We had the good fortune of connecting with Jon Conner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jon, is there a risk you took at some point that you’re really happy about?
The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was purchasing new equipment with my rent money. I was a newly wed, new baby, and a part time gig. I felt the need to take a huge leap and bet on myself. Dead end job. First time away from home. I believed that by investing, I could see a return on it super quick. VERY unrealistic. I was eventually evicted and had to rent a room from family. But, I am absolutely happy for the experience. It removed much of the fear that comes with being a creative. I proved to myself that I got my back. And, that I absolutely love being a creative if I’m willing to sacrifice for it. Success takes sacrifice. A lot of sacrifice. It also made me stronger. It taught me about life and consequences. It taught me that I can fall and get back up.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a filmmaker and producer born and raised in Detroit, MI. I currently reside in Houston, TX. I relocated to Houston 5 years ago for a professional career in filmmaking. Being a creative in general isn’t easy. But, the love and passion carries me. The biggest challenge for me I’d say was balancing business and creativity. As a creator, you want to get your hands dirty and start throwing ideas at the canvas. I jumped out on a limb as an undergrad. I began to take on clients for both video work and audio engineering. I was hit with the difficult task of switching to a business mind once things picked up. Invoicing, cold calls, paperwork, contracts. I learned to set goals, use templates, have a plan, and use experience to my advantage. You learn from mistakes. Get better with time. Just like your art. I’ve learned to be proud of my art and let it speak for itself. Therefore, when it comes to the business side, I have the confidence and it makes for easier conversations. Confident in my rates. Confident in my delivery. Confident enough in my art to sit with big clients. Understanding my value.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The thing I’ve picked up in Houston is the food! If I was to make an itinerary, I’d go for Top Golf. Food, fun and drinks. I’d add Kemah Boardwalk to the list for a day out. For shopping, I’d recommend First Colony Mall or The Galleria. More food, I’d take them to Torchy’s Tacos. For a creative fix, I’d book a studio block at Vision Light Studio. Depending on the season, you have the Astros or Rockets games. Other than that, I’m a homebody. I’d grab pounds and pounds of crawfish and relax.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Lo Gross is a terrific podcaster and journalist. He has relocated from Detroit to Houston. And, he’s pursuing his radio dream. He now has a weekly podcast and has recorded every week for over 2 years! inaudibleraucouspodcast@gmail.com

Website: www.jonmaven.com
Instagram: thewolfandtheblade
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonconnerfilm/
Other: www.beatsbykane.com