What happened to Juaso Graphics?

In the dynamic intersection of anime culture and streetwear fashion, Juaso Graphics emerged as a groundbreaking platform dedicated to showcasing and empowering black anime artists. Founded with a vision to amplify underrepresented voices and challenge industry norms, Juaso Graphics quickly became a beacon for creativity and community. In this candid interview, we sit down with the founder to explore the inspirations behind the venture, the milestones achieved, the challenges faced, and the profound lessons learned along the way.

Interviewer: What inspired you to start Juaso Graphics, and what was the vision behind the black anime streetwear site?

User: "I was inspired to start Juaso Graphics because I was frustrated. There are so many talented artists in the black anime community creating beautiful work, yet often they didn't have their own projects. I'd see black versions of popular characters, but when they made their own characters, those rarely got the love or continuity they deserved. There's also very little black representation in actual anime from Japan. And I was frustrated that artists who turned their work into a business often had to rely on fan art of Japanese intellectual property they didn't own or just sell commissions one by one. I thought, 'If you're just making commissions all day, what happens if you get sick or injured?' That's a fragile way to make a living. I wanted to help artists build audiences and maximize their economic potential, turning their art into a sustainable income they could use to fuel their own projects."

Interviewer: That's a powerful motivation. It sounds like you wanted to create a platform that would change the dynamics for black anime artists. Once Juaso Graphics was up and running, what were some of the key successes or milestones that made you feel the business was having an impact?

User: "One of my favorite milestones was cracking a lot of sales through our website and live events like conventions. I'm also grateful that I was able to literally put thousands of dollars in the hands of artists. I created a podcast, The Land of Greatness, on Spotify, where I interviewed over a hundred creatives about their process, and I'm proud of that. Developing the skill to help people understand why black art matters and why it deserves to be valued was a huge success for me. I wanted to connect people with these inspiring black artists and creators who are making things that move people."

Interviewer: Reaching that level of success and helping artists get exposure and financial support is impressive. What were some of the challenges you faced while running Juaso Graphics?

User: "The biggest financial challenge was getting started. When I launched it in high school, I didn't have much money. I used my commission earnings to fund the business and had to rely on organic means to make sales. Eventually, I created a 'melanin' shirt that gained some traction, which allowed me to start investing in influencer partnerships. I advanced money to artists with large followings to join my platform, and fortunately, that led to enough sales to keep us going.

"But as the business grew, so did the costs. Vending at conventions was especially tough—it was incredibly expensive, and the profit margins were low. A convention could cost me around $1,500 in fees, transportation, and inventory, and I often barely broke even. I learned that, realistically, my business model didn't fit large conventions. My target demographic was mainly at black-centered conventions, so I was financially stretching myself. In hindsight, I should have focused on smaller conventions, partnered with others for inventory, or stuck with digital ads. Conventions ended up being my biggest financial mistake and ultimately led me to close down because running it became unsustainable."

Interviewer: It sounds like you put a lot of thought and strategy into scaling up, but the in-person vending costs became a barrier. Looking back, what are some lessons you learned from the experience that you think would help other entrepreneurs in similar spaces?

User: "Number one is to know what works and keep doing it—don't stretch outside your bounds. If you do need to stretch, especially financially, ask for help. You'd be surprised how many people are willing to help if you ask. Don't feel bad about it; some people find value in being an asset to others. Also, don't expect others to behave how you would. Working with creatives, I learned that everyone has different needs and priorities. Not everyone reinvests in their business or operates minimally. Artists, in particular, need the right environment and mindset for their work, and that affects their creative output. It's important to understand and respect these differences to get the most out of collaborating with others."

Interviewer: Those are insightful takeaways, especially about understanding collaborators' needs. Given all this, what ultimately led you to decide it was time to close Juaso Graphics?

User: "Ultimately, I just ran out of money. My website went unpaid, and even a new website didn't help. About a year before I closed, I gambled on big conventions like Anime NYC and DreamCon, hoping to make enough sales to sustain the business. But I was underprepared. Unlike the internet, where you can use ads and messages to build your presence, the real world relies on networking and relationships. You need connections and time for opportunities to build up. I didn't understand that then, but I do now.

"I also came to realize that commission artists in the black anime niche often prefer control over their work. They may not want to create serialized content, and you can't just turn them into comic artists if that's not what they're aiming for. So I learned that people need to retain their artistic autonomy. I also recognized my own stubbornness and a lack of guidance—I didn't ask for help because I didn't think anyone could understand my vision. So, I decided to make an exit plan and let it go. But I don't regret it. I learned a lot, met amazing people, and gained experience I still value."

Interviewer: It sounds like you gained a lot of wisdom from this journey, even if it ended differently than expected. As you look back, what would you say is the legacy or impact of Juaso Graphics, and is there anything you hope people take away from it?

User: "Yeah, I always say that 'you are the author of your existence'—you choose the life you want, and nobody can stop you from creating something meaningful. I want people to know that if there's something you want to exist in the world, you can make it happen. Don't rely on others to make it happen for you, but be open to adapting and having difficult conversations. Prioritize the goal over your ego; that's how you achieve greatness."

Interviewer: That's a powerful message, especially for creators and entrepreneurs. Lastly, do you have any advice for anyone looking to start a business that aligns with their passion and vision, similar to what you did with Juaso Graphics?

User: "If you want to start a business, start small and start with what you love. Root it in what you genuinely care about, because it's not always going to be fun or easy. If it's built around your passion, even if you shift directions, it'll stay true to you. But if you chase something just because it's popular, it'll feel inauthentic, and that's a kind of hell. People will know you for something that doesn't reflect who you are, and that's exhausting. So, build a business that's true to yourself."

Interviewer: Thank you for sharing such personal insights and experiences. Your journey with Juaso Graphics and the lessons you've gathered offer invaluable advice for anyone aiming to build something meaningful. It's clear that passion, authenticity, and resilience are at the heart of your story.

The journey of Juaso Graphics serves as an inspiring narrative about pursuing one's passion while navigating the complex landscape of entrepreneurship. Despite the challenges and the eventual decision to close the business, the founder's experience underscores the importance of staying true to one's vision and values. Juaso Graphics may have concluded its chapter, but its legacy lives on through the artists it supported and the conversations it started about representation and empowerment in the anime community.

For anyone dreaming of starting a venture that aligns with their deepest passions, this story is a powerful reminder: success isn't just measured by longevity or profit margins but by the impact you make and the lives you touch along the way. As the founder eloquently puts it, "You are the author of your existence"—a mantra that encourages us all to write our own stories with authenticity and courage.