Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vernard Fields. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Vernard, appreciate you joining us today. 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 have been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work, but the journey was anything but straightforward. It took years of persistence, adaptation, and strategic decision-making to reach this point.
The Journey to Full-Time Creativity
From the beginning, I knew I wanted to work in creative fields, but making a sustainable income from it was a challenge. My career started with graphic design and multimedia, which gave me a foundational skill set in visual storytelling. Over time, I transitioned into filmmaking, video production, and brand development, eventually founding Plan-It Production Studio.
Early on, I worked a mix of freelance projects and part-time jobs to sustain myself. My breakthrough came when I began expanding my services beyond just filmmaking to include podcasting, branding, and commercial production. Diversification played a crucial role in making my income steady. I also built relationships within the industry, especially through the Black Cincinnati Cinema Collective (B3C), which helped me find more opportunities and establish a solid reputation.
Key Milestones
Building a Portfolio – I took on passion projects, low-paying gigs, and personal work to build a strong portfolio that showcased my abilities.
Networking & Community Involvement – Connecting with other filmmakers, business owners, and creatives led to collaborations and steady work.
Expanding Services – Offering color grading, podcast production, and commercial branding allowed me to attract a wider range of clients.
Setting Competitive Rates – Learning to value my time and skills was crucial in ensuring long-term sustainability.
Business Structuring – Turning my work into an official business helped with credibility, securing bigger clients, and managing finances properly.
Was It Like This From Day One?
Absolutely not. The early years were filled with uncertainty, financial struggles, and constant learning. There were moments when I doubted whether I could make this a full-time career. However, each project, connection, and challenge prepared me for long-term success.
Could I Have Sped Up the Process?
With what I know now, I believe I could have accelerated the journey by:
Focusing on Branding Earlier – Having a well-defined personal and business brand attracts the right clients.
Charging What I’m Worth – Setting professional rates sooner would have helped me scale faster.
Leveraging Social Media More Effectively – Consistent online presence can significantly boost visibility and opportunities.
Investing in Business Education – Understanding contracts, negotiations, and marketing earlier would have streamlined the process.
Seeking Mentorship – Learning from those who have already achieved success could have provided valuable insights and shortcuts.
Final Thoughts
Earning a full-time living from creative work requires persistence, adaptability, and continuous growth. The road isn’t always linear, but with the right mindset and strategic decisions, it’s absolutely possible. I’m still evolving and learning, but I’m grateful for how far I’ve come and excited for what’s ahead.
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?
My name is Vernard S. Fields, and I am a filmmaker, storyteller, and creative entrepreneur based in Cincinnati, Ohio. My passion for visual storytelling and media production has driven me to build a career that merges artistic vision with strategic business solutions. Over the years, I have developed a strong foundation in filmmaking, video production, branding, and creative direction, culminating in the establishment of Plan-It Production Studio.
How I Got Into the Industry
My journey into the creative industry started at a young age. I was heavily influenced by 80s cinema, particularly films like Dark Crystal, Gremlins, Goonies, and The Flight of the Navigator. I grew up drawing comic strips, recreating movie posters, and experimenting with cameras at my church, where I filmed services as early as age 11. My early mentor, John Washington, helped shape my understanding of cinematography and the power of visual storytelling.
As I got older, I expanded my skills in graphic design, animation, and post-production, studying at The Art Institute of Cincinnati. I worked in various multimedia roles, including web design, art direction, and commercial production, before fully immersing myself in filmmaking. I also co-founded the Black Cincinnati Cinema Collective (B3C) to empower Black filmmakers and create a strong collaborative community.
What I Do: Services & Creative Work
At Plan-It Production Studio, I offer a range of creative services, including:
Filmmaking & Video Production – Commercials, short films, branded content, event videography, and documentary storytelling.
Podcast Production – High-quality recording, editing, and branding for podcasts, making professional audio production accessible and affordable.
Branding & Motion Graphics – Logo animations, brand identity creation, and visual storytelling for businesses and organizations.
Color Grading – Professional-grade color correction and grading to enhance the cinematic quality of video projects.
Marketing Content & Commercials – Helping businesses craft compelling narratives that engage their target audiences.
The Problems I Solve for Clients
My work revolves around solving visibility and storytelling challenges for brands, businesses, and independent creators. Clients come to me because they want:
High-quality, professional video content that effectively communicates their message.
A strong brand presence that visually sets them apart in their industry.
Engaging marketing and promotional materials that resonate with their audience.
Affordable yet high-quality production solutions that cater to small businesses, startups, and independent creators.
What Sets Me Apart
Authentic Storytelling – I don’t just create visuals; I craft compelling narratives that connect with audiences on an emotional level.
Multi-Disciplinary Expertise – My background spans across filmmaking, branding, animation, and graphic design, allowing me to provide comprehensive creative solutions.
Deep Commitment to Community – Through B3C, I actively support Black filmmakers and advocate for diverse storytelling in the industry.
Business-Minded Creativity – I understand both the artistic and strategic aspects of creative work, ensuring my clients get content that not only looks great but also achieves their marketing and branding goals.
Adaptability & Innovation – I stay ahead of industry trends, incorporating new technologies and storytelling techniques to keep my work fresh and impactful.
What I’m Most Proud Of
Building a thriving creative career from the ground up while helping others do the same.
Leading and growing B3C, creating opportunities for Black filmmakers in Cincinnati and beyond.
