Life & Work with Joseph McNichols

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph McNichols.

Hi Joseph, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was lucky to be part of a high school with outstanding leadership and teachers. They believed in me, dedicated time, and provided multiple opportunities for me to get my hands on gear and projects and start creating.

I was part of many firsts for the school, like creating a mini-documentary highlighting the dance team and their teacher, shooting the first-ever school lip dub, and directing a senior video tribute. I knew telling stories and creating was my dream from there on. While editing these projects, I realized the power of the story and how it can affect people’s emotions.

I even continued from there, doing many firsts at my university as their digital media arts program started to take off. I helped create a partnership with Major League Baseball and the City of Peoria for Spring Training. I produced a variety of projects, from short films, music videos (Evie Clair “Cry”), and social segments. Through my university, I helped bridge partnerships with local municipalities and the state for the school’s logistical filming needs.

During college, I had the opportunity to work with the Gospel Music Association and various Christian and Gospel artists and study in Nashville for a semester before Covid, where I could continue building relationships in music both through volunteering and school.

On graduation, I returned to the valley and began working at a church where I served as communications coordinator and additional roles, which included video, live production, lighting, photography, social media, and web design.

Starting March 13th, I will serve as the Broadcast Video Engineer at a local church and continue as the social media manager for the Gospel Music Association and work with other artists as requested.

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?
There were a lot of challenges along the way. Being the first to do a lot of things, I have been told “no” a lot.

“No, we don’t have the budget.”
“No, we don’t have the equipment.”
“No, that’s something it takes years to learn.”
“No, that would require state or municipal permits.”
“No.”

I have taken some of these “no’s” and turned them into challenges for myself. Learning to adapt, grow, fundraise, seek mentorship, and bring others along, etc all in pursuit of excellence.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am currently the social media manager for the GMA Dove Awards and Gospel Music Association. I am part of a small team where we have learned to trust each other and our strengths and abilities to advance the overall big-picture goals we set. My day-to-day is carrying out marketing strategies, capturing and creating content and content calendars, fan engagement, and working alongside artists and labels to create an impact in the music industry.

In our current campaign, we release all new Christian and Gospel artists’ songs on Fridays #GMANewMusicFridays.

We were looking for a way to help generate excitement with new music and new artists and so our team brainstormed an idea that is now in place that allows community engagement, artists to share a personal invitation to listeners, and not just using the main platform artists but upcoming ones. This is a win as it aligns with our mission statement and it brings the music community together as we continue to unify and include everyone.

I’m kingdom driven to bring excellence, plan, and focus on intentionality; I want to lead others where they can have a personal relationship with Jesus. It’s all for Him.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
I wouldn’t necessarily say luck – I would say faith.

It’s all in God’s timing.

I was known for my hard work ethic and willingness to do whatever and learn, being up early and working late into the night. I started reaching out to others to help accomplish things I wanted to do, where I was initially told “no.” I built relationships with others who have been successful.

With my faith as a driving force, I’ve figured out where I could best use it and where I could use my skills and abilities to share my faith. Through working as a creative among Christian artists, in churches, and with the Gospel Music Association, I have found opportunities to share the truth with others who haven’t seen it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://josephmmcnicholsfi.wixsite.com/mcnicholsjosephm
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joemcnicholsofficial/; https://www.instagram.com/gmadoveawards/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joseph.mcnichols.9/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-m-m-446587a0/

Image Credits
Tonya Crandell https://www.instagram.com/tonyacrandell/, BlueAmberPhoto https://www.instagram.com/blueamberphoto/, TessaVoccola https://www.instagram.com/tessavoccola/, Joseph McNichols https://www.instagram.com/joemcnicholsofficial/, and Garrett Ohrenberg (@gomediakc)