Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Trey Carswell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Trey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you 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?

Yes, I’ve been fortunate enough to earn a full-time living from my creative work, but it definitely wasn’t an overnight journey. The path has been shaped by persistence, continuous learning, and getting my hands dirty in a variety of different experiences.
In the beginning, it wasn’t like that at all. I had to balance multiple projects while building up my portfolio and taking on smaller projects. The first few years were about getting the right experience, making mistakes, and figuring out what worked and what didn’t. One of the biggest milestones came when I started getting consistent work, but even then, I wasn’t earning enough to fully rely on filmmaking as a career.
A major turning point was when I traveled to Los Angeles to work on various projects. I had the chance to be on set with some seasoned professionals, seeing firsthand how the industry operates at a high level. That was a huge eye-opener for me and it was where I learned how to handle larger-scale projects, manage client expectations, and navigate the business side of filmmaking. Working with people who were doing this full-time and hearing about their journeys was invaluable.

The experience taught me things you can’t pick up in a classroom or from online tutorials.
It was also during these trips that I realized how important networking is in this industry. I built relationships with fellow filmmakers, actors, and producers that led to future opportunities and collaborations.

I learned that it wasn’t just about the work you create, but also about how you position yourself and who you connect with along the way.

Looking back, I could have sped up the process by focusing more on developing my business acumen earlier on. I spent so much time perfecting my craft that I didn’t realize how important it was to understand contracts, negotiations, and how to effectively market my work.

If I had approached filmmaking with the mindset of a business owner from the start, it would’ve saved me some of the early headaches.
Now, my advice to anyone starting out would be to treat your craft as both an art and a business. Invest in learning both the creative and the operational sides of filmmaking your ability to network and navigate the industry is just as important as your technical skills. And don’t underestimate the value of real-world experience, especially in places like LA, where you can learn so much from the people around you.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those who may not have heard of me or Moon’k Films Devoted before, I’m a filmmaker, creative director, and visual storyteller deeply passionate about creating meaningful, cinematic content that connects on an emotional level. Moon’k Films Devoted is more than just a production brand, it’s a reflection of my personal journey, my creative spirit, and my commitment to bringing stories to life with depth, beauty, and purpose.
My path into filmmaking wasn’t conventional. I didn’t come from a film school background. I came from a place of raw creativity, hustle, and a strong desire to express something real. In the early days, I was experimenting with visuals, photography, and editing teaching myself through hands-on experience and watching how others worked. I gradually found myself gravitating toward filmmaking as the most powerful medium to combine visuals, music, and storytelling all in one. What began as passion projects quickly grew into client work, and over time, I built Moon’k Films Devoted into a full-fledged creative studio.
I’ve had the opportunity to travel to places like Los Angeles to work on sets, collaborate with other creatives, and learn firsthand how this industry operates from the inside out. Those experiences helped sharpen my skills and build my confidence not just as a filmmaker, but as a business owner and collaborator. They also reinforced how much I value being in the field, learning from real-world situations, and always staying open to growth.
At Moon’k Films Devoted , I offer a range of creative services including:
* Music Videos – Visually dynamic and emotionally charged, helping artists bring their sound to life with storytelling and style.
* Narrative Shorts & Documentaries – Focused on storytelling with a strong message, often rooted in real-life experiences and emotion.
* Brand & Visual Content – Cinematic visual campaigns for creatives, entrepreneurs, and businesses that want to elevate their identity and connect with their audience.
* Creative Direction – Helping clients shape their vision from the ground up from mood boards and concept development to final execution.
What I offer goes beyond just shooting and editing. I help clients clarify and express their message, bring their stories to life in a visually compelling way, and deliver content that feels personal, professional, and impactful. A lot of clients come to me with ideas they can feel, but can’t always articulate and that’s where I step in. I help shape that emotion or vision into something they can see, hear, and share with the world.
What sets me apart is the level of intentionality I bring to each project. I don’t approach this work as a transaction. I approach it as a collaboration. I care deeply about the story, the emotion, and the message behind the visuals. I want my clients to walk away with something that not only looks good but feels right, something they’re proud to put their name on. I also pride myself on creating a space where people feel understood, valued, and creatively supported.
What I’m most proud of is building this brand from scratch starting with a vision, and a lot of long nights. Every project I’ve done, every client I’ve worked with, every mistake I’ve learned from it’s all shaped the artist and entrepreneur I am today. I’ve seen the impact that honest, well-crafted visuals can have, and that continues to fuel my work.
For anyone considering working with Moon’k Films Devoted or just following the journey, I want you to know that this brand stands for authenticity, devotion to the craft, and powerful storytelling. Whether you’re an artist, a brand, or someone with a story that needs to be told. I’m here to help bring that vision to life in a way that’s true to you.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

One of the biggest factors that helped me build my reputation within my market has been effective communication, both in how I work with clients and how I present my brand to the world. In a creative industry like filmmaking, talent and visual quality are crucial, but what really sets you apart and builds long-term relationships is how you communicate, listen, and follow through.

From day one, I made it a priority to create clear, honest, and open lines of communication with everyone I work with, whether it’s an independent artist, a brand, or a production team. I take the time to really understand a client’s vision, ask the right questions, and make sure we’re aligned before the camera even starts rolling. That level of intentionality builds trust, and trust builds reputation.

I’ve also learned that being transparent about timelines, expectations, and creative direction goes a long way. People remember when you keep your word, stay professional, and deliver not just high-quality work, but a smooth, collaborative experience. In this industry, word of mouth and referrals are everything, and many of my opportunities have come from people sharing how I made them feel seen, respected, and creatively supported throughout the process.

On the branding side, I’ve been consistent with how I communicate the values of Moon’k Films Devoted: authenticity, storytelling, and creative devotion. Whether it’s through social media, behind-the-scenes content, or direct conversations with clients, I’ve always aimed to let people know not just what I do, but why I do it. That clarity and consistency have helped establish a strong identity around my work and what clients can expect when they collaborate with me.

At the end of the day, creative work is deeply personal for both the artist and the client. I believe my reputation has grown because I approach each project with professionalism, passion, and a real commitment to communicating clearly and delivering with purpose.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to bring ideas to life that move people, visually, emotionally, and mentally. There’s nothing like the feeling of seeing a vision that once only existed in someone’s mind come to life on screen. Whether it’s a music video, a short film, or a visual campaign, knowing that my work can evoke a real response, tell a deeper story, or even shift someone’s perspective is what fuels me.

But beyond that, what’s truly fulfilling is being able to create a space where other creatives can shine. Through Moon’k Films Devoted, I’ve made it a point to collaborate with artists, filmmakers, stylists, designers, and storytellers in a way that allows them to fully express their talents. I believe in giving people room to contribute their ideas and strengths, not just telling them what to do. That collaborative energy often brings out the best in everyone involved and leads to work that feels bigger than just one person’s vision.

I see my role not just as a director or filmmaker, but also as a creative facilitator, someone who helps others feel confident in their voice, their style, and their role in the process. Whether it’s a new artist finding their visual identity or a fellow creative stepping into a new lane, being part of that growth is incredibly rewarding.

At the end of the day, it’s about connection. Creating something powerful, meaningful, and lasting together. That’s what makes this work special.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Moonkfilmsdevoted.com
• Instagram: Moonk_devoted
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17LrbdYPAv/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trey-carswell-8755461a8
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@moonkfilmsdevoted9368?si=oH3YyfibEM4SjP6b

Image Credits

Moon’k Films Devoted