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

Des, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you been 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? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

When it comes to my journey as a creative, I had to read the interview questions multiple times, just to ensure I responded in the best way possible. My creative career started at a time when social media wasn’t as prevalent as it is now. Although I wasn’t entirely focused on it back then, my main goal was to build a strong portfolio to attract the artists I wanted to collaborate with.

I remember moving to Atlanta after college, with only $500 in my pocket and a determination to make the most out of my situation. Paying the rent was a struggle, but I remained resolute. Initially, I worked for other directors, writing treatments and helping them with their ideas for clients, often putting in more than 20 hours a day for seven days straight without any compensation.

Throughout my journey, I held onto my faith and belief that the difficult times were only temporary. This led me to venture into the TV production space, working as a PA, location scout, and in any department I could fit in. I always followed the principle of gaining valuable experiences and knowledge, even if I wasn’t being paid what I was worth.

A significant moment of realization came while working on “The Quad” show for BET. Observing the director on set, I felt the urge to take a leap of faith and embrace risks. Despite the financial worries and bills, my unwavering belief in myself and a higher power made me step out and take chances.

Building on the relationships I had formed with artists on set, I reached out to them and seized the opportunity to direct a music video and serve as the artist’s creative director. With a limited budget of $1,500, I poured all my resources into creating a video that would leave a lasting impact on the artist’s fans. The success of that video led to even more remarkable opportunities, gaining millions of views on YouTube and touching the lives of many.

Looking back, I firmly believe that every obstacle and sacrifice I made played a pivotal role in shaping me into the creative entrepreneur I am today. I don’t regret the absence of a “Plan B” as it fueled my drive to continuously strive for greatness. My journey has taught me invaluable lessons, and I am now motivated to keep pushing forward, never settling for complacency and always seeking new heights.

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’m Des Gray, a content producer and director. I ventured into the world of production to become a guiding voice and a source of inspiration for future generations. I relish the influence of storytelling and its ability to support people by igniting their creativity. What fills me with pride is the journey I’ve covered and the path I’m still forging. Every success and challenge I’ve encountered has led me to a future that I can only describe as enchanting.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

During my earlier days as a production owner, I wish I had understood the importance of accounting and maintaining proper business records. As creatives, these aspects often elude us. As I delved deeper into my business, I realized how much I wish I had known these essentials. Knowledge about proper accounting could have saved me from wasting money on the wrong accounting services and kept my financials on track.

Reflecting on my creative journey, I truly wish I had taken the time to grasp the significance of structuring a business properly. It’s not just about having an LLC or acquiring clients; it’s also about building business credit and maintaining a solid foundation. Understanding how to structure a business, tracking expenses, and preparing for tax obligations became more apparent as I ventured further into my business career. The realization hit that I needed to set aside funds to pay taxes – a serious consideration.

These lessons are teaching me the importance of having an accountant and staying on top of my books. Achieving popularity and landing clients is rewarding, but without a strong business foundation, it can all crumble. Creatives often overlook long-term planning, such as insurance coverage for themselves and safeguarding their future. Having life insurance and other protections is crucial in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Being an entrepreneur, especially in a creative field, demands forward-thinking. I’m now learning to prioritize these aspects that I wish I had known from the start. It’s a journey of growth and enlightenment in the world of business.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The big mission behind my creative journey is like my ultimate goal. TBH, I’m not one to dwell on the past much, ’cause where I came from isn’t where I’m heading. What keeps me on track is this feeling that I need to be the change, be the light, and show kids that their future is lit. And you know what? It’s not all about me; it’s like I’m a part of something bigger, like a higher power’s using me to make a difference.

I’m all about chasing that vision and fulfilling my purpose. Like, when I’m gone, the impact I make carries on to the next gen and beyond. My life’s all about making change happen and helping peeps, especially fellow creators. You don’t have to stick to the regular script, like becoming a doctor or a lawyer. You can rock in Production or content creation and still make bank.

I’m on a mission to break stereotypes about different paths, and I’m not letting my imagination flag. This goal of mine is like my life’s roadmap – to spread good vibes, light up the world, and make a positive mark.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.Foreignmadefilms.com
• Instagram: @thedesgray
• Linkedin: Thedesgray
• Twitter: Thedesgray
• Youtube: Thedesgray

Image Credits
Shot by: November