Meet Rudy Mage | Entrepreneur/Artist

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

Hi Rudy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I always enjoyed doing t-shirts. From a young age that was always my side hustle while going to school. I felt like I could release my creativity and the fact that people wanted to wear my designs was always really cool to me. When I graduated college I got a job as an Art Director and you’d think that would satisfy me to just settle into a corporate life with a comfortable salary, but I was still doing shirts on the side. The company found out and basically said they weren’t comfortable with me doing both. I decided from that point on I would never let someone decide my path for me. I went all in on myself, started building my company and never looked back.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Anyone who decides to pursue art in any form will tell you it’s not easy. If it was, everyone would do it. I think that’s why some people give up or choose a more traditional route. For me, I made up my mind there was no plan B. Plan A had to work and I would make sure of it. You have to be willing to get knocked down, take criticism and get back up. Is it hard? Yes it’s hard. But again, I won’t let someone else tell me I can’t when I know I can. I never stop creating whether it’s paintings, brand ideas or designs. I refuse to be complacent. I firmly believe nothing is out of reach because I can choose to work harder today or tomorrow and make it reality. My drive separates me.

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?
Take a boat out on the water first and foremost. That’s where the city looks the best. To be continued

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?
My family for sure. They have always supported me even when the path wasn’t the one they probably would have chosen at times. My son- he drives me every day, he’s my motivation, my reason. My wife. She’s my best friend. my sounding board, the one in my corner always- her belief in me makes me feel like I can do anything.

Website: www.inkedpro.com

Instagram: @rudy_mage