We were lucky to catch up with RJ Temple recently and have shared our conversation below.

RJ, appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Working in Creative Development for over 20 years, its truly amazing how I’ve been able to maintain a career in a field that shifts and changes all the time. It took a lot of patience, but more importantly understanding how my skillset fits in the Creative Industry. Having a background in music, all I could see was music-based opportunities at the time. The only way I could diverse my skillset was to take a step back and realize the value of my creative capacity to create cool things while solving problems. The phone wasn’t ringing, and my job applications were declining at the time. So, I decided to empower myself and create cool shows and original IP characters to create original content. That choice back in 2006 led to building my own S-Corp The Upbeat Imagination Workshop that touched thousands from the stage to video games and film.

Taking that heroic step to not wait on opportunity and make my own led to a life changing creative career working with diverse companies and multi-million dollar projects.

RJ, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Well, I’m just a guy born in Savannah Georgia that loves to create cool stuff. My work as a Creative Director and Composer stretches a variety of media platforms including, Film, Television, Video Games, Books, Theatrical Spectaculars, Attractions, and Immersive experiences. I didn’t realize I was heavy in this creative world until I learned about how my skillset fits in the industry.

I graduated with a BA Music and Minor in Fashion Design from Georgia Southern University and have a Master Certification in Audio Production from Berklee College of Music. Though I was heavy in songwriting and music production, I always saw music in the form of story. So writing for stage made a lot of sense. It was really about stepping out of my norm and being more aware of the needs of a character and how music, atmosphere, and character integrity work together. When I figured it out, the opportunities were endless.

I’m grateful to say I’ve worked with big companies in my skillset like Walt Disney Imagineering, Universal Creative, Nickelodeon, and others making unforgettable stories for guests from across the globe. Even in my own endeavors I’ve been able to release dozens of original shows and won awards for kids apps and mobile games. Its really fun to write and produce for so many things, but it keeps your skills crisp for the next opportunity. I always believe to dive into anything that can challenge your creativity. The more you understand, the more creative problems you can solve. The mindset is so important and what makes me valuable to many clients.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think a lot of people don’t understand the struggles of being creative. It really is a hard industry to find your footing. However, I think that is what makes the career choice so unique. You have to literally know what value you bring to the table and doing so will help you develop a strategy to thrive and survive.

Creativity is an internal thing and trying to make sense of it for others can truly be a mission impossible. When the idea becomes tangible, physical, or a living thing for people to experience thats when it makes sense. Even then still sometimes :-).

Creativity at the roots is magical with a hint of mystery. If you can embrace that and do your best to practically make it accessible for non-creatives the journey will be worth the wait.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I truly believe making the creative space more diverse with different ages, backgrounds, and perspectives is truly valuable for the long run. If you are building something creative from the ground up and have the opportunity to build a team and want to create something for the world to enjoy, the folks behind the creative development has to match. Now, we don’t want to approach staffing like check boxes, but its really key to make efforts for all voices to be heard and make creative sound decisions that opens doors for all walks of life. Also, support local talent. Thats very important.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tuiworkshop.com
• Instagram: @gadgettempleofficial
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rjtempleofficial
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rjtemple/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgutQF22EK-6oTkJJpIUQyQ
• Other: I also want to share that I have a new book focused on how to bring the best out of your Creativity called: 100 Sparks for a Creative Mind: A Handy Guide for Creators on the Go Looking for That Inspirational Boost. It’s available now on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/100-Sparks-Creative-Mind-Inspirational/dp/0578269791/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2T6ERUE5ICPSI&keywords=RJ+Temple&qid=1657847832&sprefix=rj+temple%2Caps%2C84&sr=8-1