We recently connected with Jonny Servais and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Jonny with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
When it comes to tracing down where I got my work ethic from, I can’t pinpoint it to one single event. I feel like it’s more similar to a muscle that you need to work on and grow your entire life. For the most part, I feel like I get big ideas and practice seeing them through. I don’t necessarily need to complete these ideas but I try to at least explore them past the point of “liking it”. I do this so that I really get used to being committed to a task, even when it’s hard and the dopamine isn’t the guiding sort of motivation anymore.
This is something I have done since a kid but I more do as an adult. That goes for everything from starting a film production business, playing chess, building random things around the house from scratch, or even trying to learn other languages. Now, can I speak fluent Korean after the last year or so of learning? Not even a little, but I have learned enough to revisit it and skip the basics if needed. More importantly, I picked up some great traits like perseverance, patience, and becoming more teachable as a person.
So in short, I’d say my work ethic comes from a wiliness to fail and keep moving forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
In my professional life I’m a fulltime director and parttime visual effects artist. I work with all types of clients but mostly in the music industry. My work ranges from directing music videos and touring with bands to taking on smaller roles such as cinematographer or VFX artist for various projects.
I love working with music artists because they come to me with a shared passion for the project. They are more willing to explore creative alternatives when we encounter challenges, and they are overall more hands on in collaborating on the overall project. While I do work with a lot of artists that are higher up the ladder but it’s extremely fulfilling when I work with a local artist and help them to see themselves in a new light. I’ve worked with some artists from the start of their careers and it really means a lot to watch them grow and be a big hand in helping them be able to create a visional representation of their music/brand.
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?
Looking back I’d say the things that have helped me grow the most are my ability to network, take risks, and leverage prior knowledge as an advantage. Getting into the music industry as a videographer, I was able to achieve “overnight success” because my background as a music artist gave me insight into where many local artists were coming from. Additionally, my business education allowed me to grow not just as an artist, but more importantly, as a businessperson.
For anyone looking to be a director, I’d say network as much as possible in your niche, work like you’re being paid more than everyone else (especially when you’re not being paid), and constantly growing your skill level as an artist. Most importantly, while being a self-employed artist can be exciting, it’s crucial to remember that this is a business. All your decisions should be based on your brand and reputation. If this aspect isn’t for you, then I’d recommend finding someone who is established in your niche and working for them.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am always looking for new people to connect and collaborate with! Whether you’re a director, a cinematographer, 3d artist, photographer, or really any creative in the industry; I’d love to get in touch. I travel a lot so lets talk on Instagram (@jonny_nightmare) and if I’m ever in your area, we’ll grab coffee or find a project to collaborate on together!
Contact Info:
- Website: servaismedia.com
- Instagram: @Jonny_Nightmare
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@servaismedia5390
Image Credits
Nicolas Ferreria Campos, Zak Yachera, Reilly Clark, Brianna Musco, Justin Mitchell, Rebecca Michelle, Kenneth Cummings, Michael Tarsia
