We were lucky to catch up with DJ Cottrell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, DJ thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

The kindest act anyone has ever done for me was to give me an opportunity to take a step in the right direction on my career path. Without someone taking a chance on me, I would not be where I am today. It all began in the spring of 2019 when I landed my first and only internship with BODYARMOR Sports Drink. At the time, I was in Arizona, spending a week with a friend, when I unexpectedly met Michael Fedele, the VP of Marketing. We talked, laughed, and enjoyed discussing BODYARMOR. Toward the end, I found the courage to ask if I could intern with the company, and graciously, he said yes. That was a pivotal moment for me on my career path. Not only did he give me a chance, but Michael also gave me hope that I could achieve something and taught me always to take risks, work hard, and stay the course no matter what challenges arise on my journey. I followed his kind words, which led me to where I am today.

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

Growing up in a small town in New Jersey, I felt overwhelmed by the pressure to conform and prioritize job security over pursuing my passions. But I was determined to break free from the constraints of societal expectations and chase after my dreams.

I completed my studies in criminal justice and worked as a correctional police officer for the New Jersey Department of Corrections, but my true passion lay in the sports industry.

In 2019, I received an opportunity that would change my life forever – an internship with BODYARMOR Sports Drink in Queens, NY. Balancing my work at the prison with my new responsibilities as an intern was a challenge, but I refused to give up on my dreams. I worked tirelessly, often putting in 40 hours in just 3 days at the prison, and drove up to Queens every week to continue my internship.

Despite the end of the summer internship, I persisted in pursuing a career in the sports industry. Thanks to the generosity of Michael Fedele, who allowed me to be flexible with my schedule, and the encouragement of Andrea MacPhee, who gave me the chance to meet with her during her work hours, I was able to create valuable connections that put me in a better position for my career.

My perseverance paid off, and I landed my first job in the sports industry as a marketing associate at Fox Sports West. But then, the pandemic hit, and I faced the challenge of continuing to gain experience when I couldn’t travel. However, I pivoted and taught myself a valuable tool, Premiere Pro, with the aid of Sr. Producer James Freeman. I leveraged my new skills to create content for Fox Sports West’s TikTok account, growing their following by 45K in just one year.

This experience led me to discover my passion for storytelling and content creation, and I was determined to pursue this path. I was fortunate to join OneTeam Partners, where I now work as a producer, collaborating with some of the biggest names in the NFL, MLB, WNBA, and more.

Through hard work, determination, and a refusal to give up on my dreams, I have achieved what many would consider impossible. I am living proof that with the right mindset and a willingness to push past obstacles, anything is possible. So, to anyone facing their own challenges or doubting their ability to achieve their dreams, I encourage you to never give up. Keep pushing forward and believing in yourself; you, too, can make your dreams a reality.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The importance of representation and diversity in the creative industry cannot be overstated. As a creative myself, I believe that individuals from all walks of life have the potential to contribute unique perspectives and ideas that can shape and elevate the industry. However, it is disheartening to see that there is still a lack of diversity, especially in terms of people of culture.

For me, the mission is not just about promoting equal opportunities and representation, but also about inspiring others who look like me to pursue their passion in this field. It is about breaking down the barriers and stigmas that may have discouraged individuals from diverse backgrounds to enter the industry in the first place. By showcasing the success stories of individuals from underrepresented communities, we can empower others to believe in themselves and their abilities.

As a creative, I am constantly driven by the desire to challenge the status quo and bring fresh perspectives to the table. And I firmly believe that a diverse range of voices is essential to achieving this goal. It is only when we actively seek out and elevate diverse voices that we can truly reflect the rich tapestry of human experience and create content that resonates with a broader audience.

So, let us continue to champion diversity and inclusivity in the creative industry. Let us work towards creating a more equitable and representative space for all creatives, regardless of their background. And let us inspire the next generation of diverse talent to break down barriers and make their mark on the industry.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

As a creative, there is no denying that the process of producing and creating something from scratch can be a daunting task. From the initial ideation phase to the final execution, it takes an immense amount of effort, time, and dedication to bring something to life. However, as challenging as the process may be, it is all worth it when the final product is released and the feedback starts pouring in.

There is nothing more satisfying than seeing the reactions of consumers to the work that you have poured your heart and soul into. Whether it be the praise for the creativity and innovation, or the constructive criticism that can help you improve your craft, the response from the audience is what makes it all worth it. It is a humbling experience to see how something you created can resonate with people and have an impact on their lives.

Even the negative feedback has its own beauty behind it. While it can be disheartening to receive criticism, it is important to understand that it is a vital part of the creative process. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and push you to evolve your craft. It is an opportunity to learn and grow as a creative, and ultimately make something even better.

In the end, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is not just about the final product, but the journey of creation itself. The late nights, the endless revisions, and the creative madness that ensues is all part of the beauty of the process. It is about pushing yourself to create something that is not only visually stunning, but also impactful and meaningful to those who experience it. And when that impact is felt and the feedback starts rolling in, it is a feeling that cannot be replicated.

Contact Info:

• Website: djcottrell.com
• Instagram: _djcottrell
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrycottrell/

Image Credits
Travis Ellison