Professor and film director Raphael Nash

Do you most often actively seek inspiration or does it find you? Or is it a combination of the two?
A bit of both — I usually put my self in a space where inspiration can find me. Though they have nothing in common, airports and record stores are my favorite.

What led you to art in general and to your art form in particular?
I drew almost obsessively as a kid, so I always knew art would be my path in some way. By the time I got to college, I think I was exhausted of it and moved into photography where I was responsible for capturing art, rather than creating it. Once I realized how photography was the foundation of the moving image, I landed in film.

Have you ever been involved in traditional business? If so, how?
Yes, I run Endangered Peace Inc., a film and video production company. When we’re not working on original independent films, the other side of the company is serving a range of clients’ videography needs. The bills won’t pay themselves, right?

In addition to mastering their art, what other skill sets to you recommend that artists develop if they want to be successful?
Business, fundraising, and marketing skills — especially if they plan on running their own show. Being an artist is great, but having control over your art is better.

How do you stay at the leading edge of your craft?
Being in tune with other artists and how they are adapting to their own challenges. There are always online resources, blogs, and social media personalities who are transparent in their practice. There’s definitely a community of artists who take pride in their craft, and are more than happy to share with like minds.

Do you think that there are any widely held misconceptions about art and/or artists? If so, what are they and how do you work to dispel them?
I think the idea of the “artist”, especially in the workplace, is one who is flaky, scatter-brained, or narrow thinking. It’s a terrible misconception. Many of us are incredibly focused, organized and big-picture thinkers. Some of the most successful CEO’s are incredibly creative, and it isn’t out of necessity.

How do you map out your goals? How do you measure your success?
I’m a whiteboard and sticky note fiend. As a visual person, I have to outline/sketch goals in order for my brain to keep them alive. I usually measure my success by size of the obstacle I have to overcome along the way.

Who do you consider to be your peers in your field? Who do you see or use as examples to emulate?Most of my creative peers are outside of film. They are painters, musicians, comedians and fashion designers. We all share an interest in each other’s talent, and usually can parallel our struggles. We could use more young black men working in film in Chicago. As for people I emulate, it’s the innovators, regardless of the field.

Name two of your top role models: one in the art world and one from outside of it.
That’s tough. In the arts and entertainment world, Bill Cosby — he dedicated his craft to many things, the most important to me, was the progress of his people and their multi-faceted image. How important was A Different World? Right.

From outside, my Mama! She’s everything. If you met her, you’d know too.

Name three books, works, performances or exhibits that changed how you view life,  yourself or both.
1.Spike Lee’s Malcolm X.
2.Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life.
3.”The Chappelle Show”

Why do you consider continued learning important?
The way we see and experience the world is based on our understanding of it. As it continually changes, such should be our understanding. Gotta be in tune!

What affirmations do you repeat to yourself that contribute to your success?
It’s cool, I’ll do it my way.

What role does art have in the community? What role would you like to see art play in the community?
I think art is a secondary or third need in most communities, but that’s changing. The advent of digital media is making it a necessity. In order to businesses, organizations and even schools to maintain success, the need for digital representation asks for help from digital media makers.

What role does technology play in your day-to-day life? How do you utilize it?
I admit it. I couldn’t function without my phone, laptop and camera – its how I run my business.

Please define your personal brand.
Not sure if one word defines it, but it involves the words contemporary, afro, tech and film.

What is your favorite vacation destination and why?
I’m still learning how to properly vacation, but I’m from Chicago, so, anywhere where it’s 75 degrees in December works for me.

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
The distribution of wealth. The percentages say enough.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Be more scientifically inventive… so I can create a clone of myself… so we can get more work done.

What does it take to be iconic? In your estimation, who has achieved that status?
To be unanimously accepted as an original article to people — who then, in turn, imitate you and your work. The good brother Prince can speak on it.