Meet Joe James | Actor & Model & Director & Firearms Instructor

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

Hi Joe, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success is “BEING OF SERVICE”. Now I can tell you that I’m determine, have a great work ethic, study hard and apply what I’ve learned but it all comes down to “BEING OF SERVICE”. I think everyone has there own version of what that means to them but I can only tell you what it means to me. For me it’s using my opportunities, connections and blessings to provide the same for others. There’s people I’ve met that has done that for me and looked for nothing in return. I do the same for them and others around me. This allows us to keep each other productive and accountable in our work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey so far has been a balance of different genres such as drama, comedy and horror. I’m lucky to have been a part of projects that really provide a message whether it speaks to relationships, mental illness or trauma. I think what makes me unique is having been exposed to so many different cultures and personalities during my travels before and with the military. I began this career as another one ended. I was in the Army until I got injured and was being medically chaptered out. It was far from easy choosing what to do next but I’ve always been the type to chase my dreams and that’s exactly what I did. The hardest thing was getting over my fear of starting with the lack of any education or any idea how the industry works. I simply just had to believe in myself and God. I began my research spending hours on Google and YouTube. I started taking small actionable steps and before I knew it I got my first agent and book my first national commercial. From there I networked at every opportunity possible. What I’ve learned is although the structure of the industry is to be competitive you must remain humble and “Be of Service”. I cheer on others and share information that if not a good fit for me then hopefully it’s a good fit for them. What I want people to know the most about my brand is that my mission is to provoke conversations that can help people heal or grow in their lives.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is a tough one. I have a variety of friends with different taste. I love the outdoors so a few of the trips would be the various parks and trails around Atlanta. Food wise I love the mom and pop shops like The Food Shoppe (Creole Cuisine), Beef Grill (Brazilian Cuisine) or Jamaica Mi Krazy (Jamaican Cuisine). I think your one stop shop for fun is the Atlanta Beltline. As you visit different parts through town each area gives you a unique experience you just gotta find what works for you. I’m a foodie so I like spots like Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve worked with so many amazing people it’s impossible to name them all. So first I want to thank every acting coach and agent I’ve worked with. I want to thank the people I’ve worked with the most so far that has provided the biggest opportunities both in front of the camera and behind the camera. Anthony R. Page (Director/Blue Bistro Creative Productions), Naja Small (Director/Owner Najasism Productions), Silk White (Director/Owner Good 2 Go Productions).

Website: https://linktr.ee/Joejamesacts

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joejames.actor/

Image Credits
Ira Carmichael Christian Germany Naja Small