Meet Jamal-Akil Marshall | Photographer & Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamal-Akil Marshall and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamal-Akil, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
The one piece of conventional advice that I disagree with is, “be realistic.” We all tend to start off in our adolescents with an imagination that doesn’t know the limits of the world we live in. Overtime speaking for myself, I have witnessed both me and others grow cautious of sharing their big ideas and dreams. Why the caution? My reasoning is that you’d like someone to cheer and support your luscious dreams and goals yet at times people can scoff, laugh or only provide you with reasons why something you desire won’t work as opposed to reasons why it would. However, what is realistic about the world we as a people have created? The inventions over time throughout history were once unfathomable! So to hear someone express their goals, dreams, aspirations and to be told “be realistic,” is a good sign that you are thinking big. Belief on steroids is needed to navigate the day to day. Believe in yourself with an intensity that astounds you. It’s the magic juice that has allowed me to continue being wildly unrealistic in my goals and triumphs.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

The speed and pace of life can be overwhelming. If we could have everything we aspire to be and do yesterday, we’d opt to have that take place. The same goes with career. There’s this image of a world I have in my mind of what life could look like once I do this or once I do that. But when I answer the question of “how did I get to where I am today professionally,” I have to answer by saying “I had to take it day by day.” Patience while riding down your road of creativity and milestones one day at a time is how I’ve had to overcome the challenges of my artistic career. This isn’t a “24 hours of building and you’ve made it,” story. This is a lifestyle. You won’t find a living organism that isn’t putting in the work daily. It’s required. And that, is what I feel sets me apart. No matter if I’m flying high or clumsily running into walls falling over, my mindset is to keep pushing forward embracing the wins and perceived losses which are simply, lessons.

Recenter yourself. At times the tenacity of “I’m going to make this happen,” can be draining resulting in “I need to rest and be okay with putting my work down.” Through my sunny days and rainy days I attribute the development of my career to “always being willing to create.” I remain vigilant in reaching out to people to create with whether it’s for the purpose of income or simply the joy of creation. I believe that expansion of oneself comes from the continued practice of that which is your craft. One important lesson that remains true is the need to surround yourself with people who are doing what you want to be doing but are further advanced than you. Put yourself in rooms with forward thinking people that talk about ideas, philosophy and ways to execute on goals.

As I continue my Journey I remain hopeful in the opportunity to create more. New connections and the development of old ones are what I’m excited about. My story will remain “Jamal-Akil loves what he does.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

One of my best friends is my little sister who is a gifted artist and thinker. She is a designer who graduated from college in fashion. It’s only right that she’d be the one to bring to the city. In a week’s time It would be incredible for us to work on a full photoshoot together. I know how impactful being on a full set was for me. I’d want the same experience for her. So boom, there’s a fashion shoot going on that we walk into. The artists are in hair and makeup. My sister and I are welcomed by the creative team. The lights are all set up, afro beats are playing in the background, snacks and all kinds of colorful assortments are by a large window filling the set with natural light. My sister begins styling the artist laughing having a great time, while I’m getting my camera gear ready to begin photographing. Hours pass, and the shoot ends up being a success. My sister makes incredibly genuine connections and we rave about it on the car ride through the city.

Throughout the week I’m taking her to all my favorite food spots whether it’s El Cocinero in Van Nuys, or hitting some ramen spots in Little Tokyo to name a few. There are many sightseeing locations with a simple enjoyable one being a cruise up Mulholland drive to take in the sights. We’d hit up some local music venues for artists showcase along with introducing her to one of my favorite areas in LA which is the Arts District. All in all, in a week’s time, I’d work to share with her this little world that has impacted me tremendously.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Daily gratitude is a practice that has been heavily influenced upon my life over the last couple years. The practice allows you to take a moment out of your day and give thanks to whoever and whatever you feel moved to show love and appreciation for. I’m not in this healthy headspace and creative field if it weren’t for the support and encouragement of my father Akil Marshall and my mother Saidah Mitchell. My father is the influence behind my entrepreneurship with my mother being the life source of every ounce of my creativity. I thank my siblings for their love and creative input on the happenings in my life. Having my grandparents in my corner rooting me on even prior to moving in the direction I’m in now has been a driving force of my continued pursuit. That support is also extended from my cousins, aunts and uncles. Everyone matters and I’m grateful for the full participation of my family members in my life journey.

I can’t forget about my extended family both in Cleveland, here in Los Angeles and beyond. The countless musicians, creatives, acquaintances and fellow entrepreneurs who I have had the pleasure of not only meeting but also creating with, I thank you daily in my practice of gratitude. It takes a community, it takes a community. Whether we have crossed paths only once or if we continue to be amongst each other, I appreciate everyone and pray for their continued success and happiness.

Website: https://www.jmlakl.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmlakl/?hl=en

Other: https://vimeo.com/user167716703

Image Credits
Cover photo by: Remy Levy