like hand-made signs on the side of the street to full graphic flyers for all to see. I work with photographers to bring products to life in social media posts.
There are many elements that go into a lot the work that I do. I have had my hand in photography, music editing, videography, graphic design, fashion styling, staging, DJing, graffiti, etc. All of these things I learned as a youth simply through curiosity. I have been able to be strong at these things by being curious and willing to learn. I want the kids that I teach to always wonder.
Have things improved for artists? What should cities do to empower artists?
Conditions for artists today has become much easier due to social media. There so many different platforms to showcase our work and it is because of the internet.
Cities like ours need to continue to showcase artists who are continuously improving their craft, learning, and hustling. Houston has a bad habit of competing with each other instead of building with each other.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Instagram: @jimmyckang
Eventbrite.com/johnnycupcakeshtx
Contact Info:
- Phone: 281-602-9944
- Email: jimmykang93@gmail.com
- Instagram: @jimmyckang
- Facebook: facebook.com/jimmykang281
Image Credit:
@katherine_evangeline
@igotsolebrand
@lenamirisola
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
