Meet Raysean Smith Jr. | Creative Director | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Raysean Smith Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raysean, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I view taking a risk as just going after what you want without considering any alternatives. Just climb the stairs; you don’t have to see the entire staircase. You know, the vision will become clearer as you proceed? Nobody was going to save me, I realized. That’s when the risk possibly began. I had to just take the chance and discover what this adventure had in store if I wanted to succeed.

Risk-taking was essential to my life and career. At the age of 17, I left my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, and relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. Taking risks was essential to my life and career. I consider leaving your hometown to be a life hack. You grow accustomed to your surroundings. I entered the entertainment industry after taking the risk moving to Atlanta, GA.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m the one who makes your concept a reality. I adopt your vision and act on it as if it were mine. Your thoughts are your baby, and we must give them life. No matter what, whether I’m directing or doing photography, I’ll make the idea authentic and make it tell a story.

My current endeavor, Hollywood Homecoming Weekend, is the project that I’m most proud of. I find it rewarding to be a HBCU student and be able to start a non-profit organization for HBCU students that serves the community. The most fulfilling aspect has been making this vision a reality. I been working extremely hard with my team Paris Roberts, Clay Williams, Kristen Lee, Selena Stroble, and Nicole “Neekko” Lindsey. The Beehive will host our the first event on July 2nd, and we eagerly anticipate hosting our annual Hollywood Homecoming Weekend in October.

I believe that I have reached this point in my life because I set up a solid foundation and maintained my concentration. In fact, I did a lot of networking. As they say, your network is your net worth. But it’s equally important to produce high-quality work.

Was it easy? Nothing worthwhile comes without dedication, but the end result is worthwhile. The satisfying experience for me is being able to take a step back and consider all the layers it required to get to the desired result. Never skip a step, regardless of the situation—whether it’s an up or down moment— there is a lesson to learn from every phase along the journey. The Universe intended for us to experience it because it develops character.

“I went through every emotion with tryna pursue what I’m doing, you know what I mean? And I think what’s gon’ separate whoever’s gon go for something, that you ain’t gon’ quit.” – Nipsey Hussle

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had to plan a trip to Atlanta, I would include some of my favorite locations. Boogolou would have to be included. It’s where I prefer to go for Happy Hour, get a drink, and unwind after work. They always have great food and amazing music. At least for me in Atlanta, Food To Go is another one of my go-to restaurants for wings, and the mac and cheese is very good. A great spot to go for a walk with your dog, exercise, or sightseeing is the Atlanta Belt Line. It’s very popular and I enjoy going there to unwind. My preferred location is Treat Your Feet Doraville, however I am aware that many people prefer to visit the one in Buckhead. The Doraville location is good. You go there to relax and reset, and it’s also an ideal spot for a date night.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
ATL deserves a shoutout from me! My second home, Atlanta extended a warm welcome to me. I was there for fifteen years. Atlanta adopted me as its own. I moved to Georgia without any relatives or friends. It’s where I laid the groundwork for my profession. The entrepreneurial spirit of that city has influenced me and assisted me in using my talent in Los Angeles, California.

Hill Harper deserves a special recognition as well. The first book I ever finished reading from cover to cover was his, “Letters to a Younger Brother.” I found the unambiguous advice I needed from a wiser individual in his book. He actually wrote letters to you, and it felt genuine to me. I remember being excited when he really replied to my email. To express to him how much he contributed to my personal growth, I would appreciate the opportunity to meet him in person.

Website: https://www.doeraymedia.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doeraymedia/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/doeraymedia

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkGBNKaN1AmECg1eQEtkaqg

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doeraymedia?_t=8XONuSO3n4A&_r=1