We recently connected with Lucius James IV and have shared our conversation below.
Lucius, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
Since my early childhood, creativity has always flowed through me. Even as a young kid, I would ingeniously repurpose old or broken toys, transforming them into something entirely new. I vividly recall the time when I constructed my very own surround sound system using the on-and-off switch from a lava lamp and speaker wire connected to the speaker in my tube TV. It was during my high school years that my passion for the creative path became crystal clear, especially when I delved into music production.
As my journey progressed, I transitioned from being a videographer to becoming a skilled 3D artist. Currently, I am wholeheartedly dedicated to building a clothing brand that revolves around Dyslexic individuals and celebrates the incredible power of their minds. This brand, known as Dyslexic Millionaires, aims to showcase the unique perspective and abilities of dyslexic individuals while empowering them.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Growing up as a military kid, my life was a whirlwind of change, living in 15 different cities and attending 13 schools before finally graduating high school. Being constantly uprooted and always finding myself as the new person at school, I honed the invaluable skills of adaptability and networking. Throughout my creative journey, I have crossed paths with individuals from diverse backgrounds, spanning the realms of film, art, music, and fashion. As I immersed myself in these worlds, I observed a recurring need among musicians, models, and artists—fresh clothing for their music videos, photoshoots, performances, and interviews.
Driven by my inherent creativity and influenced by my experiences on music video sets, fashion events, and alongside talented artists, I aspired to create a remarkable brand that would not only be visually captivating on camera but also integrate seamlessly into everyday life. However, I wanted this brand to possess a deeper significance, one that people could genuinely support and rally behind.
As a dyslexic individual, I understand the unique challenges faced by those who think outside the box but often grapple with spelling errors and number transpositions. Interestingly, a substantial percentage of self-made millionaires exhibit signs of dyslexia, showcasing the remarkable gifts that dyslexic thinkers bring to the world. These include exceptional visualization skills, clear communication of ideas, and the ability to forge strong connections with others.
Our brand Dyslexic Millionaires, therefore, arises from the realization that traditional schooling may not cater well to students with dyslexia. Nevertheless, individuals with dyslexia contribute immense value to their careers through above-average creativity, a keen eye for opportunities, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
What truly sets me apart is my profound empathy for others and my genuine desire to understand what it feels like to walk in their shoes. I believe in giving back and caring for others, as I firmly believe that the act of giving is far more rewarding than receiving. Helping others achieve their dreams and goals is what continuously fuels my inspiration and propels me forward.
Our team of dreamers and visionaries is the cornerstone of our success. Their artistic talents, unwavering belief in our product, and their capacity to adapt and acquire new skills are what will drive the growth of our company.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I believe that each of us possesses a unique form of creativity, but unfortunately, not everyone has had the opportunity to fully explore and live out their creative potential due to various reasons. Additionally, some individuals have never been taught that a creative life can be financially rewarding and provide for a family. Embarking on a creative journey is undeniably challenging, filled with ups and downs. However, with perseverance and determination, the good days will outnumber the bad ones, and the rewards can be extraordinary.
Yet, it is crucial to acknowledge that the creative path is akin to a roller coaster ride. It requires unwavering belief and support from the people around you who truly understand and stand by your side, especially during difficult times. Equally important is not giving up on oneself. Sometimes, we may find ourselves just one opportunity away from achieving our dreams, and it is vital to push through instead of abandoning our aspirations. While the creative journey may not be suitable for everyone, it should never deter anyone from pursuing their passions and interests fearlessly. Because if we devote enough time and effort, reaching a level of mastery can ultimately translate into a sustainable livelihood.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most fulfilling aspect of being creative is witnessing others appreciate and love the things we create. It’s an incredible experience to meet exceptional individuals who are both unique and inspiring. Moreover, it’s truly gratifying when people approach us, seeking our creative skills and ideas, while providing financial compensation for our imaginative work. However, this path can present challenges along the way, as there’s nothing quite like the joy of being creative and sharing ideas, concepts, and visions with fellow creatives.
Engaging with a community of like-minded individuals fosters an ecosystem where we continually strive to enhance our crafts, acquire new techniques, and stay attuned to market trends. This environment pushes us to become better, encouraging constant learning and growth. The dynamic exchange of ideas among creative minds fuels our creativity, enabling us to develop truly remarkable projects and concepts.
Contact Info:
- Website: dstarm.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/dyslexicmillionaires
- Facebook: Instagram.com/luciusjamesiv
Image Credits
Lucius James IV Schweinbeck