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

Hi Parker, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking has been a constant throughout my life, creatively and professionally. I’ve grown up riding freestyle BMX my whole life, which was sort of a backbone for understanding how to recognize risk, and approach taking it in a calculated way… or sometimes not so calculated. Growing older, I’ve delved deeper into more commercial pursuits around my creative outlets, as a way to build a sustainable life for myself, and with approaching these pursuits I’ve seen how common risks are and how I am faced with them, literally constantly. I try my best to approach every potential risk as honestly and open-mindedly as I can, as an opportunity to learn.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m most proud and excited about simply just becoming so much more confident and empowered with myself as a creative person, and knowing how to utilize that in my life. Knowing that at times where I feel a little “misfit-y”, are actually a good signs, signs that show me that there is some attribute about whatever it is I’m doing (painting, sculpture, product development, branding, BMX, acting) helps me standout and be unique. It’s a thing that I’ve had to grow with and learn to accept is a hugely positive quality…. I’m proud and excited about this way of thought!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
San Diego is full of so many great gems, its so hard to pick… hahah … Taking them to “The Friendly ” for a mind-melting greasy cheese burger…. You cant ever go wrong!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family, without a doubt! They’ve been the ones from the veryyyyy beginning, and have continuously shown unconditional love and support towards trusting me in approaching risks, taking leaps on my ideas to allow myself to be where I am today. A recent book I’ve been reading is “The Creative Act: A Way of Being”, by Rick Rubin, that I think deserves a shoutout in my life and professional pursuit. It’s chalked full of so many amazingly profound topics, stories, quotes and creative points of interest, that has ultimately allowed myself to give grace and feel empowered as a creative being on a deeper level than before.

Website: https://www.parkermadeshop.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkermade_/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5AlBmfcwXQ

Image Credits
Scotify Studios, Annie Denten, El Studio/Laurel Loft

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.