Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Reggie Oliver. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Reggie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Yes! I’ve been making a living as a full time creative for 12 years now. Getting started was definitely a struggle especially with having limited support. however, my love for my art kept me motivated to learn all that I could which eventually allowed me to compartmentalize what I’ve learned and apply it to different areas of this field this far. I owe a lot of my success to “Remaining a student” and always taking time to do my research! I wouldn’t change the timing or speed of any part of my process as it has all happened for me at the appropriate time!

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 Began dancing at age 9 and teaching by age 11 in the small town of Williamsport, PA and by the time I was 14 I got to dance with Pamela Long ( member of the RnB group “Total”) after high school I began to audition and take classes in the professional realm of dance and I landed a gig dancing in an independent movie months after graduating high school after that the rest is history. I’ve been fortunate enough to always find the favor of the OGs and would always pay close attention to how they conduct business, set the tone of the room, and treat others and through that I learned the “Dos” and “Do nots” when conducting my own connections, business transactions, and personal image as both a dancer, up coming choreographer and aspiring Director. I think having an older crowd around me eventually allowed me to maintain a sense of focus and integrity that has landed me very substantial connections and I am most proud of that characteristic within myself for sure.

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

The most rewarding part of being a creative is seeing an idea physically present in front of you that was once an idea in your head and no matter how far it goes or who sees it it will live forever because you made sure to get that idea out! On top of that I’d say it’s also rewarding seeing the positive impact of something you’ve created affect someone in a positive way and bring light and joy to them. Art is powerful!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes there is! It’s very “uncommon” where I’m from (Williamsport) for someone to find success the arts the way I have without moving to New York or LA etc. so my main goal is to create opportunities and outlets for creatives in the PA area that will allow them to gain experience and build a resume as while earning a solid living doing so.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ibereggieo?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IbeREGGIE.O?mibextid=LQQJ4d