We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Justin Francis aka Justin Martyr. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Justin below.

Justin, appreciate you joining us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

I first began earning money as a creative around the age of 10 years old as a drummer. While other people’s first job was cutting grass or working for a grocery store; my first job was playing the drums.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am Justin Martyr an artist, musician, producer, preacher, label owner and I also run my own production company. I got into the music industry initially as a drummer since 11 months old. My Father brought my younger brother a drum set and I stole the drums from him and the rest is history!

My Record Label is Called Verbal Renaissance and my Production Company is called Justin-Credible Productions. We create music in a variety of genres such as hip-hop, Christian hip-hop, Gospel, EDM, boom bap, spoken word, R & B, reggae, neo-soul and others. We also contribute music to various brands such as Apple Music, The NBA and there are other brands in the works.

Both companies also provide mentorship, Christian discipleship and education to inner city youth in different cities in The United States and even worldwide! We solve the problems of spiritual misguidance, low self-esteem, lack of direction through the Gospel and mentorship.

We are most proud to represent Jesus Christ in all we do and we also make music and merchandise that appeals to all audiences whether faith based or mainstream. We do concerts,make strategic partnerships and interact with people from different walks of life without compromising our integrity or biblical convictions. We are also proud of the fact that our music has taken us all over the World and has been sought after by outlets that we never thought would’ve taken interest in us.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the fact that something I created can actually change someone’s life and inspire them. I also love the fact that the art I create will remain long after I am no longer here. I thank God for the ability to create music. Music lasts forever when it is of quality and when artists are not afraid to create art based on what inspires them and not just what is hot at the moment.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I knew about City and County Arts Grants earlier on in my music journey. Honestly I did learn about them at a great time in my journey but knowing about this great resource was life changing for my wife and I! My wife is an artist signed to my Record Label and we did research and found out that most major cities and counties offer grants (free money that you do not have to pay back), for artists. These grants can be used to fund recordings, tours, music videos and many other expenses that artists incur. You usually apply and write a proposal and fill out a budget sheet that shows where the money will go.

Grants provide support for artists that lessen the overhead and upfront; out of pocket expenses for artists. Having business partners and investors behind you can completely transform confidence and the quality of what is created and grants also provide those same things.

Contact Info:

• Website: justinmartyr305.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/justinmartyr305
• Facebook: facebook.com/justinmartyr305
• Twitter: twitter.com/justinmartyr305
• Youtube: youtube.com/justinmartyr305

Image Credits
Photo and artwork credits go to Jasmine Powell, David Del Valle, Levante Ellis and Emanuel Williams