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

Donnell J, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I am in a rare position as a creative. Choosing a career with the Detroit Fire Department has provided me with a stable stream of income, while simultaneously allowing me to help my community and be an example to others. As an actor, I am blessed to be able to stay true to myself as far as the roles I take. There isn’t a role I’ve taken thus far that has been specifically “for the money”. Money is nice to have but when it comes to the art, and my body of work I always want to look back with pride.

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

My name is Donnell J Clayton. I am an actor , fireman , model and author from Detroit Michigan. I got my start in entertainment by taking an improv class at a local community college. It was there that I fell in love with acting. I’ve always loved to entertain people, and something clicked when I tried improv for the first time. Shortly after my introduction to improv, I signed with a local agency in Detroit and begin to do extra background print and commercial work in Michigan. Throughout the years, I’ve done stage plays , movies , YouTube shorts and a few feature films. As time goes on, I soak up knowledge and sharpen my craft with every project I am blessed to be a part of. I am continuously a student of the art, and I pride myself on striving to be my personal best whenever I’m in front of a camera , as well as maintaining a high quality of professionalism when there aren’t any cameras in sight. When you hear the name Donnell J Clayton, I want that name to be synonymous with hard work, perseverance, and humility.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the way you are able to impact and motivate people you may never come in contact with. I love the fact that as an actor, I am invited into peoples homes and they develop a level of trust that I am going to be able to make them feel something. There is nothing more satisfying than someone simply expressing to you how you may have help them through a tough time by simply entertaining them, and taking their mind off of whatever was weighing on it at the time. Without viewers, and supporters acting is merely a hobby. Anyone that is fortunate enough to turn Their passion for their specific area of artistic expression into money is blessed beyond measure.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My main goal is to be a positive light and example wherever I go. I believe in making any environment I’m in a better one. With so much negativity and propaganda in the world I just want young people of color to have a chance to see someone who looks like them doing the right thing and succeeding. I measure success by how many people I can positively impact through art.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Donnelljclayton
• Facebook: Donnell Dj Clayton
• Twitter: Donnelljclayton