Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jabarre Davis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jabarre , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I think I get my resilience from all the failures I’ve encountered over the years. Plus the spirit of my ancestors keep telling me “Boy! You Better Not Stop” lol. It’s just in my DNA to never give up. It’s the way I’m built I guess. I’ve learned to put in the work, love the art and manifest. Also, just knowing the challenges I went through to get here. Giving up is not an option!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
To put it in the simplest form, I am an artist who creates art through different mediums; Primarily film and photography. I head an independent film production company called Boksvizual which focuses on television, film and photography. Over the last 5 years, I’ve partnered up with the skillfull creative agency based out of the North Texas area – The Hustle Hustle Collective. We have traveled and worked on some amazing projects together and have solidified ourselves as a powerhouse team of filmmakers and idea starters. Anything visual is our thing!
I think what excites me most about what I do, is knowing that God laid this path for me. All I had to do was follow and have faith in the vision. I’ll admit, it took a minute, but I wake up every morning with a sense of enthusiasm knowing my purpose. I mean, not every morning, but most lol. Also being able to work with a group of talented creatives make it all worth it.
Right now, I’m in talks to premiere and stream an independent documentary film I’ve been working on for the last 6 years titled, Jumping Jeff. It’s been a long journey, but we are closer than ever to getting a release date. Stay tuned!
Also, I’ve partnered with genius filmmaker and art dealer – Stack Moses as we are gearing up to enhance his already amazing RETRO ROOM studio space, downtown Dallas, TX. You can learn more about RETRO ROOM DALLAS at: https://mysecretretroexperience.com
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
That’s a good question. I can remember when I first started down this road. This crazy road! I didn’t really know anyone that was doing this, but I knew I had to put myself in spaces with other like-minded individuals. That was the difference maker for me. Networking and keeping my antennas up for any opportunities to gain experience in the film industry. This business is about taking risks and that’s what I’ve done. It’s about showing up!
For me, it has never been about the money. It has always been about mastering art the way I see it along with truly loving what I do. Ultimately, you have to believe in yourself and never settle. Create as you see it, even when working for someone else. Absorb all the knowledge you can. Listen more than you talk. Now that’s easier said than done, but all the work and sacrifice will pay off when you stay true to yourself and the art.
And remember, failure is a lesson. Success is on it’s way! I’ve gotten the opportunity to work with some amazing companies along the way and I’m thankful for it all.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
A CHOICE OF WEAPONS by Gordon Parks changed my life. I had always been a fan of his photography in LIFE magazine and even his groundbreaking films. His legacy alone was enough to inspire a young black filmmaker like myself, but when I read his autobiography and followed his life as a young boy who grew up in the small town of Fort Scott, Kansas just like the one I grew up in, it really triggered something inside of me. The challenges he endured, made me realize, I had no more excuses. He revealed a level of grit that made it all make sense to me. It’s great book for any aspiring artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: boksvizual.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjabarre/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jabarre-davis-68458163
