Meet Shakka Ranks | Director & visual artist

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

Hi Shakka, how do you think about risk?
Playing it safe is the easiest way to stay stagnant in the filmmaking world as with any other industry. Taking the entrepeneurial route is a risky task in itself. By Taking risks, I have put myself in a position to capitalize on new opportunities, and at times, set me back a few paces. But the trade off is often better, more times than none. Theres never really much reward without risk. So over the years I’ve conditioned myself to take more chances, take more risks as long as its aligned with my mission and purpose

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve always had a knack to express myself creatively. its manifested itself in many forms over the years. From music, to painting, drawing, graphic design, you name it. I’ve tried it. Filmmaking is the one thing so far in my life that i’ve never “put down” or took a break from.

I truly couldn’t tell you what separates me from the rest. I try not to compare myself to others as we are all unique in our own ways. I pull inspiration from nostalgia, retro cartoons and shows. Inspo can manifest at any given moment. maybe a sign or color that I see randomly somewhere. Dreams also play a big part in the things that I create or even emotions from a period in my life. Along with other artists work that I enjoy, I pick apart from it all and kinda just frankenstein my own little creations from that.

Being a creative, we tend to put the art first over the business. Its been incredibly difficult to transition from artist to businessman. When invoices and deadlines and taxes and all these things that are not fun comes into play, it tends to affect the artists’ output. I think this is a challenge we all go through in the beginning. Its not easy to overcome, but the formula is usually simple. Through research and trial and error and the help of others, I managed the learn the ins and outs of my industry and how to conduct the business. Still quite a long way to go.

Through it all, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to always protect yourself, your business and your team. theres a reason contracts and agreements are in place. Use them.

God willing, eventually the eyes and ears that are meant for me, will be present. My only goal is to create impactful stories through profound visuals that will inspire the next.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Sharky’s!

Best lemon pepper wings known to man. Located in clifton, NJ is a cool hole in the wall spot to kick it with the homies. Wings, brews, and sports. I’m relatively close to NYC so we definitely have to hit Sweet Chick or cuts & slices in brooklyn.

I love activities. so the gun range or go kart racing is something that I cant get enough of.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Secret Society Motion Pictures A production company & collective of filmmakers that has made direct impact on my transition from solo freelancing to collaborative environment.

Jason Hall
Photographer and dear friend. Has always encouraged me from day one. One of the only people to never once doubt an idea in this journey.

Laze Cartel
Artist and creative genius. worked alongside him for quite a few years. His sheer dedication to his craft and hustle mentality has not only inspired me, but has at times, given me hope when I wanted too give up. Coming from the places that we do, entrepreneurship is not a traditional route, So to excel in our own respective paths is quite the feat.

Jonathan Bain
Fellow Director and dear friend. We clicked after working with each other a few times. Due to our similar creative thought process, we developed chemistry. Despite our similarities, we are polar opposites which causes up to clash, in a good way. pickup the slack from each other. We decided to form a partnership to strengthen our creative impact Known today as The Free Lords

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shakka.ranks/?hl=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBxVgfALFbgB14XOYvAS8ZQ

Image Credits
Peter Aboseff Christopher Rodriguez