Today we’d like to introduce you to Howard Ross.
Howard, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2009 I moved to Atlanta to attend SCAD (The Savannah College of Art & Design). After four years, I received my Master’s degree in Visual Effects. While in school, I began traveling with Travis Porter to document their crazy road life. The vlogs I created helped the fans connect to the artist is a more intimate way. Travis Porter’s management team (Street Execs) also had clients such as 2 Chainz, Young Dolph, Bankroll Fresh, Skooly and more.
I would start developing creative ideas for this artist and eventually started shooting Bankroll Fresh’s music videos. The visuals I created with Bankroll caught the attention of 2 Chainz. I would then begin to shooting his videos. My first label video was “Bounce” by 2 Chainz ft. Lil Wayne… This was a crazy experience. It was my first time in California. My first time was directing a budgeted video, and my first time around a star as big as Lil Wayne. I guess that would be the turning point that got me to where I am today.
From there, I would go on to shoot music videos for all Street Execs artist and a few others. I have Directed videos featuring: 2 Chainz, Bankroll Fresh, Travis Porter, Young Dolph, Skooly, OT Genasis, Lil Wayne, Jeezy, Gucci Mane, TI, Quavo, Ty Dolla $ign, Trey Songz, Jhene Aiko, Trinidad James, Shy Glizzy, Offset, YG, Sleepy Rose, Lil Baby and many more.
Aside from music videos, I have directed a few short films and a web series entitled “Pressure.” My most viewed short film is entitled “Take Over Your Trap,” and like “Pressure,” I wrote, directed, shot and edited the project. Although I have a strong passion for video and film, I am an artist and practice all types of visual arts. My ability to visualize and then create has landed me in various situations where I have displayed my talents on a grand scale. Last year I did Creative Direction for two tv appearances for Grammy Award winning R&B singer Monica. Currently, I am working on a collaborative project with 2 Chainz TRU record labels.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have been many bumps in the road. As a creative, it was getting tricky at times always to be “on,” so I do get burned out at times. Working through these times has been a struggle, but I have gotten way better at dealing with them. The other main struggle came from the loss of Bankroll Fresh. Working so close with an artist, I mean almost daily, and then for him to lose his life for no reason… It was devastating. It made me question if I wanted to work in the music industry.
HDR Media – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
HDR Media is a creative agency that focuses on Graphic Design and Video Production. We are known mostly for graphic design on album cover art with our signature Illustration style. I am proud of our growth as we expanded to Video Production and Creative Direction. What sets us apart from others is our creativity and experience working with high profile clients as well as unknown talent.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me, is receiving gratification for time invested in anything. If I am happy about a project, I feel successful.
Pricing:
- Graphic Design starts at $100
- Creative Direction starts at $1500
- Motion Graphics start at $350
Contact Info:
- Website: hdotross.com
- Phone: 6143529446
- Email: create@hdotross.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/hdotross
- Twitter: twitter.com/hdotross
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