Centre graduate, Jay Falkus has certainly made the most of his time since graduating from not one, but two programs! We caught up with Jay recently to find out all about his latest endeavors and what advice he’d share with up-and-coming creatives. Read on to find out!
Let’s Start at the Beginning Shall We…?
Q: What program(s) did you take at CAT and when did you graduate?
A: Upon completing my Professional Filmmaking diploma in January 2011, I found myself increasingly drawn to photography. Realizing there were gaps in my knowledge, I decided to enroll in the Professional Photography program, which led to my graduation in April 2014.
The Sky’s the Limit After Graduation!
Q: What has life looked like for you since graduating? (career and personal achievements)
A: Life, like for many others, presented its share of challenges. Yet, since graduating, I’ve welcomed two children, embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, and recently assumed the role of Executive Director at Bears’ Lair Dream Camps.
Q: What were some of your first career goals after graduating and were you able to achieve them?
A: Following the completion of both programs, I held a strong desire to launch my own business. It took a few years to transition into full-time entrepreneurship, but eventually, I made it happen. Given my maturity at the time of starting each program, achieving a work-life balance post-graduation didn’t pose much difficulty.
Q: You mentioned your new position as Executive Director at Bears Lair Dream Camps? Tell us more!
A: My journey with Bears’ Lair Dream Camps began nearly two years ago when I crossed paths with Geena Jackson, the creator and producer of Bears’ Lair TV. Through filming another project, I learned about her upcoming TV show, which eventually led to me filming behind the scenes for the TV show. This is where I heard of the inception of Bears’ Lair Dream Camps. These camps, designed for indigenous youth, focus on entrepreneurship and life skills development across Canada. Initially, my involvement was limited to filming and photography, but after a couple of camps, I transitioned into a mentoring role.
It’s All a Balancing Act
Q: CAT programs are intensive, how did you “find your balance” again after graduation?
A: One of the pivotal lessons I’ve learned is the necessity of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. For me, this involves establishing a dedicated workspace outside of home when working remotely and ensuring work stays at the “office” after hours, whenever possible. While our current team operates at a fast pace, we aim to expand in the future to achieve a better balance.
Any Wise Words to Share?
Q: Words of advice for up-and-coming creatives?
A: Adaptability has emerged as another crucial lesson. Whether navigating diverse teaching styles during my studies or coping with the challenges posed by unforeseen events like the COVID-19 pandemic, adaptability has been instrumental in both my personal and professional life. My advice to future students is to embrace adaptability and seize every opportunity to learn, especially in the realm of business, as it forms the foundation for success in self-employment.
Thanks for sharing with us, Jay. You have a lot to be proud of!
To see more of Jay’s outstanding work, make sure to check out his Falkus Media website, along with the great work he’s doing at Bears’ Lair Dream Camps!
If Jay’s story has inspired you, you can check out complete details on our Professional Filmmaking program on our program page!