Today we’d like to introduce you to Spudds Mckenzie.
Spudds Mckenzie labels himself as a creator in the photography and videography industry. Also known as his moniker, SpuddsMckenzie, the creative received his name from encountering a fist fight which left a knot on his forehead which leads to kids calling him by his last name. Born in Bronx, New York on April 9th, 1990 and later moving to Baltimore, Spudd was faced with challenges like poverty and crime which challenged the adolescent to want better for himself.
Spudd’s hobby was taking photos of whatever he could capture and his love for cameras, Spudd early years involved a lot of entertainment nightlife as a young teenager. The raging party scene in Baltimore Maryland was very impactful to the youth & Spudd was always in the scene. Minus the crime deaths and low-income Spudd took his mind off the problems he and his family faced. Spudd attended Northwestern High school and graduated from Randallstown High School in Maryland and furthered his secondary matriculation at Morgan State University. Majoring in Mass Communication and Engineering, Spudd received his Bachelor’s Degree in 2013 through the college’s online course.
Relocating to Atlanta, GA in 2014 for a new surrounding and better opportunities, Spudd took his passion for photography and videography to new levels. Sharpening his skills, the self-taught photographer fine-tuned his craft by challenging himself to perfect his content each day. “I would take the camera and roam around the city. I’d also try different things with the camera: landscape photography, or take a picture of anything I could get my lens on.” Spudd stated. “I would also challenge myself to get more angles, lenses, colors, shadows and so much more.”
As time progresses and having directed countless quality and mind-blowing visuals, Spudd keeps getting better as he constantly hones in on his God-given gift, portraying and intensifying people’s stories through his many lenses and editing capabilities. The dexterous photographer has worked on behalf of major groups, brands, and labels such as Generation Now, Atlantic Records, 300 ENT, K Camp’s 427 Music Group, Nike, New Era hat company, Corona, and Taylor Gang to name a few. Furthermore, Spudd has gained an impactful relation in the music industry and Spudd” Mckenzie labels himself as a creator in the photography and videography, his contributions to the music industry don’t go unnoticed as Spudd was mentioned in K Camp’s freestyle to SZA’s “Weekend” smash hit as a shout out to the young creative.
“My daily motivation is that I have a continuous drive. I can wake up every day and create just as much as I did the day before.” Spudd stated. When asked about his favorite piece of work of all time, he stated: “My mind is my favorite piece of work because it’s endless and it keeps going with so many fresh, new ideas; It’s beautiful, honestly.” Spudd continues to bring forth his creativeness in all that he does and has plans to take his brand to heights unimaginable. Spuddsmckenzie is now coming forward to teach younger creators and photographers in the southern region as well as producing and directioning more music video Projects.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Struggles were poverty, writer’s block, fathers illness. Keeping relationships with labels. Surviving the first year in Atlanta. Understanding business. Creating new excited waves for the younger crowd.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Spuddsmckenzie LLC – what should we know?
SPUDDSMCKENZIE LLC is a creative company based on ATL. We specialize in Creative content, Brand developments, Photography, Music videos, Documentaries, Blogs, Image development and more. What I am most proud of as far as my company goes, is the hard work we put in as a whole to make the team push for new heights, i.e., BOBBLE HEAD CAMPAIGN.
I feel like what sets me apart from others is my way of thinking, most may say I’m weird but my brain worked fast and distorted, none like others which makes it unique.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Jay Wilson media “partner”, Neelam Thadani (support system), Kcamp (coach), Don Cannon (mentor), Dj Drama (motivation), Lake Show (motivation), Cam Kirk “peer”, Dc Young Fly (partner), Will and Nate Taylor Gang, my father (support system), Quintavious Oliver (film god) “mentor”, Niq Jones (business partner & support system).
Contact Info:
- Website: Spuddsmckenzie.com
- Email: Spuddsmckenzie@generationnow.com
- Instagram: @Spuddsmckenzie
- Twitter: @Spuddsmckenzie
- Facebook: @Spuddsmckenzie
- YouTube: @Spuddsmckenzie
Image Credit:
Wiz khalifa, Dj Drama, Lil Uzi very, Spuddsmckenzie, BL born legend, Don cannon
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