We were lucky to catch up with Calvin Callins Jr. recently and have shared our conversation below.
Calvin, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from my faith. I believe everything happens for a reason and for every bad outcome there’s a good outcome around the corner. It’s definitely easier said than done to be an optimist but when you truly know yourself, your mission and your worth it becomes daily practice and impacts your creativity.
Here are some things that I do that boosts my positivity and optimism. I listen to positive music because I believe the consistent music you listen to bleeds into your lifestyle and personality. Go out to a restaurant with or without friends. Drive around town and visit new places.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m an entertainer who specializes in filmmaking, DJing and event hosting. I’m a recent graduate from Ringling College of Art & Design and looking to further relocate and expand my brand in Chicago.
Right now is an exciting time in my film career as I’m now in the film festival run for my senior thesis short film “Contagious Swagger” and within only 3 months I have won over 5 different awards from showcases, film festivals and award shows all across Florida. I have traveled to Jupiter Florida, Vero Beach Florida, Sarasota Florida and Punta Gorda Florida all in promotion for this film and will be leaving the state soon to continue to promote and spread this film and my work. This film is not public yet due to the film festival exclusivity but if you keep up with me I will share it after the festival run.
In 2024, you can expect more from me as I will be releasing a new TV/Social Media series in the month of February. I can’t release too much information on it now but I’m very excited for this project as well.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Belief, Consistency and Reference Points.
Treat your art or your passion like your new born baby. Protect it from the world because this world is cruel. Don’t let too many people in on this passion until this passion of yours is aging and more familiar with you. Negative energy can destroy and hinder your passion and stray you in ways that’ll take you off the path to complete your goals.
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?
My current challenge is the post graduation process and making sure every move I make is at least the right move to put me in the right direction for a bright future. I mentioned before that I’m looking to move to Chicago, which means I’m leaving everything I love and know. I have no family in Chicago yet opportunity is calling my name there.
Also something people don’t talk about is post graduation depression. It is very real, however spending time with family and the college friends that are still nearby can help heal this process and help you step into this new chapter of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: cjcallins.center
- Instagram: cjcallins4real
- Linkedin: Calvin Callins Jr.
- Other: IMDb – Calvin Callins Jr.
