We were lucky to catch up with I AM recently and have shared our conversation below.
I AM, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I first knew when I was between 5-7, it the first time I saw professional wrestling and I had this brief feeling of belonging and purpose but just as fast as it came, my mom changed the channel and simply told me “don’t watch that”. Growing up sheltered and not really knowing any better I just said “ok” and went on with life. A few months to a year later I wanted to learn the violin but we couldn’t afford it, the teacher allowed me to sit in the class anyway just to hear and observe, I was taking out by my dad because he assumed I was trying to backdoor my way in by sitting in the class when I should have been outside waiting for him to pull up. All through that time I had started to make a comic book series with a slightly more detailed stick figure as an action hero. I made over 100 issues with a complete storyline and hand drawn panels and every issue was at least 10 pages. My parents didn’t like it because my main character was all over my school work so they attributed that to my grades slipping and discouraged me from continuing. It wasn’t until years later in middle school that professional wrestling would make its way back in my life now with my freedom to enjoy it, then in high school my passions for music and film making would start to form as well. Since then it’s just been one self discovery after the next
I AM, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
For the past 15 years starting on YouTube, I have honed my skills as a filmmaker (acting, directing, video editing, screenwriting, producing), music artist (singer, rapper, songwriter, producer), and overall entertainment (public speaking, improv, engagement). I also bring extensive experience as a videographer, capturing live and recorded events. My mission is to share my story of marination and faith. I solve problems be having multiple options, I’m out the box with solutions especially in creative settings, I’m great at communicating and understanding issues and concepts which makes it easier to formulate solutions. I’m most proud of my range as an entertainer, in my work ethic to continually improve, and joy I still fell in all of it. I genuinely think there isn’t anyone right now that can claim my expertise in AS MANY fields as I currently operate it. I truly feel like a one of one and both my art and feedback is reflecting that now. Whatever issue or creative work you need, I have a Nation of ideas, resources, and greatness ready to bring it life
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
The story is still going. I’ve been committed for 15 years straight understanding in year 1 that this is a marathon. For me, as long as I continually see improvement in myself I must keep going. If I notice I’m not progressing anymore, THATS when I have to have hard conversations with myself. From family, friends, to girlfriends no one believes in this the way I do and I won’t say I’ve been villainized from it but i definitely feel the energy towards me at times. I’m 31 so in perspective I’ve been chasing this nearly half of my life and I know some people still wish I would stop even if they don’t verbally say it anymore. I know what’s meant for me though, no setback or disappointment can stop purpose
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Making art that YOU like. If you focus on that life will be beautiful for you. Make music you wanna listen to while you crushing. Paint art that you wanna zone out staring at in your house, learn a dance routine that’ll make you feel like you’re gliding across the stars. When you make art for you, it’s a lot easier to make it for everyone. People wanna see you, how they relate to you will be through your free expression, not trying to manufacture that feeling
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__iamnation?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/i-am-nation-600b34256?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@__iamnation?si=kJBKYg5XnKEccc9k
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/8gE4nnYOcUlN6ybvET
- Other: Video Editing Portfolio: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-5JbgOn7aIannyje7Ukx8wchcqU4-nOT
Image Credits
Andrew Chenault
Jonathan Beltran
Malik