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

Taj, 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?

Have I been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work? Absolutely—but let’s be clear: my journey to “full-time creative” looked less like a red carpet and felt more like a biking down a cobblestone road.

The Short Answer:
Yes, I’ve earned a living solely through creative work for years now—but day one? Not in the slightest. It took a cocktail of stubbornness, unpaid labor, and a lot of Haitian bred hustle.
& I’m all-in on risk. Not the adrenaline-junkie, bungee-jumping kind (heights scare me senseless, I prefer the sink or swim metaphor), but the kind where you bet on yourself hard. That said—everyone’s risks look different. Mine? A three-act drama:

1. Moving to NYC for film school (taking out big loans to do so—shoutout to generational hustle).
2. Dropping out (still owing those loans, obviously).
3. Grinding through the industry—no connections, no roadmap, just grit and a dream.

Growing up Haitian-American in *South* Jersey (not “Taylor Ham vs. Pork Roll” Jersey—think Philly-adjacent), I learned early what survival looks like. I’m the youngest among my immediate siblings—my brother and sister being a decade or more older—and raised by a single mother. Yet, in our close-knit Haitian village, complete with 1 million cousins- I always felt supported, even without my father around. Our family started with very little; my mother, who was in nursing school at the time, worked tirelessly to become the backbone of our household. Through her hard work, we moved up to middle class. In high school, I found myself in a TV Production class taught by my favorite teacher, Mrs. Danielle Riggio Armano—affectionately known as Mrs. A. It was there I discovered the art of scripting, storyboarding, shooting, and even running a small studio, igniting the passion that would define my career. Back in high school, I wasn’t known as the dreamer or the overly ambitious kid—just a smart, easy-going guy until Mrs. A lit that creative fire in me. Coupled with my father’s complete disbelief that I would make it (“You’ll fail” as I remember it), the 2 became the rocket fuel I needed to commit fully.

**The Hustle Era:**
I threw myself into an intensive program at NYFA, clocking 50-60 hours a week, and even spent weekends working as a PA on various sets. When I landed a PA role on the first season of “Master of None” at 19 years old, I thought things were looking up. Truth is, I hated it. One day in, I pivoted to editing—a “grandpa move” to some, but strategic. Editors get face time with creatives; PAs- do a lot of other things. Unpaid internships followed, through a program we had to pay to be apart of because of having no connections at all (yes, *we paid them*—wild, but Mom’s faith never wavered). At the first agency, all I did was watch the boss edit while fetching coffee for him & his wife. Realizing I would never touch an edit bay, I switched studios, finally getting a chance to edit.

**The Pivot:**
Then I collided with corporate clients allergy to “artistic pacing.” I struggled. I had just come heels hot from film school and pacing was ingrained within me. Then, an editor who came in one day to the studio gave me great advice. He said that while passion projects fuel our souls, they don’t always fill our wallets. That advice became a turning point, teaching me that sustaining yourself is key to returning to the art that makes your heart sing.

With that, I was able to make a way forward. I’m a multi hyphenate creative. As well as being an Editor- I’m a Director, I’m a Photographer, I’m a Creative Producer. Being an editor allowed me to be in the room learning directly from these people, teaching me more from experience than film school ever could and much faster than being a PA ever could. & I actively pursued them each.

Through it all, from my early days in the suburbs of South Jersey to sharing sets with icons like Frank Ocean on the “Endless” visual album, I learned that every risk—whether calculated or taken on a wild impulse—shapes you. And while the rules of the game may change (especially since the pandemic), I’ve built a resilient portfolio that continues to open doors. For anyone stepping into this world, my advice is simple: Build systems. Get a financial advisor yesterday. This industry’s feast-or-famine, and stress murders creativity. Protect your peace so when the wild opportunities hit (and they will), you’re ready to swim.

