We caught up with the brilliant and insightful J Shuler a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

J , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

The first dollar I earned creatively came from music. I had earned money acting doing theater, but making money from something I created from start to finish hit differently. It was fall of 2016. My manager and I at the time had spent all day in Manhattan and Brooklyn meeting with engineers to mix and master my new project. These studios were super nice, the engineers were very professional, and those prices….as O.T Genesis would say were “Way too high, you need need to cut it.”
We made a day of it though. We hit some Jamaican spots and plotted are next moves. Though money stresses me out at times I never let it bring me down for too long. I always tell myself if i had it tomorrow I wouldn’t even be stressed. So we had back to Jersey and he drops me off at my house. I shared a house with 3 other creatives. Nice backyard and a basement that was turned into a recording studio by one of the roomies. Before I open the door I check the mail. Its a letter from BMI, they payout royalties. I open it and there’s a check inside. This check was for a little over $1200. I ran back outside to flag down my manager. He congratulated me and I went back in the house to make sure it was real. Either way it still wouldn’t be enough to pay for those engineers.

After doing some research it turned out a song I wrote and produced back in 2010 was being played in other countries and subsequently making me money. That check signified my hard work paying off. It put the battery in my back to take my creative journey even more seriously because that check was my proof. It was proof that I could make a living doing what I love.

J , 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?

My name is J Shuler. I was born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey where I caught the acting bug at age 7. I fell in love with theatre and stage acting. I loved every part of it, from costumes to lights, but I loved the stage. When I graduated college with a B.F.A in Theatre my interest in film begin to peak. So in the summer of 2017 I moved to Atlanta. Then in 2020 I started my own production company Madeline Ave Productions where I release my own music (Molly and the Pineapples), films (Rekord, Selfies), and podcast (Evrybody Hates Shu). My screenplays, films, and music have been featured in festivals (Hollyshorts and PVIFF) as well as films (The Andy Baker Tape, Connect).

When I’m not working on my own projects I provide these services to clients, some as a freelancer and others on contract. I work with a lot of motivational speakers ( Ashley Kirkwoord, Neo Davis) providing video and audio production for social media and day in the life of content. I also provide photography services (Head shots and portraits). I also freelance weddings which I’ve surprisingly come to love. I want to branch out to more film related services such as writing scripts, and filming scenes for reel building for actors.

The issue a lot of clients have is getting pro quality in an efficient manner. Reading analytics and targeting an audience. My equipment ( I’m a Lumix lover sorry Sony) and my experience solves those problems. I invest so much in new equipment that I’m still learning about new ways to use the technology sometimes. What sets me apart is that I truly care about bringing my clients vision to life. I’m an over communicator. Communication is key. I’ve worked behind and in front of the camera so I see things that others don’t. I believe my clients appreciate that.

What I’m most proud of is the fact that I’m making a living doing what I love and it all revolves around art and being a creative. I’ve been on my own since I was 15 years old. I was told I wouldn’t be able to do a lot of the things I’m doing now. Seeing my work connect with audiences is like a small miracle every time and something I don’t take for granted.

What potential clients should know about me is that I give %200 to whatever I’m doing. I protect your vision like it was my own and I don’t stop until that vision is not only executed, but exceeds your expectations.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My particular goal driving my creative journey is using my art to challenge the way we behave and think as humans on this earth. That and if I’m blessed to have children I want them to see that I expressed myself freely with love, but without fear and that they too can do the same if they wish to.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me the most rewarding aspect of being an artist & creative is that I get to be me everyday. Fully and authentically me and sometimes when I’m acting I get to create a whole new me. If I cut my beard or hair its by choice not because the restaurant I serve for doesn’t approve. I get to vent my truest thoughts over beautiful instruments. I get to tell stories that make people laugh and cry, My art evokes feelings and action. I have the best job in the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: madelineaveproductions.com
• Instagram: @jeromeshulerjr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadelineAveProductions
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerome-r-shuler-jr-2280b549
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcv5TBW1httrEHwxYzxjeKQ
• Other: mollyandpineapples.com

Image Credits
J Shuler