We recently connected with Jordan Gilliam and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jordan, thanks for joining us today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

Without question I would have put more intent behind chasing opportunities early on. It truly is about who you know most of the time, but I’ve found that a genuine inquiry about helping someone achieve their goals is a solid way to make myself known. Obviously it’s the quality of your work and your attitude on the job that builds reputation, but you’ll never have the chance to prove your worth if you can’t get through the door. Your aspirations feed on opportunity, if you see one pick it up.

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 background and context?

I’m Jordan Gilliam, a video production assistant based in Phoenix, AZ. I spent my childhood moving around the country until my early 20’s when I settled in Pittsburgh. After burning out on student films, musical theater internships and union overhire calls, I had lost my way. In 2019 my girlfriend (now wife) took a job in Phoenix and I followed, where I was brought onto the Azvideopro staff by Josh Skehan shortly after. Aside from helping sharpen my PA skills, he’s given me the mental tools to run my own company in the future. He’s a solid mentor and his trust in me means the world. I also work for Childsplay Theater in Tempe, AZ, which incorporates every skill from carpentry to set design, video editing to car repair. There’s never a dull moment and I’m appreciative of the opportunity I’ve been given to help keep live theater in motion.

As a result of having a camera on me through the years on sets and stages, I’ve fallen in love with both performing arts photography and unit stills photography. My developing portfolio will reflect, though production assistance is my desired trade. What I truly want is for everyone to prosper, and if I can do my part as a PA while keeping my preferred lifestyle, it’s a win win. If that means taking marketing photos, I’m in. If it means writing you a piano jingle, I’m in. If it means babysitting so you can direct a film, I’ll send you my resume. I’m versed in every role on set, I’m fine tuned to walk calmly through disasters, everyone seems to vibe with me and I’m fulfilled by shedding light on the work and stories of others. I’d consider myself the ultimate assistant.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

The perils of a supercharged, overactive imagination perhaps? I recently had a friend ask “Do you enjoy never having a solid plan” and my response was along the lines of “I feel like my issue is that I have too many solid plans. I’ve mapped out equally desirable paths in my mind too well, leaving me no choice but to walk them all”. I was raised to be prepared for moving on and rebuilding at a moment’s notice, which definitely plays a part in keeping my roots exposed. Still, I’ve been working towards the same three goals since I was a toddler and I can do them literally anywhere thanks to technology, why shortchange myself by settling for one answer?

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

YouTube 100%. It can definitely rot your brain if you use it like candy (which I also do), but it’s also one of the greatest learning tools of our time. I graduated before smartphones existed, but I often think about how different life would’ve been with that kind of power in my pocket. I’ve learned about camera systems, lighting setups, computer repair, you name it. Books and podcasts are alright, but youtube just does it for me.

Also, people should spend more time at the library. Libraries are awesome and it’s a shame they’re so underutilized. Even if you aren’t into books, you can check out cd’s, dvd’s, magazines, song books, computers, even musical instruments.

Contact information:

• Email: r.jordangilliam@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jordytakesphotos
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jordytakesphotos