James Portis Actor the Faces of Tucson AZ

James Portis

I am an intelligent, dedicated entrepreneur who combines a creative, artistic soul with a highly technical mind.

As a musician, writer, developer, and digital artist, I use computer technologies to take my ideas and inspirations and turn them into interesting digital products for wide consumption.

I am fascinated by the natural world and space exploration, making Tucson the perfect place for me with its myriad desert and mountain hiking trails combined with its numerous observatories and planetariums.

I am a face of Tucson because I represent the young, open-minded professionals taking our great city to a more equitable and just future!

Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the son of a military veteran and a professional IT businesswoman. My sister is a successful Realtor in Tucson with a beautiful daughter and I have an adorable little puppy that I call my own

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
As a content creator, I love that I can marry disparate ideas (and sometimes disciplines) to create thought-provoking and moving pieces of art that can then be quickly digested by my audience, with both good and bad (but honest) feedback.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I prefer the many restaurants found in Downtown Tucson, with Hi-Fi being my favorite, closely followed by Street Tacos

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Over 10 years

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Tony Ray Baker

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
As a military kid, I have already visited or lived on almost every continent. But I haven’t been to Hawaii, and that seems like paradise!

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie of all time has to be V for Vendetta. As for TV, I like documentaries on any subject (especially nature and space) and I like to watch live sports.

Q: What advice would you give to people?
I would tell people to take advantage of the space between stimulus and response. You don’t always get to choose the stimulus, but you always choose your response, so take your time and act in ways that reflect your true values.

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To be honest, I don’t think much about kicking the bucket. I’d love to invent a crypto-currency devoted to social giving and philanthropy.

Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
In a pinch, I will always be entertained by Lil’ Wayne

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Visit the many local ruins or remnants of colonialization don’t necessarily make me nostalgic, but they do inform me of the history of our community.

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would have lunch with Bob Marley at Hi-Fi where I would inundate him with questions about his revolution and the true meaning behind some of his most iconic lyrics.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how Tucsonans care about each other and discover creative ways to better serve one another

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself sitting on top of a mountain of fun, interactive content that I am proud to have created.

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have an expansive collection of comic books and cards in mint condition that I’ve had stored away since I was a little kid

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The beach in San Diego is the most beautiful place I have ever been.

Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I think every day has the same inherent value in the next, so I don’t really have a favorite month or holiday. I like the people think more about family as Christmas approaches! There is no one single best day, every day is the best day to accomplish your dreams!

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
I would say Tucson’s Authentic Mexican and South American Cuisine is a 10 out of 10

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My niece, my puppy, and the belief others have in me inspires me to be better.

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
I love the smell of pizza

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, safety and community

For All That You Do,
Thank you James Portis from The Faces of Tucson.
We Appreciate You