We were lucky to catch up with Adonis Blackwood recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Adonis, thanks for joining 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?
I have definitely been able to create full time and earn a living doing so. I use a multitude of platforms and methods to do this. I rent my camera equipment on sharegrid.com, I am monetized on Instagram which gives me access to reels bonuses, subscriptions, badges etc. It definitely did not come easy though, I had to invest in equipment that would provide the type of quality that I know the people in my niche would like to see. I also had to put in a ton of practice to be able to create quality content. Remember quality over quantity, that will certainly set you apart. There is no specific way to speed up the process nor should you try to, don’t cut corners, be true to yourself and what you do and you will be fine.
Adonis, 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?
I am a freelance photographer and video creator based in Atlanta, GA. I do all things photo and video to include graphic design and motion graphics. I picked up a camera as a hobbyist in 2017 and my passion for creating grew exponentially. I was always the child who liked to create but my first passion was drawing, then dance and now digital media. I’ve done photoshoots for local businesses, models and events who were either aiming to boost sales, build portfolios and create memories. What I think sets me apart is my genuine desire to have people and businesses look their best and achieve all that is it that they set out to achieve, I am in love with aiding that process. What I am most proud of is an independent documentary that I wrote, directed, shot and edited called ABOUT MOVEMENT VOL II, I’ll be certain to share the link.
I need all clients and future clients to understand, working with me will definitely be a meaningful experience. I want you to look and do your best, that is my core value. Everything I do must and will be done to the best of my abilities. that is what I represent!
Have you ever had to pivot?
I migrated to the United States in 2013 and immediately enlisted in the United States Army. I was a professional dancer when I lived in Jamaica prior to this big move. I needed stability and I needed it fast, so I enlisted. Being in the military was never a dream of mine it was due to the convenience and ignorance of the American system. I served until 2021, I retired as a Staff Sergeant from Fort Stewart, GA. While serving I was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, this experience was nerve racking, gut wrenching and dangerous to say the least. While I was there I had a colleague that convinced me to get back into photography, I took his advice and went right back into content creator upon my safe return from a combat deployment. I noticed that creating content had placed me in a state of mind where I was most comfortable.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Most rewarding aspect is really watching a concept become reality. Creating something from moment of conception and gradually watch it evolve into something great is an unexplainable feeling. Sharing it with others is practically the icing on the cake as well, It inspires me to keep creating.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.donisstudios.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/adonisfilms
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adonis-blackwood-342257b6/
- Youtube: Adonis Films
- Other: HERE IS FEW VIDEOS FROM MY PORTFOLIO ABOUT MOVEMENT VOL II https://vimeo.com/737050208 Jada Play For Keeps Music Video https://vimeo.com/763640497 Keen Prodigy Hold Me Own Music Video https://vimeo.com/724746393