We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jason KULAYD Clayton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jason KULAYD, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
CanvasRebel. I believe there are many factors that can dictate success. I do not believe that there is simply one way or path to achieve your goals. Every day we drive or walk pass places, use products, or a service that are or were someones dream to create and I’m sure they had their challenges and different methods in making those dreams become a reality. However, I think there are important key factors that can contribute to someones journey to success and the First is making the choice to succeed. The let me try it method will not cut it. You have to be certain you want what you are going after and make a commitment to achieving your goal or you will waste time and effort. The second is you must study and learn about the thing that you are looking to accomplish. Knowledge is power. Once you know what you need to do the Third is to make a plan on how to achieve your goals. For example if starting a new business there are going to be things you will need to have completed before opening it to the public. You must make a list of them and figure out how you will get each item on the list completed. The Fourth is you must eliminate distractions. The goal in mind will need your focus and you must not allow outside factors to delay your progress. The next is you must find support for your goal. You cant be everywhere at all times, nor can you do every job by yourself. At some point you will need assistance so accept it with a smile. Lastly, The most important factor to me outside of having the determination to succeed is having the belief in yourself and or team that you will succeed. Faith goes a long way, it only takes the size of a mustard seed..
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a Recording Artist/Music Producer/Actor/Writer/Director/Film Producer/Event Promoter/Graphic Designer/Entrepreneur. I guess you can say that I am a “Jack of All Trades”. I was born in Detroit, Michigan and spent most of my time between the cities of Detroit, Inkster, and Romulus. I have a passion for creating and through the years it has led me to work with both amazing local and national industry talent. I entered the entertainment industry as a recording artist but I have equally had a love for filmmaking and it has inspired me to make great content for myself and others, some of which were nominated for Emmy awards. My production company World Fame-Us Hot Spot Entertainment Studios has helped many clients and their families within in the community with their special events, films, and development of business ideas.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
When I make something that another sincerely appreciates it’s the best reward I could ask for. Turning an idea I thought of into something that people can relate to and enjoy is a great feeling.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
When it comes to my music journey as a teenager I thought I would just be able to write songs, hit the recording studio, get signed and take off but needless to say it didn’t turn out to be that easy. I had to go through alot to learn the business side of music and things I did not consider like music societies, publishing, bar codes, distribution,etc. I had to learn about areas outside of the talent category and that is still relevant today for anyone looking to get into releasing music professionally. Being young and starting a Record Label (Kulayd Entertainment) and opening a Recording Studio had it’s challenges but with hard work it became a reality for me and literally saved my life. It’s amazing how far a vision or dream can take you. The same goes for my skills of filmmaking. I went through formal school training and presently continue to study the trends of my craft. Which brings me to things I have noticed that some clients become anxious with and hopefully I can help them understand better. When I first got into film work and making music videos I had no idea how to edit and was at the mercy of outsourcing an editor. Being the Director, I wanted to find someone who could edit the footage on my equipment while I watched and told them which clips I would like to use. Many of the editors wanted me to send them the footage or drop off a drive so they could edit on their own system. I couldn’t understand why it was so difficult to find someone to come to our facility and just edit on our system. Later I found that most professional editors usually spend a significant amount of money investing in a system that can handle large files with a smooth non interrupted video workflow and they know their computer system very well so they prefer to use what they are familiar with. On top of that, editors are at their best when they are left alone with the footage and basic instructions you have provided to them. Some people edit whenever time permits throughout the day or week due to other jobs or obligations. I’m sure the deadline set by the client will be met by the editor. When you give a creative person time and space they will give you their best work and you seriously can’t rush art. In my experience this applies to mostly all artists. Writers and musicians included. On the show side My Record Label promotes events and lets just say that no matter how much you plan the unexpected will always seem to appear. Just recently a venue owner pulled an unexpected move which sabotaged an event we worked hard to bring to the public and it caused a problem that effected the integrity of my company and its sponsors. We lost on ticket sales and things were enforced upon our guests and performing artists by them that to everyone it looked as if it was us doing it when we had no prior knowledge such actions would take place. They even publicly spread false details about the event in an effort to discredit our name which were later disputed by facts and receipts. Moral of the story is that in the world we live in your associations have the impact to either effect you in a positive or negative way. Everyone will not be honest with you. Everyone will not have your best interest in mind. I have had my struggles with almost every aspect of the entertainment business and with life in general but hey, only the strong survive.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hotspotentertainmentstudios.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hotspotentertainmentstudios/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hotspotentertainment4823/videos
- Other:Count Time The Movie https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5965110/
- Patience, A Twisted Love Story https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5965390/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
- Detroit Unleaded Movie https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1718765/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
- West Bloomfield Movie https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1743264/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
- 5K1 Movie https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1326219/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
- Kulayd Entertainment https://www.youtube.com/user/KulaydEntertainment
- Hot Spot Entertainment Retro Videos https://www.youtube.com/@hotspotent
Image Credit
All photos are by Ronald Head