Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Williams
Hi Joshua, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been a visual artist since i was maybe 8 years old. My sister was heavy into travel softball and I would draw everything i saw. I learned graphic design in college at NCCU and have been making logos, flyers, website designs for businesses ever since.
I used to sing when I was in middle school and high school. Music was very big in my household, I’m a “old-head” by heart. I started dj’n in high school, prep rallies and proms, and that gave me passion to continue at college . Currently in a DJ collective called The Collective Chaos with Professor X where we went viral on social media.
In college I had my first daughter, Aubree Brielle (10) when i was 21. Had my second daughter, Lilly Grace-Cynclair (4) during Covid and my son , Troy LaMar (3) the following year.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a father of 3 while trying to fulfill my goals made me focus in on my mental health more which made me start throwing my own Men’s Mental Health Socials, this is the third year where I throw a free safe space social for men to come together monthly and just talk.
Recently in April, Troy & Lilly’s mom passed away and that has made me a full time father. With her passing, it has pushed me to be better for myself and for my kids.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Graphic Designer – Create logos, flyers, illustration, website design and motion graphics
Most proud of – I’ve created my own variety of coloring books: Stoners 420, Kids Alphabet, Everybody Eats (focuses on local Carolina talent), Cloudy Nueve ( very talented local rapper who passed away on Christmas Day) , Dreamville ( sold during Dreamville weekend for 2 years straight)
Event Curator – Paint & Sips (adult & children) , dance parties, open mics and networking socials.
DJ – specialize in blending various genres without missing a beat. Mash up rnb and hip hop with amapiano sounds. Have Dj’d for socials, weddings, birthdays, quinceañera, anniversaries, clubs and concerts.
Most proud of opening up for Teyana Taylor, YG and Big Krit at NCCU.
Visual Artist – Sketch, Painter (acrylic)
Most proud of creating a self portrait for Kiana Lede and King Mez that they were able to color with during an interview.
I’m a jack of all trades, the wizard if you must. If it’s creative i have put my hands on it before; rug tufting, tattoo’n, pottery, etc.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I found my first mentor in college, Kent Williams. Without his guidance, I wouldn’t know where I’d be especially having a child in college.
With networking, i struggled at first, I had bad social anxiety but I learned that every interaction isn’t meant to be 100% perfect. You are suppose to meet people that will teach you things you didn’t want to know as well as things that you desire, both things will help you on your path.
Put in the work to be a better you , so you can produce better work for others. Go to therapy! Talk to people that can challenge you! Don’t rush the process.
Pricing:
- DJ – $100/hr
- Logo – $75+
- Website Design – $150+
- Self Portrait Drawn & Framed – $50
- Digital Flyers – $30+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jmarthedj.wixsite.com/mysite-3
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/jmarthewizard
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008691577364&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: https://Twitter.com/jmarthewizard
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/JMBoK951trmNtWVh6
- Other: http://linktr.ee/jmarthewizard
