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

JaJuan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

The biggest challenges I have faced with profitability as a videographer is the value of my expertise not always being recognized. Everyone is a filmmaker of some sort now with cameras being accessible through phones, and I feel that has led people to believe that videographer services should not be so expensive.

Working freelance, my network often consists of people who are in the same position as me; “Just trying to make it”, and the clients do want to pay for the full cost and value, but they can’t afford to.

Essentially, we’re all artists, and the time and energy we invest into this lifestyle doesn’t always generate more money, but it takes money to have the time to create in the first place. Time is one of the most valuable currencies when it comes to artistry, and I see myself and most artists investing our money into time, which doesn’t leave room for much else.

JaJuan, 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?

I am the image and definition of film junkie. My entire life, I was exposed to the best films of every era. This gave me a deep appreciation for cinematography. Whenever I hear a song, I immediately visualize what the music video should look like or any scenes in a film that they would be placed well in.

While I was at college, I had two different majors before I decided to go with video and film production. I was persuaded to study something that wasn’t a “hobby”. Hobby or not, I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else. I truly love film and hope to release films in theaters someday soon.

Until then, I’m content with freelancing. Currently, I do a little bit of everything. I film music videos, interviews, event recaps, you name it. Services I offer include videography, photography, editing, aerial videography, social media content and more.

I assist clients with bringing their ideas to life cinematically, which is how I differentiate myself. I make experiences feel like a movie to draw in the viewers and make them forget they are looking at content. When people see my work, I want them to feel like they’re there.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I built my reputation by attending events, traveling, and being introduced by the right people. Unfortunately, talent alone doesn’t get you anywhere. People want to see what people like about you before they decide what they like about you. Without seeming too arrogant, I’ve had talent and personality for a while, but people would never know if they weren’t seeing it on social media.

Over the past year, I’ve attended music festivals, fashion week, visited new states and a new continent, filmed each experience, and posted on all of my social medias. Now people take me more seriously now that they see me as a traveling videographer. I found a way to stand out.

I’ve always been capable, but people had to see it. Now that I’ve moved past proving myself, I can say no to more things, and focus on the projects I’m more passionate about.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Not too long ago, things weren’t going in my favor. I wasn’t getting along with my roommate, I quit my job because I hated it and took a significant pay cut, lost my vehicle after an accident, and my main camera was damaged so I couldn’t film high quality for six weeks.

These bumps in the road would be enough to make some people take time away from crating or even quit. I kept going and balanced my priorities and my passions. I’m not willing to compromise my happiness for comfortability. I’ll live below my means if that means I get to wake up every day and pursue my passions. Most people wouldn’t do that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jmarquisfilms.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmarquis_films/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jajuan-isaacs-009b40175/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBOlYbeobvJJ2Slm5mcjRUw