It’s a rarity to come across people of good character and substance in an industry that can lead one down a slippery slope or rabbit hole to sex, drugs, depression, and betrayal to conquer fame at the cost of losing one’s soul. And then there is Mark Tutson, a man rooted in faith and guided by God making headways in the entertainment industry. When I first received my assignment to interview Mark, I could not help but think of King Tut, AKA Tutankhamun, the 12th pharaoh of the 18th Egyptian dynasty, who became a king as a boy due to the passing of his father at the age of seven. His elders and senior advisers guided young Tut because he was inexperienced to be a true ruler of his own merit. When he reached an age of maturity, he developed his own identity, which led King Tut to implement changes such as the disintegration of radicalized religion initiated by his father and reinstating traditional religious beliefs, the one deed that his people praised. After having the opportunity to learn a little about Mark, I found it fascinating that at the age of eight, Mark knew that he had a passion for film and video production. Most boys his age were probably obsessing over the latest Nintendo game release. An 8-year-old Mark Tutson had dreams of doing something bigger, which pushed him on his entrepreneurial journey that has many purposes deserving of having a great spotlight. Get to know Mark Tutson as the one to watch out for next!
FEMI Mag: As a Creative Director, Entrepreneur, and Multi -hyphenate Artist, who is Mark Tutson behind the titles?
M. Tutson: Behind the titles, Mark Tutson is a man of faith, a father, son, and curator of good vibes!
FEMI Mag: I came across a video of you sharing your personal experiences battling depression, anxiety, and coming face to face with suicide attempts. What steps do you believe that we can take as a community to remove the stigma associated with mental health in the African American community? What advice or words of encouragement would you give to someone who may be experiencing depression and thoughts of self-harm?
M. Tutson: Unfortunately, mental health has such an awful stigma in the black community. Truthfully, I was one of the people who considered you crazy if you went to therapy until it hit home for me. When I speak about mental health, I explain to people that we have standing appointments to get our cars checked. So, we have to maintain regular check-ups with our doctors to make sure our bodies are doing well. The sad part is that we omit one of the essential tools God gave us: our minds. The Bible says, so a man thinketh so is he, which means if your mind is not well, your whole body will follow. So often many wonder why we can’t get unstuck or elevate our finances, our businesses, and our relationship because our mind is not at its optimum. I encourage everyone to find you a professional to talk to even if you feel fine. We often have trauma that we sweep under the rug, and over time we keep sweeping things under that rug till we trip and fall. Sadly, that was my reality, and when I fell, I fell pretty hard.
My advice to someone who experiences depression and thoughts of self-harm is to know that you are needed here and don’t abort the plans that God has for you. Also, those thoughts are not valid!! I will encourage them to seek God and spiritual counsel and find a professional therapist that helps navigate the triggers and start the path to healing. Lastly, I would say know that it’s a process to commit yourself to the fight. The journey of finally feeling better took me three years. I committed myself to the battle every day and I got better. My most essential tool is the Bible; when I read how much God loves me, it reminds me that he has a plan for me and that whatever awful thoughts are going through my mind is false. I still have my days, and sometimes weeks, I return to my tools, and I get to work.
FEMI Mag: What does it mean to be the “Pastor for Creatives?” How do you go about merging your faith and creativity?
M. Tutson: *Laughs*, “Pastor” to be honest, I got that title from one of my mentors. I never saw myself as a vehicle for God. Though I’m not an ordained pastor, I do have an undying heart for my fellow creative. Growing up in church as a creative, I always felt somewhat like an outcast. As soon as I could stop going to church regularly, I felt like I had to conform to this thought of life that I disagreed with, so I decided to try to navigate life without making my faith a priority. Now I can’t believe I made it this far without my faith, and it has genuinely made my life better. God and faith are priorities in my life now, and I see how God directs my path and helps me navigate this thing called life! Now I want to help my fellow creatives understand that God loves you just the way you are. I’m working on creating a space that services creatives’ mental health and spiritual health!
FEMI Mag: I had the opportunity to look up your company, “The Mtut Group.” And I found that the branding is very creative and diverse. What is the meaning behind The Mtut Group ‘s name?
M. Tutson: The meaning is straightforward! My nickname is M. Tut, and I could never accomplish everything I’m blessed to achieve without the group of people who push for me every day! We are family, and we genuinely love one another and love creating.
FEMI Mag: Many independent filmmakers and artists are following in the footprints of Tyler Perry and Issa Rae regarding building their tables and no longer waiting for anyone to give them a shot, taking control of their future. As an entrepreneur and founder of a production company, what advice can you give other creatives who wish to follow in your footsteps?
M. Tutson: TRUST GOD! And BET ON YOURSELF! Be confident and who you are and what God has placed in you! Tyler did it, Issa did it, and I’m not as successful as those unbelievable creatives yet, but I’m borrowing the same set of tools betting that I get similar results!
FEMI Mag: What’s next for Mark Tutson, The Creative Director, Entrepreneur, and Multi – Hyphenate Artist?
M. Tutson: We have some big things coming this fall that we can’t release yet! But know it’s going to be historic for us as a team! Stay close to the announcement!
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