Today we’d like to introduce you to Adonis Blackwood.
Hi Adonis, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Jamaica and lived their majority of my life and has always loved to express myself through art until 2013, when I migrated to the United States, I used to work fast food jobs and deliver furniture among many other odd jobs just to make ends meet. One day while I was headed to work, I saw a man in uniform, an Army uniform at that; I asked him specifically, “How can I join?’, he told me the requirements and I decided to join, I did no research on the Armed Forces nor the job that I signed up for, I just needed to make ends meet. I ended up serving for almost 8 years in the Army. While in the Army, I deployed to Iraq and provided direct support in the liberation of ISIS terrorist groups. After completing that tour, I sustained many injuries both physically and mentally that has now affected my ability to serve. I am now a retired veteran who is a freelance photographer/videographer who aspires to tell the stories of those who want the world to hear them. I have an Associate of Applied Sciences in Digital Filmmaking from the San Francisco Film School and currently attend the Art Institute of Atlanta pursuing a BFA in Digital Film and Video Production.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There was a great deal of struggle along the way, there were times where I fit the “starving artist” stereotype but I prevailed. Be relentless when it comes to achieving your goals, do not quit because in time, it will all work out. There are plenty of times where I had to offer photo and video services for free just to build my portfolio, which I still do sometimes but it will be pay off, trust me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m known for my digital content, photo and video. I specialize in all things from commercial shoots up to short films and documentaries.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Honestly, just keep going. There will be a lot of things that will demotivate you, clients that will upset you and want to lowball you. Despite all of that, just keep creating because I guarantee you that it will pay off. Pay more attention to your skills and growing as a creative rather than just the paycheck, It will benefit you in the long run.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.donisstudios.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/adonisfilms
- Other: https://vimeo.com/737050208
Image Credits
1st Photo Credit Donis Studios and Moments by Kareem 2nd Photo Credit Donis Studios 3rd Photo Kaylann Mary 4th Photo Deja Carter 5th Photo Yung Snow 6th Photo Linda Tran 7th Photo Lekha Georgia Tech 8th Photo Lekha Georgia Tech
