Today we’d like to introduce you to David Riddle.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I first opened Photoshop around 2008. I was struggling to manage/produce a rap group at the time and we had no money to cover art, photos, videos, etc. So, I borrowed a Kodak Easy Share Digital Camera from one of my artists and I found a pirated version of Photoshop. It didn’t take me long to realize that I had found my calling. I loved it. After a few months, I started making money by designing club flyers, cover art, photos, etc. During that time, my rap group disbanded so I quit music to pursue the media world full time. From then on, it was unusual if I didn’t work 6-7 days a week, 10-12 hours a day. But it’s not work when you love what you do. I’ve been grinding ever since and have built a nice portfolio as well as a fairly large clientele base.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
One of my main struggles at first was keeping clients booked consistently. Sometimes, I’d be booked all month with videos and photoshoots. Other times I may only shoot one or two. That’s why I’m so glad I can do graphic design as well. So, when videos or photos aren’t being booked, I can usually fill that void by doing graphics. Another challenge I still go through sometimes is staying motivated. I get a creative block sometimes when I work on the same type of things and it makes it very hard to stay focused and motivated. To remedy this, I close Photoshop or Illustrator and watch a documentary about a filmmaker I like. That usually does the trick.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Xclusiv Media story. Tell us more about it.
My company is Xclusiv Media. I specialize in Graphic Design, Cinematography & Photography. I’m probably most known for my cover art and music videos. I’ve directed, shot and edited over 500 music videos and promos. I have also designed over 600 single/mixtape/album covers. I’m proud of my company because the name Xclusiv Media is synonymous with quality. That’s a principle I’ve worked under since the beginning. Not just technical but creative quality. I pay attention to detail and put 100% in every project.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Don’t really believe in luck. I pray, have faith and work for what I want.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 903-504-8817
- Email: xclusivmedia@gmail.com
- Instagram: @xclusivmedia
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/xclusivmedia
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/xclusivmedia
- Other: www.youtube.com/xclusivmedia
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