Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joshua Williams. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Joshua, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Yes. 2025 will officially be my 3rd year working for myself off my creative abilities. I struggled finding 9-5 jobs to provide for myself and my family. Most jobs weren’t pay enough for me or my life at the time wasn’t set up for me to find more affordable jobs, for example, expired license. I’ve always worked on my graphic design, and was a dj on the weekends while working any 9-5 and found myself exhausted and stressed out after every weekend dj gig just to get to work the next morning. Not only was I exhausted but I still didn’t have any extra pocket money for myself. I took a leap of faith on putting more energy and time into my art and crafts. The first year was the toughest. There was some seasons that were less profitable than others. It’s one thing to quit your job to fulfill your dream while having no kids, but to have 3 was very motivational for me to really push myself to show my kids and myself that it IS possible. Currently in year two, I have 3 local dj residencies, work monthly on 3 businesses website designs, curate monthly events and work daily on commissioned flyers and logos.

I could’ve sped up the process if I opened myself up to allow more help. I’ve been a headstrong person all my life, if I believe it, I can achieve it alone, but with a team I can still achieve it but much quicker and with people who have the same common goal.

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?

My name is Joshua Williams, also known as JMar or DJ J’Mar. I am a freelance creator. Specialize in graphic design; motion & still, visual art; drawing, painting, event curating, photography and disk jockey. But more than anything I’m a dedicated father to 3 beautiful children.

My first love was art, I’ve been drawing since I was in elementary school. Been a dj for 13 years now. Started in high school in Creedmoor, NC. Proudest accomplishment in my art industry so far would be making coloring books for Dreamville Festival and also making motion visuals for ACLU during the voting season. Proudest dj accomplishment would be opening up for YG, Teyana Taylor, and Big Krit. Also would be to dj at Black August Park 2024 in front of thousands of people!

I’ve never been able to sit still for long. Always wanted to do everything, try anything, be active, be artistic, be independent & follow my dreams. Sometimes that meant I bit off more than I chew, but it also means that I had a lot of experiences and learned how to do a whole lot of stuff.

I think what sets me apart from others is my drive, my will to never give up. Also the way most my clients come to me about a logo or flyer and give me creative range based of the trust they have with me and my creative abilities. As a dj, i never play the same set twice. I also never play what you constantly hear in most the clubs around the city. I provide a different vibe with great energy as music is truly a passion. I don’t see being adj as my job but as an escape from reality.

Overall I’m most proud being a dedicated full time father while being a full time creative. Having my kids everyday push me to new levels and heights I would’ve never saw in myself without them. After any gig they ask me did I have fun? Whenever I draw around them, it encourages them to draw and show off their masterpieces.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

BE YOURSELF!
I spent many years looking at what counterparts of mine was posting on social media thinking thats the route I had to take. Would post something similar and then get upset at everyone else that I’m not gaining any traction but authenticity wins every time. I built my audience by being my true self. May wake up start dancing with the kids and record a little of the moment to post to encourage people to smile, but people who know me and come over know I am truly dancing with my kids at any time of the day, but I post my personal life so its not surrounded by me begging people to spend money on coming to my dj gig. Social media is very reel driven currently; a simple video of you putting your outfit on for the day can go viral. So again, remain yourself, no matter what you post, the right people will attract to you in due time.

I thought I deserved 4000 followers on IG 5 years ago, but I did nothing to push my audience. I would only post my flyers and dj gigs just because I was looking for financial gain. Post to educate or to inspire!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, personally its for my kids to say they are proud of me. The sky is truly the limit and I am a walking testament to that to them that nothing is off-limits or too impossible for you to obtain. I never thought I would be able to be a full time dad without having their mom around for one, but to be able to do that AND still continue making a living off my creative work will push them to never give up no matter how hard times may get because their dad never did!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jmarthedj.wixsite.com/mysite-3/about
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/jmarthewizard
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jmarthewizard/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmarthewizard
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jmarthewizard
• Other: https://linktr.ee/JMARTHEWIZARD

Image Credits

Slim The Creative
The97thSuspect
Malizee