Today we’d like to introduce you to Dijon Means.
Hi Dijon, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In college, I realized that I enjoy entertaining people. So, I decided to start a YouTube channel & create my own content. I started with reaction videos, vlogs, and tutorials. It eventually led to me acting, writing, and directing. I began uploading monologues to my channel and because of the feedback that I was receiving, I decided to begin training as a professional Actor. Five years later of training and building my resume, I’m now a consistently booking Actor in the industry.
And simply because I had a camera for YouTube at the time, I figured that I might as well pick up photography as a hobby. However, it didn’t occur to me at the time that I was building a skillset that would go on to big a great source of income.
Now I have “DSM Studios” which is my business for Television & Film productions, and I also have “The Creative Eye” which is my photography & videography business.
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?
Any time that you choose to pursue your dreams it’s always going to be some form of struggle. People not believing in you or agreeing with you. Starting a journey in a completely new environment all by yourself. Internal battles, wondering if you made the right decision. The list goes on and on! You just have to be willing to bet on yourself, and when do you, walk with complete confidence in your ability & what you bring to the table. When you do that, you’ll always win and get through whatever struggles there may be.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As an Actor, I have worked on season 2 of Starz hit show “P-Valley”. This year (2023) you’ll be able to see my work in Sony film “Harold and The Purple Crayon” alongside Zach Levi and Zooey Deschanel. You’ll also be able to see my work in Searchlight Pictures film “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” alongside Uzo Aduba, Sanaa Lathan, and Aunjanue Ellis.
I have also written, directed, produced, and starred in two of my own short films. “Toxic” and “Christmas Vibrations” which were both released in 2022.
When I’m not on set, I’m also a portrait photographer. I shoot more for the joy of the process rather than shooting for the money.
I’d say that I’m simply most proud of the work that I produce as an Artist. Acting & Photography are both forms of art, and the developmental process that you have in your art, knowing where you once were and the work you’ve done to get to where you currently are; it’s a self-rewarding journey. And my journey is exactly what sets me apart from others. Whenever I’m bringing myself to the table I’m also bringing everything that I’ve ever experienced and that’s what makes my artistry such a beautiful thing. My experiences are mine alone and no one else’s, therefore what I bring to the table, no one else can.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
When you can look in the mirror with true happiness, whenever you can look at your life and not feel unfulfilled, and when you can look at your journey of life and feel like you’ve been on a path of purpose. That’s when I believe that you have found success. However, each of those things if different from person to person, which is why your success is what you decide success is and looks like to you.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
The Creative Eye Productions – @TheeCreativeEye
