We recently connected with Brian Michael Suggs and have shared our conversation below.

Brian Michael, appreciate you joining us today. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?

About 8 years ago a friend of mine, Derrek Sullivan, offered to mentor me in photography and videography. Prior to this I had no experience but had always been interested in the process. He literally changed my life. His tutelage allowed me to learn and grow as an artist. Without his kindness, I would not be where I am today nor would I have the skillset.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Brian Michael Suggs and I am an award-winning Director, published Photographer, and Designer. My career path has taken quite a few turns over the years. But when I look back, I think I would consider it a combination of luck, timing, the right opportunity, and the willingness to take chances as an artist. I started out doing wedding photography and eventually wedding videography. That provided me an opportunity to work with a Marketing Agency, which led me to learn and work in graphic design. Now I use a blend of each medium depending on the type of project.

As recently as last year, I had a very good friend of mine out of New York, Cydney Mcquillan-Grace, ask me if I wanted to direct a music video for her. I was equally reluctant and terrified of the opportunity. After a lot of conversations with her about the project, I was bought in and excited to stretch myself as an artist. Her confidence in me meant a lot and it was literally life-changing. That music video went on to win multiple awards at multiple film festivals. (The video is called “Grace Like Fire” by Cydney Mcquillan-Grace. You can find it on youtube and you can find all of Cydney’s music on all streaming platforms. She’s an amazing singer, go check out her music and follow her on social media!)

I have since gone on to direct two other music videos for her and I am currently in the process of editing the third one now. I would say that this is the project that I am most proud of and I can’t wait until its debut in Spring of ’23.

I think the main thing I want potential clients to know is that collaboration is very important to me. I want to work with artists that are equally excited about a project and are willing to provide ideas for the best possible outcome. I’m currently looking for talented musicians that are interested in getting their music out in the world, growing their fanbase, and looking to collaborate on a music video project. (I’m also willing to travel if needed.)

Feel free to follow me on Instagram @suggs.creative or contact me through my website: suggs-creative.com

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is collaborating with fellow artists and making something out of nothing. The entire creative process of turning ideas into reality is super fulfilling and an absolute blast!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Prior to the pandemic, I had a wedding videography business. When the world shut down, people stopped getting married and I had to close the business. I thought of it as a failure. But, it ended up being a gift. I was able to pivot and making music videos has been far more rewarding than my videography business ever was. I guess what I’m trying to say is to not be fearful of failure. It can be an amazing learning experience. I know another failure is eventually coming my way, but I also know that I will gain new knowledge and grow from it.

Contact Info:

• Website: suggs-creative.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/suggs.creative
• Facebook: facebook.com/suggs.creative
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/brian-suggs/