Behind The Scenes
Interview with Director JAZ
Jazmin (DeLeon) Nivar was born in Massachusetts on 1986. She is Puerto Rican with a drive for creativity and everything art! After graduating from high school in 2004, she joined the US. Marine Corps and served 10 years and was honorably discharged in 2014. She enrolled in the Art Institute of Washington in Arlington, Va And earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design.
During that time she worked part-time at ArtJamz in DC, a freestyle sip and paint studio as the bar manager and paint instructor. She also interned for The Kier Company that specializes in Planning, Design, and Production based services. Shortly after she became a design and sales rep for a local closet company designing custom organization systems for clients in their homes all around the DMV. Now she lives in Long Island, NY working at a small design studio as a Project Designer.
How did you come by your name?
Jaz has always been a nickname short for Jazmin (haha no surprises there) since kindergarten so it’s only fitting to keep the authenticity.
When did you discover your love for your craft and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?
From the moment I was able to understand the concept of ART, I was in love. The freedom one has with any tool and surface to project their vision so others can see is like opening up the deepest parts of your brain to the world.
After serving 10 years in the Marine Corps I made a career change to pursue my love for the arts and decided to go to school and earned my Bachelors in Interior Design thus opening many doors as an Artist.
To what or whom do you accredit your sense of style?
I accredit my sense of style to my place of birth Lawrence, Ma. and my travels. Experiencing different cultures helps refine your true style.
On your upcoming project, how did you come up with the concept?
I like to interview my client and focus on their vision. My job as a creator is to bring to life what they want. The concept tends to be a blend of personal experiences with a heavy twist!
What are some of your greatest challenges, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
Some of my greatest challenges is sticking to a minimum of 2-3 projects at a time. I tend to want to do too much at the same time and need to be realistic with the time I have. I am a mom of 2 kids so it gets busy around here!
My greatest attribute to my work ethic is the ability to adapt on-site and make last min decisions run smoothly. My best work comes from pressure.
Are you the best at what you do in your opinion?
No way!! I am always seeking self-improvement because there is always going to be somebody out there who has an amazing skill that I may not have or use in my work. Learning is continuous and I will strive to be amongst the best.
What are your plans for the near future?
I plan on flipping my free time into more value. Experiencing more life and moments.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shout outs?
I would like to thank Semu for the opportunity to work on his Stranger project and collaborate with other talented souls. Shout out to my professor/mentor Nhia Cassie and Principal to her design company Nhia Cassie Interiors, for always being true about the industry and believing in me.
To Trystin Kier Frances, Principal to The Kier Company. I interned for him for a year and I learned so much and was given such a rare opportunity in the design world and gave me the push to continue to pursue my dreams.
How can fans find you?
You can check out my recent directorial for SEMU’s new single “Strangers” on YouTube and fans can contact me for future works via Instagram @nimzaj18.
What suggestions do you have for other artists like yourself?
To STOP triple guessing your worth! Take all the right risks and charge every negative to a positive one!
