Meet Robbie Joseph | Director/Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Robbie Joseph and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robbie, why did you pursue a creative career?
If you asked me what I was going to be when I was younger, I would have told you I was going to grow up to design and build Roller Coasters… but after realizing I was creative but really bad at math, that dream subsided. As I grew up, I loved watching music videos. Some of my favorites were Britney Spears, Lady Gaga a lot of late 90’s, early 2000’s videos. It dawned on me that music videos were something I really wanted to make. During my college years I ended up buying a second hand entry level dslr camera from my cousin with the intent of making music videos and short films. Fate would have it that I would start taking photographs of friends and realize I was also really good at that. I started to work on my photography more and more through college, eventually ending up in a studio every seeking shaping my style and playing around. I loved everything about it. Life has a funny way of coming full circle. I was asked by a music artist in my hometown of Staten Island do a music video for them and that was the beginning of the best journey of my life. I was having fun doing what I loved, I didn’t realize I wasn’t pursuing anything other than making the art that I loved.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think my art can be best described as pop fantasy. I love creating larger than life visuals that stand the test of time. I was inspired by visuals from David LaChappelle, Francis Lawrence, Hype Williams, Wayne Isham to name a few. All are known for larger than life videos. I think what sets my work apart from others is the love that I put into it. I like to take projects that make me feel like a fan. Who better to direct your video than someone who loves your music, right? Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy, but it also wasn’t hard. I realized early on that to get where you want to go in life, people have to like you. Not just like you, but like you so much and believe in you that they will promote your name in rooms you are not in. Then when opportunity presents itself, have the talent and skills to back up that name drop. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that there is no reason to not be kind. What I get to do is fun, and there is no place on my sets for yelling, anger or power trips. We are all a team who is working together to bring together something amazing and no one person is more important than another.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would have to take them to one of the many Houston Brothers venues that are around LA. I have met some of the most interesting people at these locations. A hike up Runyon canyon or a drive to the top of Mullholland at night is a must for the views. We’d definitely get some Korean BBQ in K-Town as well as a late night stop at In-N-Out. To top off the week we’d spend a night or two in Santa Barbara to just relax and take in one of my favorite places in California.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are many names in my story that helped me, inspired me and shaped my journey. My college professor, Dr. Deborah Greh who saw my talents and really pushed me to explore and believe in myself and my abilities. My mentor when I moved to Los Angeles, Angela Guice who owns and operates NuContext Creative. Through her I learned so much about the production industry in Los Angeles and got to not only be on set as a PA but learn and grow into a director. Johnny Hernandez of Cult Classic who gave me my first opportunity to direct a label commissioned music video. All of the amazing artists, creatives and friends that have supported and collaborated with me along the way. Lastly, my amazing partner Devon who has supported me and pushed me to continue growing well into my career.

Website: Robbie-Joseph.com

Instagram: RobbieJoseph