We recently connected with Travis Singletary and have shared our conversation below.
Travis, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
One of the most significant risks I took was starting SkyRas Media, my full production company. Before taking the plunge, I was working steadily in the television industry as an editor, a role that, while creatively fulfilling, offered a predictable and stable career path. The idea to start my own company came from a desire to have complete creative control and to expand the ways I could tell stories, not just through editing but through full-scale production.
The backstory to this risk began in Los Angeles, a city bustling with creative opportunities yet also saturated with competition. The decision to start my own company meant stepping away from a steady paycheck, investing my savings into equipment and studio space, and facing the possibility of failure in a highly competitive market. It was a daunting prospect. I spent nights wrestling with the decision, considering the impact on my ability to support my growing family and weighing it against the potential to fulfill a deeper creative calling and achieve greater professional autonomy.
I decided to take the risk, motivated by a belief in my creative vision and a desire to let God guide my path, trusting that this leap of faith was part of a larger plan for my life. I spent countless hours networking, pitching to potential clients, and refining my craft, all while balancing the responsibilities of being a parent.
The outcome has been a journey of highs and lows. Starting SkyRas Media didn’t lead to immediate success. There were months of uncertainty, projects that fell through, and the constant challenge of staying afloat. However, with perseverance, the company began to gain traction. We’ve since been able to work on a variety of projects, telling stories that matter and making an impact through our productions. It’s allowed me to blend my passions for music, editing, and storytelling in ways I never could have as an employee elsewhere.
This risk taught me the value of faith, resilience, and the importance of pursuing one’s passions, despite the uncertainty that comes with it. It’s been a life-changing journey that’s allowed me to grow not just as a professional but as an individual, shaping me into the creative, risk-taking entrepreneur I am today.
Travis, 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?
Growing up in Los Angeles, my path into the world of television and media was deeply influenced by my family’s legacy in the industry. My father, Tony Singletary, was a renowned TV director, known for his work on iconic shows like “The Cosby Show,” “Martin,” and “Married with Children.” From a young age, I idealized him, not just for his remarkable achievements but for his ability to tell compelling stories that resonated with millions. His dedication to his craft and his ability to bring out the best in every project he touched inspired me to pursue a career in media.
Equally influential has been my brother, Oji Singletary, who has made his mark as an executive producer. Having someone I deeply trust and admire by my side in this industry has been invaluable. Oji is more than just a sibling; he’s a collaborator who isn’t afraid to challenge me. This dynamic has been crucial in pushing me to excel and ensuring that every project we undertake at SkyRas Media is of the highest quality. His willingness to battle it out, in the name of creating the best possible work, has instilled in me the importance of collaboration, constructive criticism, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
SkyRas Media embodies this legacy of storytelling and dedication to the craft. We specialize in producing high-quality video content that ranges from commercials and documentaries to music videos and short films. Our approach is rooted in a deep understanding of narrative, a trait passed down through generations, and a commitment to pushing creative boundaries. We’re not just creating content; we’re continuing a family tradition of storytelling that engages, entertains, and enlightens.
I’m incredibly proud of where I come from and the foundation my father and brother have built. They’ve shown me the importance of passion, perseverance, and the power of a well-told story. For potential clients, followers, and fans, SkyRas Media is more than a production company; it’s a continuation of a legacy. We bring to the table a unique blend of traditional storytelling prowess and modern creativity, all fueled by a familial passion for making an impact through media.
Whether helping brands tell their story, bringing a creative vision to life, or tackling social issues through documentary work, SkyRas Media is dedicated to producing content that not only meets but exceeds expectations. We’re here to carry on a legacy of excellence, creativity, and impact, one project at a time.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
At the heart of my creative journey is the mission to leverage the power of storytelling to illuminate truths, foster connections, and inspire positive change. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the television industry, I witnessed firsthand the impact that thoughtful, compelling storytelling can have on individuals and society as a whole. This legacy, passed down from my father, Tony Singletary, a renowned TV director, and shared with my brother, Oji Singletary, an executive producer, instilled in me a profound respect for the craft and its potential to make a difference.
With SkyRas Media, my aim is to extend this legacy by creating content that not only entertains but also challenges, educates, and motivates audiences to see the world through a broader, more empathetic lens. Whether it’s through a documentary that sheds light on critical social issues, a music video that captures the essence of an artist’s message, or a commercial that tells a brand’s story in a unique and impactful way, our mission remains the same: to produce work that matters.
Moreover, as a believer in letting God guide my path, I see my creative work as a calling to serve a greater purpose. It’s about channeling the talents and opportunities I’ve been blessed with to tell stories that resonate on a spiritual level, encouraging others to reflect, grow, and find hope in their journey.
Ultimately, what sets SkyRas Media apart and drives my personal and professional endeavors is this commitment to meaningful storytelling. It’s about creating work that doesn’t just pass the time but enriches lives, sparks conversations, and brings about real change. This mission fuels every project we undertake and is the cornerstone of everything I strive to achieve both as an individual and through my company.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being creative is the opportunity to manifest God’s presence on Earth through my work. Creativity, in all its forms, is a divine gift, a channel through which I can express the beauty, complexity, and depth of the human experience in ways that words alone cannot convey. Each project, whether it’s a piece of music, a video, or a film, is an act of faith—a prayer made visible, an attempt to capture a glimpse of the divine.
This journey is not just about creating content; it’s about creating connections, moments where the divine spark within us can recognize itself in the work and in each other. It’s about using the talents I’ve been blessed with to spread light, love, and understanding. When I create, I see it as participating in a form of worship, celebrating the creativity bestowed upon us by God, and sharing that celebration with the world.
The most profound reward comes when my work touches someone’s heart, when it brings them solace, joy, or a sense of connection to something greater than themselves. It’s in these moments that I feel God’s work being done through me, making His presence more felt on Earth. My goal is to ensure that through every note, every frame, and every story, I’m reflecting God’s love and grace, inspiring others to see the beauty in the world and in each other.
In essence, being creative allows me to serve as a conduit for God’s love, using my gifts to help make the divine more present and palpable in our everyday lives. This, to me, is the ultimate reward of creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: travis-Singletary.com
- Instagram: @travthegreat
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travis.singletary
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-singletary-84993651/
- Twitter: @picoslim