We recently connected with J’Marcus Alfred and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, J’Marcus thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

The biggest risk I’ve taken was quitting my full-time marketing job to go down the path of being a creative full-time. Up to that point I did what was expected of me. Going to college, graduating, then finding a job in my field. For a while I was content with what I was doing because I’m doing what I thought I was supposed to do. Over time I realized it wasn’t a fit for me. I spent a lot of time on the what if’s. I knew what I wanted to do but couldn’t exactly see the path. That kept me from going for it sooner. I knew from my time working that I had the tools to be successful but that would also mean not doing what was expected and if it didn’t work out how others would view me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a photographer and video editor from Mississippi. I have built most of my background in marketing.  I started while I was in College and worked there until about a year ago. Photography is where I get the most creative and editing is more business oriented.

I always found cameras interesting. One of my earlier memories was getting a disposable camera then taking it to Wal Mart to get developed. The idea of pressing a button and having a physical thing from a moment in time that passed blew my young mind. I wouldn’t get my own camera until I got to college. I had a point and shoot Nikon that I used to take photos for the Quad ball team (FKA Quidditch). I felt I’d hit a wall with what I wanted to do with that camera and upgraded to a DSLR. I still use that DSLR for my Work now. I’ve had my photography described as having cinematic qualities. I lean heavy into color to set the mood of my portraits. Color is a way I can let loose and play.

I studied media production in college and fell in love with editing. I’ve edited just about any kind of video you can think of but editing documentaries is easily my favorite. There’s an art to it and always a sense of discovery that I don’t get from editing other types of video. It makes the hours of listening to interviews worth it.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Show up to events. Watch the video. Share the artists post. Buy from them. Don’t ask for discounts.

Working as a creative tough. For me it’s hard to track progress. There are times when there’s a lot going on and others where nothing is going on. And you’re trying different ways to put things out there and it feels like you get nothing in return. It can be disheartening when you’ve worked hard on something and it not get a response but we always remember the regulars who show up, who interact with us on social media, and shop with us.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Issa Rae is an inspiration to me. I was a huge fan of her web series Awkward Black Girl, so whenever I’d see her being interviewed I was tuned in. She talks often about how she networks across and working to elevate everyone around her. I’m lucky to have found a community that operates in a similar manner. We always share different opportunities or bringing each other in on different projects. A win for one of us is a win for the community as a whole. We all want build with each other and see everyone succeed.     

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lightkeeper212.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightkeeper212/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LightKeeper0212
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-alfred-07121486/