BY HENRY KILPATTRICK
From Hollywood red carpets and Social Media fame leading up to a career in acting and modeling, Skully Brandon is focused on creating something that lasts.
With millions of followers across social media, a growing presence in fashion, and a career that continues to expand into entertainment, Skully Brandon has built his success by refusing to stay inside one lane.
Part artist, part creator, part entertainer, Skully represents a new generation of talent—one that doesn’t wait for permission. From making viral content that reaches audiences worldwide to being featured in fashion editorials and acting opportunities, his journey has been fueled by consistency, adaptability, and a go-getter mindset.
- If you weren’t working in Entertainment, what do you think you’d be doing?
I would probably be a weatherman. Since I was a kid, I’ve always been fascinated with weather and meteorology in general. I was about 10 years old when I could name all of the cloud types and describe the water cycle in detail.
- Looking back, what was the moment you realized content creation could become more than just a dream?
When a Hollywood talent agency invited me to their office for a meeting because they were interested in signing me. At that moment, I realized there were talent agents and movie companies watching me.
- You went by 3 previous aliases, B-Skully, Skully God, and finally Skully Brandon, which was your favorite time-period?
Honestly, I would say my current chapter as Skully Brandon is my favorite. I feel the most free and in control of my career now. In the past, I was stuck in a box for each name. Dancer, then Rapper. Now I can do whatever I want. Full freedom to create and be creative.
- What’s something people often misunderstand about your profession?
That it takes no talent to create content or model. A job that requires you to entertain others or represent someone else’s brand is automatically hard. To gain fame or build a career in entertainment you literally have to be poor for years at first, then once you blow up you have to maintain it or risk making no money. Coming up with ideas everyday for content can be super difficult, especially for brand partnerships. Personally, I film and edit all of my content myself so I’m definitely working hard.
- How do you prepare mentally before stepping onto a set, runway, or in front of the camera?
I chug a water bottle and say a quick prayer for the blessing to be on set working again. Stretching also helps relieve any anxiety or nervousness I might be experiencing before stepping out there.
- Is there a project that changed the way you see yourself as a creative?
My partnership with Prime Video for ‘The Boys’ in Brazil. This was my first time ever receiving a paid brand offer to film content for a tv show, with all travel expenses paid, and receive a daily pay rate. The requirements were very demanding but I was able to keep up and create some amazing content, and the company loved it. I proved to myself that I was capable and with that confidence boost, I worked with many more tv production companies on similar collaborations.
- How do you manage living in the public-eye, while keeping your personal life mostly private?
My family doesn’t really do social media. So it’s pretty easy for me to separate the two. My parents had to create a Tiktok and Instagram account just to follow me.
- What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from working in such a competitive industry?
Personally, my takeaway is that consistency is the key. Constant auditioning, posting 15-20 or more videos a week on social media, and not getting your feelings too involved in the work itself. The industry is very roller coaster-like. Sometimes you’re booking tons of brand deals and gigs, the next month you might not get any. I had to learn how to keep my mind and money balanced, since my career choice isn’t.
- How does it feel knowing you have an audience of millions that enjoy your content?
It honestly feels unreal at times. To think, I just post content of me being myself, doing random things I love to do, and somehow there’s lots of people who love watching me do that. They’re cheering for me on along my journey and I’m forever grateful.
- What’s something small that can completely shift your mood?
Reading messages from fans or watching funny videos my friends send me on social media.
- What’s one quality you think every successful creative needs?
Adaptability. Don’t get left behind by being close-minded or egotistical.
- How do you deal with rejection, criticism, or moments of self-doubt?
I have figured out how to remove most of my feelings from my work. It took me years to do that but now I’m more mentally stable than ever and can handle all kinds of failures or doubts. I deal with failure by going 10 times harder, not stopping. “At some point I’ll get it right if I keep trying” is my mindset.
- Who’s one person that you can count on everyday?
My mom. She always answers the phone, listens to me, and is interested in talking about whatever I want.
- What’s something about your creative process that would surprise people?
99 percent of my content isn’t planned out or scripted. I usually film content in real-time when I’m out and about. That’s when most of my ideas come to me.
- Outside of work, what keeps you happy and grounded?
Outdoors and nature is my go-to for a clear mind. A good hike, day at the lake, or a roadtrip are things I really enjoy.
- What’s your go-to TV show or film?
Stranger Things has been my favorite show since it came out. I have rewatched all 5 seasons at least 3 times. I’ll never get tired of it.
- Since 2010 when you first started creating content, what changes have you noticed with social media?
Back in 2010, there was no way to make money from social media, even if you were popular. Coming from that era, it’s amazing to see how many different ways you can monetize on social media now. The power that comes with having a social media following has changed the entire entertainment industry. Doors that would normally take years to open are opening quicker to influencers.
- Five years from now, what do you hope people will say about your work and the impact you’ve made?
I hope people will see that you can just be yourself and the right people will love you. I’ve built a successful career based off of all of my childhood insecurities and hobbies that I used to hide growing up, so I wouldn’t get made fun of in my neighborhood and at school. They thought I was the weird kid, but it turns out staying true to yourself takes you much further in life.
Series Monsoon Season coming this Fall. Follow via @skullygodd
Interview Henry Kilpattrick
Photographer: Agustin Torres @96visualzz
Stylist: Leo Halsey
Director: Gio Perrone @sakurashutters
