Meet JaQuan Spectrum | Designer

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

Hi JaQuan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is a part of everyone’s life. Every day we risk something. Whether it be your life, sanity, or even something as little as getting a stain on your new white blouse. Risk has always been necessary, and I truly believe we wouldn’t get anywhere without it. I always take risks, because every risk has a payoff. The benefit may be a new connection, respect, or money, per usual. To truly become the “you” that you envision, you have to risk it all. And I would risk everything for my dream.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My design language comes from everything I loved when I was a kid. I paid close attention to the ways musicians I was fond of would dress, pop culture, and cartoon shows. Knowing that my designs come from a genuine place makes me satisfied to end. Getting to this point took a lot of trial and error, but as an artist it is necessary. A lot of people come into this realm looking at it as a quick profit or side hustle. While these things aren’t necessarily terrible things, this has filled our world with a slew of “copy paste” labels. It isn’t hard to tell when someone has a genuine vision. Their language will clearly strike you as different. My vision stems from the ideal of all of us existing within the same spectrum. Hence the label’s name, Colore Spectrum. Colore being “colorful” in French, and Spectrum being the physical plane we all co-exist on. We are apart of the same spectrum but have different shades and tints. This is what makes us all individuals.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Miami is a sun-soaked metropolis full of life. With the people I have brought to the area I would immediately bring them to Wynwood. Wynwood is the only place I know where I’m able to find fried chicken flavored ice cream and poke bowls on the same block. Like for real, that’s crazy. The design district is also a go to for those in my realm. Whether it is for appreciating couture, shopping, or making connections, the design district always has something happening. Coconut Grove is also cool if you like seeing peacocks walk around, just be cautious around the lil’ homies.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Early on in my journey, I began studying the various people and things that shaped me into who I am. From their stories and experiences, it seemed the first step would be acquiring knowledge of editing software. I would need to teach myself in order to flesh out the lush ideas that were coming to my mind. Being a college student on a budget, I wasn’t keen on spending an obscene amount on a program. I ended up contacting my friend, Tyrique. Ty was skilled in various programs at the time. To keep it short, after quick productive conversation, I was working on photoshop within the same hour of our phone call. I am beyond blessed to call that man my friend.

Another person whom I owe so much to is my good friend Tashawn. We went to high school together and would occasionally speak. I never thought we would ever be at the point where we are today. Together we have scored amazing bodies of work. Whether it be editorial work or video shoots, we execute to the best of our abilities. I am eternally grateful for having a brother like him at my side.

Website: www.colorebyjaquanturner.com

Instagram: quanyspectrum

Other: Email: wearecolore@gmail.com

Image Credits
Tashawn Barber