Hey! So nice to speak with you! Can you tell our readers a little bit more about yourself? Where are you originally from and where do you live now?

My name is Jon Savage. I’m a Deaf contemporary artist based in San Diego, California, and I run Jon Savage Gallery. My work blends bold colors, abstract forms, and American Sign Language to tell visual stories that explore identity, movement, and human emotion. I’m passionate about creating artwork that connects people through visual language and reflects the richness of Deaf culture and coastal life. My practice includes painting, video art, and immersive installations.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now?

One thing I love about living in San Diego is the natural rhythm of the ocean. Surfing at sunrise grounds me and fuels my creativity. The mix of beach culture, year-round sunshine, and a diverse, art-loving community makes it the perfect place to live, create, and stay inspired.

Tell us a little bit more about what your company does and how it started? How does it help your customers?

Jon Savage Gallery is where I share my original contemporary artwork, video art, and fine art prints. Many of my pieces are inspired by American Sign Language and visual storytelling. What began as a personal journey of creative expression has grown into a platform that connects people through bold imagery and the beauty of Deaf culture. I began painting in 2011 as a way to explore emotion, identity, and language without words. Over time, I expanded into video art and immersive experiences to further communicate through movement and color. My work helps customers bring meaningful, expressive art into their homes. It speaks to who they are, what they feel, or what they stand for. Whether it’s a collector, an art lover, or someone discovering ASL through my work, I aim to create a lasting visual impact.

If someone wants to start a business, what's advice that will help them?

If someone wants to start a business, my advice is to stay true to your vision and be consistent with your effort. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Start with what you have and grow from there. Be open to learning, stay connected to your community, and remember that your authenticity is your greatest strength. There will be challenges, but if your work is meaningful to you, it will resonate with others too. Keep showing up and keep creating.

What was one feedback from a happy customer/client that you won’t forget about?

One piece of feedback I’ll never forget came from a customer who said my artwork made them feel seen without needing words. They were drawn to the way I blend bold pop elements with calming sunset tones, and how that contrast told a story they personally connected with. I create each piece with my own narrative in mind, but I love that every art collector can find their own meaning through it. That emotional connection is what keeps me creating.

Where do you see your company in the future?

In the future, I see Jon Savage Gallery growing into a hub for bold, expressive art rooted in the energy of Southern California. I want to create more immersive video installations, partner with other Deaf artists, and showcase my work in museums, public art spaces, and international exhibitions. I also envision offering limited edition fine art collections and virtual experiences so people everywhere can connect with ASL-inspired art. Whether it's through coastal colors, surf-inspired motion, or the warmth of the SoCal creative spirit, I want my work to continue celebrating Deaf culture, visual language, and emotional storytelling.

What’s the biggest misconception about your industry?

One of the biggest misconceptions about the art industry is that it’s only for people who are formally trained or have access to elite galleries. In reality, powerful art comes from lived experience, not just credentials. As a Deaf artist, I’ve also seen the assumption that Deaf creators are limited in how we express or connect. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Visual language is at the heart of what I do. My work challenges those ideas by showing that art, especially when rooted in authenticity, has no boundaries.

What’s one mistake you made in the beginning and what did you learn from it?

One of my biggest struggles in building my business has been balancing the creative side with the business side. As an artist, my focus is on creating meaningful work, but running a gallery also means managing marketing, sales, logistics, and everything else that keeps it going. It was overwhelming at first. I dealt with it by building structure into my routine, learning from other creative entrepreneurs, and using tools that help me stay organized. Most importantly, I’ve learned to ask for help when I need it and to treat the business side as part of the art, not separate from it.

What was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

Growing up, one of my favorite music artists was INXS. I wasn’t sure if the music itself was my favorite, but the style of their videos on MTV really caught my eye. That visual energy is what first sparked my interest in video art. For athletes, I admired surfer Mike Hynson after seeing him in the movie The Endless Summer. His style and presence in the water left a strong impression on me and connected deeply with my love for surf culture and visual storytelling.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

Absolutely. I want to give a shoutout to the Deaf community for inspiring and supporting my journey. Much love to the collectors, collaborators, and curators who believe in my work and help share it with the world. I am grateful for the creative community in San Diego, including artists, surfers, and storytellers who bring so much energy to this city. And to everyone who takes the time to view my art and feels something from it, thank you. That connection is what keeps me smiling and creating.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

For those interested in learning more or connecting with my work and gallery, here are the best ways to explore: Visit the Jon Savage Gallery official website, where you can view my original paintings, fine art prints, and immersive video installations inspired by American Sign Language, color, and story. https://wwwjonsavagegallery.com Explore the About section on the website to discover my creative journey, artistic influences, and Deaf identity‑driven practice. https://www.jonsavagegallery.com/about-the-artist Follow Jon Savage Gallery on Instagram, where I regularly share new artwork, behind‑the‑scenes videos, and upcoming events. https://www.instagram.com/jonsavagegallery/ Connect on LinkedIn, where I share professional updates, creative collaborations, and insights into my practice. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonlsavage/ These channels offer a full view of my artistic vision, latest projects, exhibitions, and fine art offerings. Feel free to reach out or sign up for updates through any of them.