Here’s what I’d tell my 18-19 year-old self:
Chase mentors, not titles. Cold-message editors you admire. Offer free help. Pride is expensive.
Commercial work isn’t “selling out.” It’s funding your next passion project.
Separate “survival” and “creative” accounts. Pay yourself a salary, even when checks fluctuate.
Your immigrant hustle is a superpower—but rest isn’t failure. Burnout kills creativity faster than rejection.
Earning a living creatively isn’t linear. For every Endless-level high, there are 50 corporate videos about ergonomic office chairs. But that’s the game: stay fluid, respect the grind, and protect your peace.

TL;DR: Full-time creative = 10% talent, 90% outlasting the doubters (including yourself).

Taj, 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?

My name is Taj Nathaniel François, & I’m a cross medium creative across the filmmaking and advertising industries. I primarily focus on Directing & Video Editing, with additional specialties in Photography & Creative Producing. I offer a refined blend of creative services that artfully merge storytelling with visual craftsmanship. My deep passion for film and photography comes together in a gentle, artful narrative. My work—ranging from music videos and brand films to high-end commercials—captures the very essence of creativity and precision. I not only shape compelling visual stories through film editing and direction but also embrace the art of photography to create evocative imagery. My collaborations with renowned brands and artists, as well as the awards won working with said brands- affirm that I provide top-tier creative direction and production services tailored for the world of advertising, music, fashion, and beyond.

My directing work is all about crafting immersive, cinematic experiences. I guide your projects with a clear, visionary approach—working closely with talent and crew to shape stories that are both emotionally resonant and visually compelling. Whether it’s a teaser or a full-scale commercial, my directorial touch ensures that each narrative feels dynamic and authentic.

In my editing work, I transform raw footage into a cohesive, rhythmic story. My expertise shines through in my ability to blend precise cuts & thoughtful pacing that elevates the mood of every project, enhancing the visual storytelling in a way it can be deeply felt.

My photography is a celebration of the art of capturing moments. It’s not just about snapping pictures; it’s about seizing the essence of an experience. The still imagery I create is rich with emotion and detail, providing a visual narrative that complements my film work. Every photograph is thoughtfully composed to evoke a strong sense of place and mood, inviting viewers to pause and reflect.

As a creative producer, I am the orchestrator behind the scenes. This role bridges the creative vision with practical execution, ensuring that every project runs smoothly from concept to final delivery. My knack for managing resources, talent, and logistics allows you to nurture and elevate creative ideas, making sure that the final outcome is both innovative and perfectly executed.

Each of these crafts reflects a facet of my overall creative identity—where storytelling meets technical mastery, and every project is infused with passion and precision. I became skilled in these areas out of necessity. Before I had built the network I have today, I had to do everything myself to get the job done. This experience instilled in me a deep respect for professional practices and inspired me to not only emulate those standards but also improve upon them wherever possible.

I excel when I’m involved in a project from concept through completion. Having the full picture allows me to anticipate potential challenges—whether related to budget, staffing, or other constraints—and prepare the necessary elements to ensure the project’s success. However, I’m also adept at stepping in during later stages when needed, offering a realistic assessment of what can be achieved under tight deadlines and limited resources, and applying my skills to deliver effective results.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

At its core, my mission is to craft visual narratives that are not only technically impeccable but also emotionally resonant. I want to merge the worlds of film, photography, and editing into a cohesive body of work that challenges conventions, inspires others, and remains true to the values of authenticity and perseverance. Empowering creatives to thrive without sacrificing their authenticity or financial stability—especially those from underestimated backgrounds. Bridging raw passion and pragmatic survival, proving that creativity isn’t a luxury reserved for the privileged.

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 think for a lot of people- the world of creativity appears as if it were driven solely by inspiration, without the behind-the-scenes struggles that define your path. They may not immediately understand how every setback, every leap of faith, and every moment of self-doubt actually fuels the innovation and authenticity in your work. The journey is not just about creating art, but about evolving through adversity and transforming challenges into stepping stones for growth. I think that makes it relatable to the human experience- because all in all- our entire existence is based on creativity, our ability to think outside the box.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tajfrancois.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tajfrancois/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tajfrancois/

Image Credits
Taj Nathaniel François, Eric Cortes, Laura Gauch, Alex Joseph