We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Oscar Haney Jr. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Oscar below.

Hi Oscar, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I knew that I had an interest in the performing arts when I joined my school’s chorus in the first grade. I’ve always loved to sing! I grew up listening to all genres of music, especially old school music; I consider myself an old soul. A part from singing, I loved to dance as well. I would always try and learn the choreography from some of my favorite music videos and practice them until I get them 100% down. As I grew older, I had always been told I should look into modeling, I did my first photoshoot in 2016 and I fell in love with modeling ever since then. Lastly, as I indulged more in modeling, I then moved onto acting because I realized that those two coincide with each other because the foundation of both is being in some type of “character.” I have always wanted to be a full on entertainer, my greatest inspirations are Aaliyah & Usher, their poise, work ethic & ambition have always stuck with me since a child and those are people who I strive to embody the essence of but still being true to myself and showing the world who Oscar Haney, Jr. is!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I got into the business by just working with freelance photographers at first to help build my modeling portfolio and to even see if this is something that I can see myself doing full-time. I made my own portfolio using free websites (i.e. Canva) and did what I had to do for myself by myself. Eventually, I started applying to local fashion shows and campaigns in which I have been blessed to be a part of! My biggest accomplishment to date for modeling is walking in a fashion show for New York Fashion Week which had been a long time goal of mine. In terms of acting, I caught wind of an acting workshop hosted by working actors via a Facebook ad. I applied, attended the class and did some cold reads. After the class, they reached out for me and let me know that they’d like me to audition for the class! I auditioned & I got in and from there I have learned so many skills that helps me hone in on the craft and I am so grateful for the opportunity. That class is also how I got signed with an agent for TV/Film! An agent came in and wanted us to do a scene and from there you will get a callback and if that went well, they let you know if they want to sign you. By God’s grace, it happened for me!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes! The main mission is to live out my soul’s purpose. Growing up as a young black man in the south, the creative arts are not really encouraged how practical jobs are. I did what I needed to do in terms of the standard (go to college, get a degree, get a corporate job.) Now that I have garnered the resources that I needed to be able to pursue my passions, I have went all in and have not looked back. Ultimately, I want to be able to make a living full-time in the creative field which will allow me to have a platform to influence others and really make a change in the world. I want to show young children, especially young black children that you should do whatever your heart desires because you only have one life & you do not want to regret not following your heart! I also want to be able to take care of my family & friends so that NOBODY has to work if they do not want to. What is the point of accumulating the riches if you are not able to enjoy it with the people you love and care for?

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think the best thing people can do is to take popularity out of the equation. A lot of times, people only like what they see is trending and popular. There are so many talented and creative people out there who do not get the attention they deserve simply because they do not have enough followers or likes but they are consistently promoting their brand. I think that people are so caught up in the fact that they feel like they do not have to support others because they don’t know them or have the rapport they think they should have. They like to think that social media isn’t that serious but in all honesty, it is. A like, a reshare, a comment can do so much; it can literally change someone’s life! All it takes is that one person to see and your life can change in an instant. Always support others because you would want them to do the same for you!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: _obhaney
• Other: TikTok: _obhaney

Image Credits
Elvis Piedra Home Base Film & Photography Dre’gan Feaster Slingshots ATL