Creative director Terrance B. Neale Jr has a knack for creativity. While he has a day job, our young professional says he fuels his passion through drumming and working as a creative director for video, photography and clothing design projects. Photo: Provided

Currently residing in Belle Vue, Mr Neale attended the Althea Scatliffe Primary School and Elmore Stoutt High School which I graduated from in 2014. Photo: Provided

As a day Job, Terrance said he works at McNamara Corporate Services, however, he has a career that also entails being a professional drummer and creative director. Photo: Provided

He said the biggest life lesson learnt so far includes the need for discipline and balance in all things. Photo: Provided

To young people looking to achieve a dream, Terrance said they should first find something that inspires them and try to raise the standard of it whether that may be locally or internationally. Photo: Provided

Early Beginnings

Currently residing in Belle Vue, Terrance attended the Althea Scatliffe Primary School and then the Elmore Stoutt High School where graduated in 2014.

He is currently an English major student at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) and says he enjoys playing the drums and being a creative director when he produces video, photography and logo/clothing design as well as fashion styling.

Terrance works at McNamara Corporate Services, however, he has a career that also entails being a professional drummer and creative director.

“My career entails playing the drums live on stage or in the studio, sometimes on private islands and others at public events. I’m currently working on developing myself as an artist as well as a drummer, so right now I spend a lot of time working on photo, video, and clothing content that I share on various social media platforms that I use.

“I enjoy the freedom of it. It’s a chance to express different ideas I have, different perspectives I’d like to share, a different feeling I’d like others to experience,” he said.

Challenges

Turning attention to challenges, our Young Professional said travelling with equipment off-island in terms of music, and getting ideas to become reality can sometimes be difficult, “But that’s also one of the beautiful aspects of it. Sometimes the result is better than I previously envisioned and I love that,” our Young Professional shared.  

He said the biggest life lesson learnt so far includes the need for discipline and balance in all things.

“I won’t say I’ve overcome it as yet; it has become an ongoing mission for me. Through dedication through different things especially music, I have learned the importance of being a team player, being disciplined enough to make the right decisions for the group overall instead of what I may feel may be more fun for me or make me look better. I’ve then since applied this outlook to my entire life and it has changed me as a person,” he said.

Terrance related that music has always been a part of his life since a child, “Timothy Barker, the drummer at my local church has definitely played a huge part in helping me grow as a musician and developing my musical career,” he said.

“Another huge source of inspiration would be my music teachers in high school. Mr Brathwaite, Mr Powell, and Mr Kamau Georges all inspired me. As well as my friends Dalan Vanterpool and Brent Hoyte.” 

Staying Focused 

Terrance told VINO that his career path is one he always enjoys. “I love being able to create music and art that people can appreciate! It’s extremely full filling and I’m excited about my future projects. I hope to inspire others through my work and help broaden the perspective of what is possible while living in the Virgin Islands.”

He said he also has other ventures, “My friends and I have our brand named ‘Cake Boyz’ that we’re currently building. It’s basically a reflection of what we feel a streetwear brand would be in the Virgin Islands. A creative collective. I hope to capture local culture and shift the meaning of style and collectable clothing in the BVI.”

Terrance said goals keep him focused on life and his career, “I know where I want to be and I know how I want my work to affect the people who’re exposed to it.

“I see myself as a multidimensional artist. Someone who can apply creativity to different mediums and make something incredible that people enjoy. I hope to use this to challenge the current perception of what it means to be a local artist and create opportunities and platforms for my friends and younger generations coming after us to be able to create the things that they believe in.

Advice to youth

To young people looking to achieve a dream, Terrance said they should first find something that inspires them and try to raise the standard of it whether that may be locally or internationally.

“You don’t have to quit your 9-5 to be successful. You can find other things that are also your passion and grow with them. You determine your success, not others. Keep working with what you have and learn to create the things you lack. Eventually, people will catch on and help, or respect you enough to watch you grow from the sidelines. Regardless of what they choose, you continue to live on your own terms and let that inspire your work.”

For pursuing a passion, he said building takes time and dedication and urged youths to also put their best foot forward and to continue finding inspiration.

In final parting advice, he said, “Continue to listen to others but learn to believe in your vision. Take advice and work on growing. Maintain professionalism in everything that you do. Continue to educate yourself about the things you’re passionate about and approach supporters from the perspective that they are your clients,” he said.

If you’re interested in following Terrance’s work, you can find him on Instagram and Twitter @terranceneale, like the Facebook page Terrance Neale or subscribe to the YouTube channel Terrance Neale! The collaboration brand on Instagram is @CakeBoyz3!