Rising Stars: Meet Duane Martin Jr.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Duane Martin Jr. 

Hi Duane, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
For every ending, there’s always a beginning. I was trying to search for my passion when I graduated from high school speaking to people of different career choices. I was being influenced by YouTube around this time, I say the year 2017 making YouTube content. I started getting serious when I purchase my first camera which was an entry beginner camera (canon SL2). Making different type of videos. My editing was still a D grade at the time. A year later while enrolling in college at OSU, I was gearing towards dental hygienist major but I wasn’t 100% had my mindset on that. I was told that they make great revenue.

Taking the courses for the major never really motivated me by it. During this time frame, I had transition from making content for YouTube to being a film director creating content for musicians, fashion shows, & any creative vision for my clients while getting progressively better in editing while doing all of that made me switch my major to (MIP) Moving image production. Being in college made me learn to work with others and having my mindset big on collaboration and networking with filmmakers & creatives. During this time period, it influenced me to never try to strive by myself but to work together and build together! it allowed me to create my own team of influencers to help me host social networking events for people trying to build their portfolio that don’t have the proper resources. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to success is never easy; trying to find myself and establishing a set foundation for personal growth. I do bump into people on who are all about themselves from a collaboration standpoint and those same people will want me to do all the work for them without anything in return. It’s quite frustrating and I tend to still try to work with them to teach them how to collaborate as professionals. However, if they refuse to cooperate, I remove myself from the situation. It’s like a rock in the road and me being the car. You just have to get around it and learn from it. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m known for being a film director who specializes in casting, production design, and all the creative aspects of filmmaking. I’m also known for being a photographer; capturing live moments of everyday emotions such as joy, sorrow, anger, and passion. I view the different human emotions as art. I am most proud of hosting “Photography & Social Wine”, a networking event that I created to allow for creatives to meet and collaborate. I don’t think anything puts me above others, as I am quite humble. 

However, what sets me apart is my passion for collaboration. I enjoy meeting other creatives and creating relationships where we can learn from each other, help each other grow, and elevate to new levels. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Do what you deeply feel down on the career path you choose. Find your true passion and your inspirational goals. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ilw-films-photograhy-inc.square.site
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilovewayneee/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaWX1-neh7r2p2h_doUdEuA

Image Credits
D Lyons
Alex Rogers