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

Imani, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

At the age of 10 is when I knew that pursuing a creative career path was a part of my purpose. At that point in life I had already done things like commercials, magazines, played instruments, gymnastics, and other sports. The first dance class that I took at Price Performing Arts Center made it known to me that there was nothing else I wanted to do professionally than to be a dancer. This was many years before I discovered my love for filmmaking and realized this was something I could do professionally.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am originally from Decatur, Georgia but reside in Los Angeles, California. I grew up around the entertainment industry and was first introduced to it when I did Toys R Us commercials and hair magazines. From there I entered the dance industry at ten and spent seventeen years exploring and finding success in the world of dance through studying at dance studios, Alvin Ailey Camp, Debbie Allen Dance Academy Summer Intensive, colleges, and summer programs in Atlanta, GA. As time continued and I began to think about the longevity of a dancer’s career it was put on my heart to make a pivot and go back to the TV and Film industry, only this time behind the camera. Once the decision was made, I moved to Los Angeles to attend New York Film Academy where I obtained my Master’s in Film and Media Production. Since graduating, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to work on various tv shows, podcasts, and independent projects. In 2020 I decided to start a media production company called, it.SPARKS media.

My company, it.SPARKS media, focuses on providing resources and a home for independent creatives looking for a chance to further their career in filmmaking. We create as many opportunities for up and coming artists to showcase who they are for audiences of their choice. I initially started this company to provide international film students the opportunity to remain in the states and follow their dreams. We produce projects and prepare them to be pitched to leading studios and companies as well. With our resources and dedication it is our greatest hope that each individual we cross paths with gains all that they desire.

As for my career in dance, it has always been my greatest desire to make an impact on the lives of others and inspire them to be greater than they were yesterday. I teach all levels and ages no matter the location from at home private classes to colleges or universities. I also work with individuals and groups who seek movement to help with emotional healing and chakra balancing practices.

If I had to speak on what I am most proud of on this journey, it’s the ability to inspire and help heal others on their paths. Through both film and dance it has always been amazing to see the self reflection and happiness that comes from others when they experience my art or work with me. I am also proud of myself for not giving up because it is not easy pursuing an artistic career. The resilience and strength that I have gained is what I truly appreciate about this journey.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Society itself can stop treating artists like they aren’t the reason why we find a sense of peace, joy, happiness and love. Artists are the reason families and friends come together for our lowest and highest times. Financial support is a big factor. We have to understand that there are more artists and creatives in this world than the ones that society has decided to make famous. A lot of times money is the problem and those with the funds to help shouldn’t shy away from it because someone hasn’t ‘made it big’. Wouldn’t you want to be the reason why they finally do ‘make it big’? I feel like if people cared about the idea of team work then there could be more done for those of us up and coming artists. It has to be understood that just because someone isn’t a highly celebrated person doesn’t mean that they are any less of an artist. It just means they may need a bit more support which brings me to genuine support. A lot of times people feel discouraged because of comparison and the discrediting of their work because they aren’t as big as the next person. Even though we shouldn’t always care what people think, to some degree you have to care because those reasons can be why someone doesn’t get as far as they would like. To top it off, honesty. Be honest with people. I think these days the big wigs care more about what people look like than real talent. Society has to understand that it’s about more than money and if you care so much about money then please understand real talent brings in generational wealth not inconsistent wealth.

As a creative artist myself, it can be very hard to stomach the fact that most of my work will get overlooked because I am not backed by someone else who has a bigger platform or financial status. Even though I am not discouraged by this fact anymore, it has been one of the leading reasons why in the beginning I had a hard time believing in myself. Now that I have gotten past the idea of caring about others’ negative thoughts, it still feels crazy that I have to have an agent or some celebrity vouching for me in order for someone to take me seriously. Of course as artists we never stop creating but what about all the people who did stop creating? What about that talented being whose work is far greater than the ones that society has deemed as the ‘greatest of all time’? If you ask me, once society realizes that there is room for everyone that is when more artists and creatives will thrive.

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

Knowing that my audience feels seen, heard, and understood. I love when people come and tell me that my work has made them happy or even helped them get through something that they were going through. It’s also exciting to hear how many people relate to the short films that I create. I also love when people request for a part two or three to certain projects. That lets me know that I am doing the right thing. I’ll never forget when I made my first short film and fans of the artist whose music I used were asking for a part two. Some even wanted me to make a part three when her next album comes out. But the biggest reward is knowing that I am inspiring others whether they are fellow creatives or simply viewers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://itsparksmedia.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsparksmedia/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfp7D1iYV0qACJHppIrA0FA
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/it.sparks/

Image Credits
Bri Collins Vashuan Newman