Today we’d like to introduce you to JM Blay-Tofey.
Hi JM, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ll try to keep such a long story, short, in 2020 (during Covid) I had an idea for a creative community here in Austin that captured all the things my friends and I love. Being space, the universe, art, music, the world, creating, collaboration, the progression of minorities/people of color in the art realm, and of course, community.
With this in mind, Hubbledvision was born from a mixture of love for the creative process and the significance of how much it really “takes a village.”
And for that, I hope I don’t leave anyone out but shout out to Julian, Simmon, Darius, Abigail, Devin Marie, Richard, Griff, Des, Paul, Lauren, Lindsay, Curtis, Susie, Ini, Rhea (you too Michael), Uncommon People, K, Leah, Bambi, Sherrod, Isa, Bettersaygrace, Brittany, Jeff, Lynn and Oseyo, Native Hostel, Romi and Vibes Texas, Graham and Nodaysoff, man and so many other people/organizations that really helped us cultivate our community from the beginning of our birth into the universe!
From our travels through the creative multiverse, we evolved from simply doing supportive posts, collaborative segments, and music playlists into a growing community of events, happenings, and physical locations to curate our very own creative experiences for all to enjoy.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has NOT been smooth. And I’ll speak for myself on this one, haha.
The amount of concentration, sacrifice, energy, and time it takes to create something this special is uncanny. I quickly realized how deeply invested I was to build something for the people around me, and in turn, it ultimately affected my health, my relationships, as well as my mentality.
Although it has been a turbulent ride, the amount of positive progression and growth I experienced with those around me speaks volumes to how committed we are to do what we do.
Everyone has a 9-5, everyone has something to worry about outside of creating and that alone posed (and still poses) as the biggest stressor when trying to engage in a creative endeavor.
Thankfully I’m surrounded by some of the most unique and driven creatives this city has to offer, and I’m truly blessed to have the amount of help as I’ve gotten to consistently improve on everything we’re doing with art and Hubbledvision.
I’ll say it one last time, IT TAKES A VILLAGE, PLEASE!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We won’t talk too much about my career outside of Hubbledvision because it can get a bit complicated, but I’m in the engineering/semiconducting field and do a bit of travel for work which enables me to connect with creatives across the US and beyond.
Other than that, I have a couple of clients that I work for remotely, from copywriting and account management to web building.
And when I’m not doing any of the following things above, you’ll find me deep into my now 6th journal of concepts to mold and push everything we’re doing with Hubbledvision further. Within the creative realm, I’ve come to terms with where I fit in the best regardless of if I wanted the title or not, haha. Ultimately I spend my time creative directing, event planning, editing, management, as well as a couple of trade skills I’ve gained along the way. Oh yeah, and when I have time, I produce a bit as well.
I think I’m most proud of the position I’m in to have a balanced engagement of flexing my creative muscles with Hubbledvision, but also my technical skills with my occupation right now.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I feel like people are surprised by what we’ve been able to do in just two years.
Most people still don’t even know this is something I created, which has its pros and cons of course, haha.
People usually don’t realize how much we do until they speak to us in person which is always eye-opening. To give a rough example:
Segments:
Instrumentalvision
– collab with a producer
Writtenverse
– collab with a poet
Conversations with a universe
– conversation with a creatives
Hubbled scope
– lifestyle collab with creatives
Headspace
– mental health talk with creatives
Playlist feature
– music placements for local artist
Custom and hand-crafted merchandising*
Live events:
ASTROLAB
– Hyperlab (up tempo dance party)
– Oseyo (low lit lounge gathering)
And many other collaborations with multiple collectives and communities across Texas.
But I think the level we are at is surprising because none of this was by accident, it was all physically written, planned out, and consistently executed from the ground up. Everyone has an idea, but to see it become something you can touch is incredible. And we have everyone in Texas to thank for that eternally.
We’re just getting through our second mission in this grand space of art, and we can’t wait to show y’all what we have planned next.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jmblaytofey?igshid=YzA2ZDJiZGQ= | https://instagram.com/hubbledvision?igshid=YzA2ZDJiZGQ=
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCDMzW_if3MkOtApPH370eIw
- SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/o2fncyrigSUa5UJXA
Image Credits
@wellcapturedjs
@chumathepuma_
@hubbledvision
