Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jameal Pullins- MDRD. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jameal, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
Often times, I do wonder how things would have gone if I started my creative career sooner. In the same breath, I don’t regret nor question the timing. We’re taught to believe the people making decisions for us are in the best interest of us. As an adolescent we’re told what to do and what not to do but as we arrive into adulthood we make our own decisions. I was in elementary school, drawing sketches and distracted from school work. If you put a ball in my hands, I was a pretty fast runner. If you put me in front of a camera, I might be shy but a talent scout could see a potential star. I was the kid more intrigued by arts. In my house education was most important. My parents knew I was different. I was the isolated introvert. Somehow trouble still would find me. Sometimes I think, what if I had went to an art school but then I’d miss out on the rougher parts of my life. We had always thought “what didn’t kill you only made you stronger”. That idea translates to me now as, The Most High gives his toughest battles to his toughest soldiers and will never give you more than you can bare. In a nut shell, my journey is my own. I can’t live with regret nor what if’s. I can only adjust the sails for the tide to come. Whether high or low I must be prepared for whichever way it goes. Lastly, I know we find ourselves chasing so many ideas from childhood to adulthood and often times our peers criticize. I say this to the readers, find your true passions and stick to them. Be confident in your decisions and chase them with precision. There’s no time like the present. Mute all the nay sayers and let your work speak for itself. Take your time with it and trust the process.
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 come from humble beginnings. Discipline is a key word, when speaking of humble beginnings. In my youth, I participated in the arts and sports. Both kept me active and out of trouble. I wasn’t always one to look on the brighter side, given our harsh surroundings. I give credit to the few elders who always seen something in me that I didn’t see in myself. After some trials and tribulations, I discovered who I was and believed in who I wanted to be. Quite naturally as an adult I continued my journey in arts with a minor in business. I am a Multi-hyphenate. In entertainment, I’m most recognized for my Modeling and Music. In Business, Sales and Consulting. I am very intentional in my actions. I’m a firm believer that a great attitude determines your altitude. In my line of work, mind set is the key to overcoming any obstacle. Mind set is the first priority I express to my clients. Now to give you a better understanding of my services. Think about a commercial or ad you see on tv or social media. What goes into that commercial? You must hire staff, actors, camera crew, set designer, wardrobe etc. After the filming is done, now you focus on targeted audience, promotion, platforms etc. But wait, you forgot the most important part, the idea, the vision that’s where I come in. Anyone can hire people but not everyone can generate ideas and execute. My clients have ideas but lack the know how to convey their message. Presentation is essential. My job requires attention to detail and discipline to deliver. You ever notice most actors or actresses find themselves in a Directors chair. Why? Because being a creative isn’t something you do, it’s who you are in every aspect. Actors have studied each role in the film industry to the point they can take on any position. It’s like a skilled football player who plays both sides of the ball, most consider them a utility player. You see, MDRD will up the bar but cuts no corners and covers all grounds. In my business we have a no limit mindset. Why buy an office in a building when you can buy the building. If you’re gonna dream, dream BIG! For example, as a model this was my strategy. If I’m a model, why not make the clothing I’m modeling and why not take it a step further to learn to sew the clothing, then why not sale the clothing and do my own photo shoots or videos, and then why not make my own commercial music and publishing. An objective in business is go with the most economical option. In truth it all goes hand in hand. A one stop shop. If a normal student uses 12 years of their life learning a schools recommended curriculum, I’m pretty sure they could learn a trade or skill in less time and earn a pleasurable living.
I’m most proud of the fact that even when the odds were against me I persevered. I went after my passions with little to no hesitation. I help businesses start from ground zero even helping established businesses upscale. Because again you can hire staff but eye for detail and discipline to deliver is an acquired skill. You ever hear the term book smart or street smart? Well I’m both. In my experience somethings can’t be taught, they must be developed and development takes time. I like to use the three P’s, patience, persistence and perseverance. I am a brand and I enjoy building brands for others. I wouldn’t be who I am if I didn’t take calculated risk. Hold myself accountable for my own actions and have faith all things will work out in my favor. Keeping in mind the key factors to changing my mindset, was realizing my perspective of how I viewed things would determine my outcome. Also, being adaptable in any environment and knowing that it’s okay to change my environment for the betterment of myself. In addition, being mindful of the company I keep. Not all but a few great qualities that has kept me thriving.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is when I have a vision in my mind and I see it unfold before my eyes. The only thing that tops that, is the satisfaction I get when others relate to my creation. “What’s next?” is always exciting too. As a creator you create because you are moved, whether it be music, painting, fashion, film etc. It’s all about how it makes you feel & truth. If it makes you feel, or moves your emotions, your intention is to capture that feeling and translate it in your preferred creative outlet. Because you know somewhere in the world others have felt the same and if not they must at-least experience it through your creation. Imagine being in the ocean as the waves sway your body back and forth. If you go with the water and just be, you’ll notice you become one with the waves. As a creator, art does that to your mind, body, soul and spirit. Everything is energy & frequency. Bob Marley once said “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” One love.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal driving my creative journey is to be free. Emancipate myself from mental slavery. Enjoy the life I am living and encourage others to do the same. I try my best to stay present in the moment because the future no man knows. I pray after all is over, I have broken family cycles, did the things I said I would and leave the world a little bit better than how I found it. The Universe is constantly working in the favor of the Righteous even if it appears otherwise. Before, If asked what drives you or your mission, I’m sure someone says to be Rich but my riches is life forever! Treat people how you want to be treated. Be Bless, above all, be a Blessing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unitedmasters.com/mdrd
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdrdofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MealDaRealDeal/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mealdarealdeal
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/jameal.pullins/ https://www.tiktok.com/@mealdarealdeal
Image Credits
MDRDPRODUCTIONS, GoldenPixels photography, Remarkable vi studios