Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Colby Wilson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Colby, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
I took a huge risk when I resigned from teaching to pursue work in the arts again in 2019. Prior to teaching in the public school system, I worked in events and production. I began working professionally in event management and production as a contracted intern with the National Black Arts Festival (NBAF). I studied music and theatre in college and received my BA in Theatre in 2012 from Clayton State University. After graduating from college, I moved to Haining City, China, and worked as a foreign language instructor. I taught English and acting courses. Upon returning back to Atlanta, I landed my third major contracting gig with the City of Atlanta’s Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, working as the production coordinator. My main role was working with the contracted festival manager to produce an annual 3-day festival, with a month of ancillary events. My experience working with the Atlanta Jazz Festival and all of the other festivals and Cultural Affairs projects provided me with invaluable knowledge and training. After resigning from Cultural Affairs, I managed a private event space called Coze Atlanta while doing some personal styling and shopping for friends and family. The freedoms and autonomy that being a creative contractor afforded, caused me to consider starting a business, a creative firm where people would hire me to do all that I was already doing- managing events, styling people, and vocal production. It’s like event management meets A&R. I applied for Teach for America because I enjoy teaching and I thought it would provide consistent income, while holidays and Summers off, allowing me to strategically build my business. I quickly realized that the education system is quite consuming and I did not have the wherewithal to be an impactful, culturally responsive teacher and creative entrepreneur. I resigned from teaching and officially launched my LLC in February of 2020. It was scary because COVID-19 wrecked the whole world shortly after I received my official paperwork from the Secretary of State. COVID-19 was scary, but I’m proud to say that Dynasty Creatives has been growing since I launched the company, it is a risk that was necessary and I’m excited about the present and the future!
Colby, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am Colby Wilson, Director of Dynasty Creatives. I am a creative director who creates epic experiences by providing clients with intentional attention to every minute detail. Creating an organized plan to execute an artistic mission excites me!
Programming/Management- Do you have a concept you want to execute, but don’t know where to begin? Or, do you have an idea, but need help organizing it? Dynasty Creatives provides clients with management that is meticulously executed with the client experience as the motivating force. (Festivals, concerts, cultivation events, celebration, etc).
Artistic Development- After our consultation, the Dynasty team creates an individualized plan designed to provide differentiated strategies for fine-tuning your craft. (Personal styling, personal shopping, video and photo shoot direction, brand development).
Having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre, Dynasty Creatives is the manifestation of all the things I am passionate about; artistic programming with music and style, effective administration, relevant education, strategic organizing and planning, and a platform to engage the community.
: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
To be a young creative professional, I’ve been very blessed to have always worked in fields that have aligned with my passions and that came from a series of opportunities in which people were just willing to give me a chance. A huge motive behind creating this firm was to secure an integral legacy characterized by providing invaluable opportunities to young professionals pursuing creative careers. Eventually Dynasty Creatives will have departments and a team of creatives that will execute that projects we are contracted to do. Not only will I be able to provide opportunities for novice creatives, I will also provide professional training for youth through a strategic partnership with various creative entities. I have also toyed with the concept of one day opening a Creative and Performing Arts Academy at some point. I love helping creatives, confidently create and present their brand in its best light. So my work isn’t just about the money or transaction, it’s spiritual. Dynasty Creatives is my baby, an arts firm that provides programming and management services; however, I always want clients to walk away feeling empowered and motivated to create their own sense of peace and fulfillment.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
I think NFTs are cool. I was introduced to the concept formally last year through one of my colleagues from my graduate Arts Leadership program. To be honest, I feel a bit overwhelmed trying to digest how it all works, but I also recognize it is a stream of income that is more present than futuristic. My next step is to allocate time to really research and dig into NFTs and learn how I can NFTs work for me and my practice.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dynastycreatives.com
- Instagram: dynasty.creatives
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DynastyCreatives1/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/colby-wilson10
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnqHjep7LirCxBq9u41WzEg
Image Credits
Images by Am2Pm Images and Danitza Ladwig Photography