We recently connected with Joey Clark and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Joey thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later?

So I began shooting in 2016, but round early 2019 is where I started networking more heavily and confidently reaching out to various teams who were passing through Texas and festivals across the states. Overall I believe I started at the right time and I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be honestly. The only thing I wish I had done a little bit more of earlier in my career was network a bit more. Networking is an absolute key factor in the music industry to succeed and I feel like I passed up quite a bit of opportunities to excel my career further. I just wanted to make sure I knew what I was doing before putting myself out there and taking on more challenges.

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?

Yes! My Name is Joey Clark currently born, raised and based in Houston Texas. I go by the name Zayga / Zayga Media on socials and I am a photographer and videographer primarily specializing in the music industry. I work closely with Artist teams to develop and create Photos and videos that best suites their needs ranging from live show coverage, press and promotional content. I began Shooting in 2016. At first it was just a hobby, shooting mostly landscapes and scenery. I was still trying to figure out where I wanted to go with the craft but then I attended my first music festival in Houston called Something Wicked. I immediately fell in love with the music and wanted to capture and create with Dj’s, musicians and producers of all kinds. I began shooting with a group called Virtuosos in late 2017. 9PM Presents (Formerly Known as Virtuosos Presents) is a Promotions and Production team based in Houston Texas. Upon opening our venue, we began hosting shows with an array of EDM legends on a weekly basis. I acted at their in-house photographer and that’s where I got my start ascertaining the basis of just about everything I know today. I worked closely with the team learning the ropes of not only media but also artist relations, management and production.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy I experienced in my early growing phase was to be in touch with your local scene and not to be closed minded. When you’re getting started, your local scene is your best friend. You will gain experience and meet plenty of people who are more well versed in the industry. No event is too small. I am still working and growing along side friends who I had met in my early days of shooting in the industry. I have also landed some of my biggest gigs because of them, beyond grateful for what they have done for me. Best ways to get involved with the music industry specifically is to check out you local venue’s and production company’s social medias. Check out what events are going on and reach out through their official contact and see if they are looking for media services. From there try to network with as many people at the event and work your way up.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Man there’s a few I hold high. One of the most rewarding aspects of being a creator in this industry is the ability to stand on stage in front of thousands of people and work closely with artists who I admired as just a fan years ago. There’s nothing better than sitting down with a team, creating a game plan and vision then executing it through to the final product and the client being thrilled to share it. Another rewarding aspect is being able to meet and work along side other creatives who inspire me. Being able to create and collaborate on projects with people who I look up to and respect is priceless. Shout out Kitsune Creations, Avoldseth, Veltrida and Noah Boardman Media

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zaygamedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zayga.media/

Image Credits
All Photos shot and Edited by Joseph Clark (Zayga Media)