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

DeAndre, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Backstory;

It was 2017. I was 10 years out of high school and not happy with my working situation and felt like I needed to start leaning into my passion. I knew i loved music and visual arts but didn’t know exactly what it is i wanted to do with that. So i started attending a film school called Columbia College of Hollywood. My first year there I learned a-lot about the film industry and the basics. I took an editing class and finally had the light bulb moment and recognized that i really enjoyed the process of editing and creating visuals. I purchased my first DSLR camera and started shooting any and everything i could just so i can have footage to edit. I picked up editing really quick and got comfortable with it enough to put myself out there to offer my services. My first paid gig was to shoot a recap of a baby shower. Once i completed that, got paid, and the client was satisfied; my confidence skyrocketed. I knew i was finally within my passion and began to lean into it harder. 2nd year of school rolled around and i got an email from Sallie Mae asking if i wanted to apply for yet another loan to pay for the upcoming year. At that time I started questioning the need for film school and if was it even necessary for me to continue to go in debt for. I realized that most of the skills i learned for editing was on tutorials through YouTube and the hands on experience of actually just getting out there and shooting and learning on the go was far more valuable to me. I weighed both options and even consulted with my parents. They told me that i should stay the course and complete film school. But I noticed that clients who hired me at that time werent asking if i had a diploma or degree. They just wanted to see my work and what i was capable of doing.

That leads me to the point of this. Instead of signing that 2nd loan and completing film school just to graduate, I bet on myself and took the risk to drop out and make it happen for myself. I learned editing and shooting techniques on youtube almost every day and started investing in better film equipment. I took on as many gigs as i could just to be active and continue to build my portfolio up. I was learning, getting better and building my confidence all at the same time. About 6 months later, I caught the attention of a social media influencer by the name of YesJulz and she offered me an internship to work for her 1AM creative agency. I jumped on the opportunity quickly and proved my worth and ended up getting hired months in. I look back and think to myself that path wouldn’t had happen if i didnt take the risk to bet on myself.

DeAndre, 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?

Im 35 years old born and raised in Los Angeles. My dad was a Gaffer so he worked on alot of movie and music video sets and would even bring me to work a few of those times. I got to be on the set of Friday and Baby Boy because of that. At the time i didnt think anything of it but looking back that may have been the seed that was planted for me to later pursue a career within the film industry.

I got into the industry by doing an internship for a creative agency. From there i would network alot because i was always in rooms with notable musicians, artists and people in general within the industry. My portfolio and word of mouth networking led me to continue to get work and build my brand.

As a creative director, I offer visual art services. From directing, shooting or editing content to managing content on social media platforms.

What sets me apart is what sets everyone in the creative industry apart. No one can visually convey the vision or style you have. We all have our own lense and do things to our way. As long as you stay true and genuine to that you’ll always set yourself apart. I also always think outside he box and never want to be conventional with anything i do. I am willing to try new thimgs and take risks outside my comfort zone.

I am most proud of the simple fact that i went after my passion. I know people in my family or friends that unfortunately didnt and are not fulfilled in life because of that. It sounds so simple yet it isnt easy or always available in life for everyone to do.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

NFTS along with blockchain technology and artificial intelligence is the future. It is this generations “Industrial Revolution’. I am heavily interested and always learning about these new techs. Ive began to even implement AI in my editing work. Were in the early stages of this tech so its not as mainstream right now but soon enough our entire day to day lives will involve some sort of NFT.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My main goal is to simply execute every creative idea i have while living with the limited time i have.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.drecooley.art
• Instagram: @drecooleyy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deandrecooley/
• Youtube: @drecooleytv