Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Derrick Utsey. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Derrick thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
At one point I was able to be a full time DJ. These days I have a full time job but I am able to balance it with running my content creation business. One thing I learned from going fulltime in the past was that there would be highs and lows and you need to be prepared for the lows. My biggest mistake when going full time was relying on one big client. I got too comfortable and once that client disappeared the business began to suffer. I now understand the importance of having many skills and service offerings in order to create multiple streams of income. Once you get that first big client you can’t slow down. You always need to be looking for the next client or marketable skill to add. When I first went full time I only relied on DJing as my service. This time around I am not only DJing but I am also, licensing music, creating videos, and managing a Youtube channel.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My professional creative journey started out with me just being a DJ. DJing led to producing music on my computer using a variety of programs and eventually getting access to studios with professional music production hardware. I eventually attended the RedBull music labs where I was introduced to music production with Reason and Ableton. I was also introduced to the owner of a music licensing company that would eventually get my music placed on TV shows, video games, commercials and more. After getting my music placed on major TV shows such as Real Housewives of Atlanta, Chopped, House Hunters, etc. I realized that I could produce my own video content and combine it with the music I was already creating. As time and technology progressed, I became interested in iOS music and video production which gave me the freedom and ability to capture and create content on the go whenever the inspiration should strike. In 2020 I purchased my first of many drones and became a certified Part 107 Drone Operator. The addition of drone footage really made people stop and take notice of what I was doing creatively. Since then I have have worked on video projects for the Georgia Spartans, Soccer in the Streets, local artists and other organizations. I am still working on new ideas and projects to create and share with the world. I have recently been interested in NFTs and how they are changing the way art is created, owned, and sold.
Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
I find the concept of NFTs to be very interesting. I recently attended a lecture on NFTs at MODA here in Atlanta. It was a very eye opening experience. I learned that we are still in the early stages of NFTs and there is a lot that will change as it matures. I think NFTs are a great way to cut down on counterfeiting and theft of art. NFTs are also a great way to track the ownership, history and value of art. I love the fact that any kind of art can be made into an NFT.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the biggest reward is the feedback that I get from viewers of my work. When I get comments that tell me that I was able to help someone or teach them something new I feel like I am accomplishing my mission.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.contentunlimitedllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/logisticalstyles/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Logisticalstyle
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrickutsey/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/logisticalstyles