We were lucky to catch up with Kennedy Hall recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kennedy, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

Looking back, I have always loved entertainment and the arts. When I was growing up, I knew I wanted work in the entertainment industry in some way, but I didn’t know in which field. When I went to college, I was on track to being a music business major, with plans to workin A&R. But when that didn’t work out how I planned (for a couple different reasons), I switched my major to Communications with an emphasis in Film and Video Production. And around that same time, I was starting to shift my focus onto more visual art (i.e. television, film, photography, etc). It was kind of like everything in my life was pointing in the direction of “Stop watching, start doing”. Because I had a general idea of what I wanted. Could see it in my head, so I just had to do it. That’s when I started my freelance creative directing and modeling. Outside of that, I was still in school so I was learning about the film industry and gaining real life experiences through networking and actual work.

Truthfully, I wasn’t too concerned with failing because I knew it was something that I could really do and worst case scenario, if it didn’t work out, at least I tried. But I also knew that if I was to put minimal effort in something, I’d get a minimalistic result. I don’t like anything mediocre, especially coming from myself, because I’m my own biggest critic. So it was really important for me to put my best foot forward. And none of that is to say that I expected to be perfect or not allow myself room to grow. Because that’s also not realistic. I definitely do things differently now than when I first started; I’ve grown in so many ways on this journey, all of which I’m grateful for. All in all, it was something I wanted to do, so I just didn’t hesitate and didn’t put a lot of doubt/restrictions on myself. I just went for what I wanted and figured it out along the way. I knew if I sat still, it would never happen. And I knew I would succeed because I put in the work in order to have realistic success.

I kind of set myself up mentally by saying things like “If this is what you want, then do it. Full speed ahead. And it will work out. It’s probably not going to be an easy straight shot, but if you put in the REAL work, you’ll be rewarded.” And I say that to myself as a general way to think about what I want in life.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I work as a full time creative based in Memphis, TN. My creative services include creative direction and modeling (for both visuals and print work), production assistance, script supervising, and producing. I’ve been in the industry for nearly 2 years and have been blessed to receive the consistent work, praise, and recommendations that I do. From local brands to national campaigns, I consider myself to be a Jill of all trades with excellent interpersonal skills.

One thing I’m most proud of is my authenticity and ability to think outside the box with my work. I like to create lasting work that catches the eye off first glance. There’s so many ways to create, I’ll never try to force something that doesn’t work for the sake of saying I did it. Or try to create something that doesn’t align with my work or self.

And something I want people to know about me is that I really treat my work and gifts as a blessing so I look forward and really appreciate those who can/have put their trust in me to create magic. My work is an extension of myself and I will always put my best foot forward to ensure the best result.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

There’s probably two answers to this question for me.

1.) I really love being able to see something that was in my head come to life. From production work, to visuals, to photoshoots, it’s always been so surreal to see what started out as a thought or something on paper come to be where someone can see and even touch the work. It’s a blessing to be apart of something like that for me.

2.) Being apart of a creative community has been so rewarding for me! I’ve met so many people who have taught me so much, it’s nearly overwhelming. Because you can meet someone due to being in the same space, and they say or do something in a way that you would have never thought about or just haven’t experienced. To be around like-minded individuals in a safe space is so important. There’s something about talking to a fellow creative and not only not have to over explain yourself, but possibly have someone relate to what you’re saying, that takes a weight off your shoulders. In my case, it’s effortless communication.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Well first, God gets all the praise from me. Without Him, my talents wouldn’t be with me or they wouldn’t be utilized in the best way. He has definitely guided me in the best direction for the life I want. While I’ve had incredible opportunities that He has blessed me with, He’s also granted me with excellent execution which is equally important. So I’m really thankful for that. And the creative community I’m apart of definitely helped me build my reputation within my market. Without the support, encouragement, and recommendations, I don’t really know where I would be in my journey. I’ve had people who I’ve never met in person support me more than people I’ve known for years, which is crazy to see but it really does put things in perspective. Community is so important, aligning yourself with people who exude positivity and success is so important because who you surround yourself with does matter. In my case, it’s inspiring. And as a creative, inspiration is what I need. So I want to give flowers to the ones who helped me along my way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: kennedyhall_
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennedy-hall-62b943244/

Image Credits
(Left to right) 1.) Photographer: Treborr Jones, Creative Director and Model: Kennedy Hall, MUA: Aminah Karim, Hair: Erica Miles 2.) Photographer: Jesse Thomas, Creative Director: Kennedy Hall, MUA: Aminah Karim, Models: Jamaya Fleming, Allison Applewhite, Geade Baker, Ashlee Richardson 3.) Photographer: Keara Williams, Creative Director: Kennedy Hall, MUA: Shenika Cas’mere, Stylist: Ariana Davis, Set Assistance: Jason Thibodeaux, Bella Golightly, Casting: Kirbi Bourage, Models: Zecharia Michael, Paige Johnson 4.) Photographer: Jesse Thomas, Creative Director: Kennedy Hall and Model, Hair: Erica Miles 5.) Photographer: Jesse Thomas, Creative Director: Kennedy Hall and Model, MUA: Aminah Karim, Hair: Erica Miles, Set Assistance: Trinity Walker 6.) Photographer: Sedrick Askew, Creative Director: Nakia Poole, MUA: Aminah Karim, Hair: Erica Miles, Model: Kennedy Hall 7.) Photographer: Alonza Mitchell, Model: Kennedy Hall 8.) Photographer: Keara Williams, Creative Director: Kennedy Hall, MUA: Shenika Cas’mere, Stylist: Ariana Davis, Set Assistance: Jason Thibodeaux, Bella Golightly, Casting: Kirbi Bourage, Model: Paige Johnson