Creating impactful visual campaigns and storytelling experiences for brands, non-profits, and artists.
What I Want People to Know
Whether you’re a business looking to elevate your brand through video, an artist wanting to tell your story visually, or a filmmaker looking for collaboration, I’m here to bring your vision to life. My work is rooted in passion, authenticity, and the belief that storytelling has the power to inspire, educate, and transform.
Through Plan-It Production Studio, my goal is to create high-quality content that makes a lasting impact. If you’re looking for a creative partner who understands both the art and the business of storytelling, let’s connect!
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Supporting artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges the value of creative work, provides sustainable opportunities, and fosters an environment where artistic expression can flourish. Here are key ways society can contribute:
1. Prioritizing Arts Education
A strong foundation in creativity starts with education. Schools should integrate arts programs as core subjects rather than electives. Early exposure to filmmaking, music, visual arts, and other creative fields helps nurture the next generation of artists. Beyond K-12, universities and technical schools should offer accessible programs in creative disciplines, along with entrepreneurship courses tailored for artists to help them build sustainable careers.
2. Funding & Grants for Artists
One of the biggest challenges for creatives is financial sustainability. More grants, fellowships, and public funding initiatives can provide artists with the resources they need to create without financial strain. Cities should allocate funding specifically for independent artists, filmmakers, and creative entrepreneurs who contribute to the cultural identity of their communities.
3. Affordable Workspaces & Studios
Many creatives struggle to find affordable studio spaces to work in. Cities can support artists by offering subsidized rental spaces, coworking hubs, and creative incubators where filmmakers, designers, musicians, and visual artists can collaborate, create, and showcase their work.
4. Stronger Industry Networks & Collaboration Opportunities
Building a sustainable creative career often depends on networking and collaboration. Society can support this by fostering industry events, networking meetups, film festivals, and workshops where artists can connect with potential collaborators, clients, and mentors. Organizations like Black Cincinnati Cinema Collective (B3C) help facilitate these relationships, but more efforts are needed on a larger scale.
5. Fair Pay & Recognition of Creative Work
The “exposure economy”—where artists are expected to work for free in exchange for visibility—undermines the sustainability of creative careers. Society needs to respect and fairly compensate artists for their contributions. Businesses, organizations, and individuals hiring creatives should offer fair rates and contracts that reflect the value of artistic work.
6. Public & Corporate Investment in the Arts
Local governments and corporations should invest in the arts by commissioning projects, supporting local filmmakers and storytellers, and integrating creativity into community development initiatives. Public art projects, film grants, and creative residencies can stimulate economic growth while enriching cultural heritage.
7. Elevating Diverse Voices in Media & Art
True support for creatives means amplifying diverse voices and stories that have historically been overlooked. Supporting Black filmmakers, women in film, LGBTQ+ artists, and underrepresented creatives ensures that storytelling remains inclusive and reflective of real-world experiences. Film festivals, streaming platforms, and arts institutions should actively seek out and invest in diverse talent.
8. Encouraging Creative Entrepreneurship
Many artists are also entrepreneurs. Providing business training, mentorship, and marketing support for creative professionals can help them monetize their work effectively. Programs that teach financial literacy, contract negotiation, and digital marketing specifically for creatives can bridge the gap between artistry and sustainable business practices.
9. Consumer Support & Advocacy
Everyday individuals play a role in supporting artists. This includes buying directly from artists instead of mass-market alternatives, attending local film screenings, purchasing independent music, supporting crowdfunding campaigns, and engaging with creative work on social media to help amplify its reach.
10. Policy Changes to Protect Artists’ Rights
Stronger copyright protections, fair usage laws, and policies that prevent exploitation in creative industries are essential. Advocating for legislation that protects creative ownership ensures that artists maintain control over their work and receive appropriate royalties.
Final Thoughts
A thriving creative ecosystem benefits everyone. When artists are supported, society gains richer cultural experiences, stronger community identity, and an economy fueled by innovation. By implementing these strategies—education, funding, fair pay, investment, and collaboration—we can build a world where creativity is not just valued but actively nurtured.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to leave a lasting impact—both on people and the environments I engage with. Whether through filmmaking, storytelling, or visual media, I have the privilege of shaping perspectives, evoking emotions, and inspiring action.
There’s something deeply fulfilling about crafting a piece of work that resonates with an audience, whether it sparks a conversation, shifts a mindset, or simply brings joy. Creativity has the power to bridge gaps, connect cultures, and bring people together in ways that words alone often cannot. Knowing that my work has the potential to leave a meaningful imprint—whether by empowering Black filmmakers through B3C, telling stories that might otherwise go untold, or helping brands and individuals communicate their message effectively—makes this journey invaluable.
Beyond just producing content, I see my creative work as a means of transformation. It’s about fostering community, preserving history, and building legacies. Seeing how a film, a campaign, or a single image can shift energy in a room, influence thought, or inspire someone to pursue their own creative path is a reward greater than any accolade.
At its core, the most fulfilling part of being a creative is the opportunity to contribute something meaningful to the world—something that lingers in the minds and hearts of others long after the final frame fades to black.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://planitproductionstudio.com
- Instagram: @vernardfields
- Facebook: @vernardsfields
- Linkedin: in/vernardfields
- Youtube: @TheReportCardFinFilm
Image Credits
All taken by me.