We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jamal Cormier a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jamal , appreciate you joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Success in anything takes hard work and perseverance. I developed this point of view through many life experiences. It’s applicable to every aspect of life including martial arts , business, family , health /fitness , education and faith in your belief system
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Beauty Illustration
I have been into art and Illustration since second grade. Illustration and working with your hands runs from my mother’s side. This includes Quilt Making , Hair Styling , Nail Technicians and many others.
Throughout grade school I have always been an introvert and illustrated as a form of creative expression. Shortly after attending Art Institute of Philadelphia, I started fashion photography at New York Institute of Photography and started to incorporate beauty illustrations.
Wedding Photography
After getting certified and proper training , I began to meet a ton of wonderful people. I was asked to photograph many weddings at an entry level. As my skills improved and the business expanded, I become proficient in Fashion.
Fashion Photography
Looking back , I honestly never thought I would get into the Fashion industry. It was never my thing growing up. As I matured and became more open minded, I started to dabble into Fashion. After shooting a few low budget projects , I met a jewelry designer. We developed a great working relationship in the industry. That connect put me with a leading designer for New York Fashion Week. And the rest is history
Currently I provide the following services, Wedding Photography, Fashion Photography and Video branding. ( High end Beauty Preferred ) Fashion Beauty Manga Illustrations , Business Leadership Development and Coaching
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I consider myself an Extroverted Introvert. That being said, the most rewarding part is connecting with like minded people. As much as I prefer to stay solo, there is a great feeling connecting with people and working together on a project to completion. It also feels great to add give something of true value to someone else. This can be beauty illustrations , Wedding Photos , or a designer runway shot. These things are inspirational and raise the vibrations of the viewer/ consumer.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
During my Martial Arts Training, I worked , trained , fought and studied for years. I started at the bottom. I rose through the ranks to earn respect from the Leaders and Staff of the organization. After many years i finally made the Rank of Chodan. [ Black belt candidate ] I was next in Line to test when I learned my instructor respectfully, decided to embark on a spiritual life choice. Instead of sulking, I sought out another training facility and achieved my rank and more.
At the Start of my photography studies, I interned at a Fashion Studio in Connecticut. It was a three hour drive one way. I was not compensated at all. I was there for the training. One of the owners made a comment and said that i would never be successful. I was determined to prove that person wrong. Thankfully, I continued and made it to being the Lead Photographer for New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week and a ton of other honorable mentions.
I started entry level in Corporate America. I was very young when an Engineering Manager made a comment that I would never become a Leader. Just as in my martial arts training, I rose through the ranks, developed myself and surpassed that individual respectfully.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Solidrockphotographyjc.net
- Instagram: @Solidrockphotographyjc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamal.cormier?mibextid=LQQJ4d
