We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anthony McMillon II a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Anthony, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.
Creator/Writers Block is something that I still struggle with. One of the few was I try to overcome it is by simply take a break from it. Step away and allow it to breathe. During that time, I would listen to music, watch films/show and interviews of creators that inspire me. All while trying not to guilt myself for not working on it.
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?
My name is Anthony McMillon II. I am a photographer, videographer, and writer. My journey all started with photography in my junior year of college. I was encouraged by one of my professors at the time to take her class. She was one of the individuals that saw a creative vision in me that I didn’t really see in myself. The following semester, I would take her advice and give her photography course a try. At the time, I didn’t really have too much of an interest in being a photographer. My creative interests were in the realms of filmmaking and acting. However, I took my professor’s advice and enrolled in her class. It was a game changer. My curiosity for the craft would increase as I learned more about photography throughout the course. Once it concluded, I would continue to take pictures for friends and family who were interested in being in front of the camera. The more pictures I took, the more people would compliment my work. This new hobby would lead me to create, ‘Crestwood Productions’. A creative venture that I plan on branching across multiple aspects of media with. As of now, I specialize in portrait, and editorial photography and portrait/creative videography. I also created a new ‘mini-interview’ series called ‘Crestwood Conversations’ on Instagram. These episodes allow individuals the opportunity to share their unique stories through reels.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities that helped me when I first started photography would have to be discipline, integrity and love. Having discipline would help me to continue on with my venture through times that were slow or difficult. Integrity is the quality that allows me to stand out amongst other photographers. Allowing myself to set principles/standards on what and/or how I take content that fit the qualities of the company. But none of this would be possible if my love for art/creativity wasn’t there. Without the love for the craft, I could’ve just quit or pushed it to the side to pursue other things. My advice for anyone who is planning on getting into a creative venture is to simply go for it. As cliché as it may sound, do not allow the fear of not knowing what you are doing stop you from trying. Rather it be YouTube or taking a class, take time to learn the craft that you want to do. It will not always be easy and you may even have times where you want to quit. But if you really love what you do, you will always find a way or reason to keep at it. Have enough discipline to start, integrity to stand out and love to keep going.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
Imposter Syndrome. This has been a challenge that I have been dealing with for a while. In this very saturated field of photography and videography; it is very easy for me to get in my head. Leading me to ask myself questions that are filled with self – doubt. It’s a constant internal battle. However, having a great circle/support system helps remind me that I am capable of accomplishing my goals. Surrounding myself around like – minded creatives who believe in me (and my abilities) has been essential in my times when I need to overcome my thoughts of being an imposter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://crestwoodproductions.myportfolio.com/introduction
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crestwood_productions/
Image Credits
Photographer: Anthony McMillon II Model: Andayza Stokes, Kenny’a Dunns, Rachel Anecia, Raquel Scott & Wanyea Robinson
