Today we’d like to introduce you to Markeishya & Martavia Freeman.
Hi Markeishya & Martavia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It’s so funny, being a twin you’re always coupled together your entire life and Tavia and I did everything we could to get away from each other, but we always kept coming back to each other. This time was no different, at the end of 2020 Tavia told me that God told her that he wants us to work together and start our own production company called Studio Freeman. You can imagine I was against the idea at first, but if God told us to do it, we had to do it. In January 2021, we started Studio Freeman offering the services of photography, videography, animation, and illustration. I can honestly say five years later it was the best decision that we both could have ever made. We have grown so much in our craft, we have met so many people, been a blessing to others and vice versa others have been a blessing to us and we honestly enjoy using the gifts that God gave us to inspire others, to create with others and give our students and interns and the people we work with a creative space to do what they love most.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road at all. We didn’t know much when we first started. Figuring out everything all at one time was very wild. If we could go back and do things differently, we definitely would, but all in all we would not change our experience. Figuring out how to price our craft was one of the hardest things we had to deal with. Leaving shoots and not having enough money to pay ourselves, but everything we did earn went to keeping our website up, the equipment that was rented , subscriptions that we have to keep our business afloat. We had to learn all of that out really quickly. I think one of the hardest things we have to learn is how to stand our ground and advocate for ourselves. Putting ourselves out there is still something that we struggle with. We’re very humble so we know that that’s something that has hindered us in the past but this year we are putting our best foot forward and going for everything that God got for us.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
You should definitely know that we are a one stop shop. When our clients come to us, we want to make sure that everything that they ask us to do for their brand, birthday shoot, commercial or film is all cohesive – opposed to going to four different people trying to make sure that everything looks the same. We can do everything in house at Studio Freeman. When we think about it, we actually do a lot more than we think we do: internships, photoshoots, video shoots, commercials, spec ads, children’s book, logos, directing, editing, voice acting, we do a lot!
We offer the services of photography, videography, animation, and illustration.
We always say to all of our clients that we want their vision to come to life. That is our main priority. That is our goal.
We’re most proud that Studio Freeman has been able to evolve with time, we constantly find new ways to reinvent ourselves and grow in our crafts, and also find ways to help others grow in theirs. For instance, this year we want to do more films so we are currently working on a few films to pitch to networks and we’re working on short films to add to the film festival market this year as well.
We want readers to know that Studio Freeman is owned and operated by two funny, talented, twins, who enjoy pushing people into purpose. We love working with people, models, and actors and other creators as well. We are on all platforms as @studio.freeman. We would love to hear from you, don’t hesitate to reach out and if you DM us and let us know that you read the article we’ll give you a discount when you book with us.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Our favorite childhood memory is being at our grandparents house. They were very instrumental in our lives – teaching us the music they used to listen to, how life was for them during the Civil Rights Era, teaching us about our history as African-Americans. Being in the kitchen with our grandmother and our grandfather, telling us scary war stories from his time being in the military. It was really a great time for us.
Pricing:
- Photo Package 1: $425 (45 minute shoot, 1 outfit, 10 images)
- Photo Package 2: $525 (1 hour shoot, 2 outfits, 15images
- Photo Package 3: $675 (2 hour shoot, 3 outfits, 30 images
- Children Books Pricing varies (starts at $1,500)
- Video Pricing starts at $525 (pricing varies depending on client)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thestudiofreeman.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio.freeman
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Studio.Freeman
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markeishya-freeman-61196773
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@studiofreeman
