Today we’d like to introduce you to Via Perkins.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
For me, freelancing in the arts and media has often been like swinging from vine to vine. Sometimes I start with one medium and then find myself exploring a different discipline or taking on a new project I didn’t anticipate. Personally, I think life’s a lot more exciting that way! I try not to box myself in or set strict parameters on how I work. This has led me to accomplish goals and work in areas I never dreamed I’d be able to when I was young.
Joni Mitchell was first artist I learned about who does what she calls “crop rotation” – switching between mediums – which is a process I very much relate to. The three I use are writing, music, and photography. Under those headers, I’ve worked in a lot of different areas, including journalism, editing, publishing, radio broadcasting, audio production, performance, portraiture, digital imaging, and curating.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
An important lesson I’ve learned is that it’s good to take time to explore the facets of what you love to do, and you don’t have to choose one thing and forsake all others. There’s a lot of pressure to have a certain career narrative in our society. We tend to see a person who has had one passion since childhood, a linear trajectory through school, and picks a field they stay in until retirement, as the golden standard. Having this story is great, but that isn’t everyone’s experience, and others are just as valid.
Donald Glover (who is incredibly accomplished in acting, producing, comedy, and music) said something in an interview with Toazted that stuck with me after I read it. When it comes to taking on new jobs, he “follows the fun,” and I loved the simple wisdom in that guideline. It’s not that every position or project won’t have its challenges, but that you believe in your own potential to create an invigorating and fulfilling work life.
We’d like to know more about your business – what should we know? What sets you apart from the competition?
I have a decade of experience in both music and photography, and have been writing and publishing for seven years. My values inform the way I choose my projects. When it comes to personal work, creating content that is genuine is the most important thing to me. This is also true in a larger sense; making space for everyone to tell their own truths, and highlighting perspectives from all walks of life, is essential.
This became a mission of mine when I worked as a journalist for over two years, and I realized how intentional members of the media need to be to make sure we are not leaving anyone out of the narrative. That’s the case from local newspapers all the way up to the largest media companies – they all make an impact on the public.
So, no matter the medium, that is what I want to continue to do. I’m honored to say I’m able to do that in a new way with Winter Tangerine, a digital publication I began interning with in April. They prioritize underrepresented writers and artists, including people of color and folks on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. I’m reviewing and voting on submissions, as well as pitching ideas for future columns and development.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
One of my proudest moments was traveling across the country to Los Angeles in 2016 to speak on panel as a writer at Mixed Remixed Festival. The festival celebrates mixed-race heritage, and I met lots of people who I resonated with racially and in freelance work, which was so affirming. It also indirectly led to an opportunity to publish an essay in a book called The Beiging of America (2Leaf Press) last year.
A couple of other great moments happened this year. The first was co-curating a photography show in January. I connected talented local photographer Jaina Cipriano with John Mottern, an award-winning photojournalist and owner of Gallery 55 in Natick. I helped decide which images would make the show, assisted with hanging and promotion, and photographed the reception. We made around $3,000 in print sales that night.
The second was joining my friend, Boston-based singer/songwriter Matt Minigell, on a tour sponsored by Together Records for his new album Guts in February. We performed in Vermont, Montreal, and Maine, playing all kinds of venues, from restaurants and bars to the Montreal subway system. It was just the two of us trekking together, so we had to trust each other during the trip, and he taught me a lot about resilience and street smarts. Every opportunity is another chance to learn about the world and the types of work you can do.
Contact Info:
- Website: viaperkins.com
- Email: via.perkins@gmail.com
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/viaperkins
- Tumblr: vialiveshere.tumblr.com
Image Credit:
Via Perkins portrait: Stephanie Rita Photography
Gallery 55 Reception – John Mottern and art patron: Via Perkins
Busking in a Montreal subway: Matt Minigell
Performing at Opus Underground: Andy Levine Creative
Panelist at Mixed Remixed Festival: InVinity Productions
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
