Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Abel B. Padilla. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Abel, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
This is a tough question to answer. I don’t look back at my process or know the answer to this question, but I can say that creativity should not be taken for granted. Creativity comes from something we can not explain; somehow, it is divine and abstract. However you want to call it. One day, we can be the most creative human, but the next day, we can wake up without any ideas. There are people who, of course, can be creative every single day and not lose a spark of inspiration. But sometimes creativity comes in waves like an ocean and flows like it. We are the best judges of when it is flowing and when it is not. But, like with the sea, it is important to respect it and know that we artists are at the mercy of it.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a filmmaker. I love telling stories through the medium of film. Sometimes, I am a cinematographer, but most recently, I’ve transitioned to directing. I have been mostly doing short films, but my goal for the next couple of years is to start directing feature-length films. I have also worked in the music industry, creating video content. I have been a contributing videographer with Sunset Sound for Drew Dempsey for the last couple of years. I film and edit select videos on the studio’s YouTube channel. Working for such a historic recording studio and being part of its history is an honor. I am through the release of my directorial debut, “Therapist of the Year,” in the festival season. It is a short film I did as my thesis for film school, and we are starting to win some awards. I couldn’t be more happy about the recognition the whole team is starting to have.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I always thank my old professors back in high school for sparking my interest in me. I can thank my Greek & Roman Etymologies teacher. I forgot his name; I feel so bad because of this. We weren’t close at all, but his class made me gain interest in tragedy and myths. Also, Miss Grace, who taught me English Literature and Art History, those courses really helped me for the rest of my life. I still keep the books from those courses. Also, an important thing to remember through this journey is that not everything will be joy. There are a lot of ups and downs. A lot of time for doubt to take over the mind. It is essential to find a way to keep ourselves motivated and find a way to get out of bed.
Lastly, always looking at art as a field for experimentation and expression helps out. Failure is part of the process. But with it, it is possible to learn a valuable lesson.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Sacrifice. My parents have sacrificed a lot of aspects in their lives to put me where I am today. I will be grateful to them all my life. For their unconditional love and support. They are my biggest mentors in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.abelbpadilla.com
- Instagram: @abel_b_p
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10004489/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
Image Credits
Miles Bitton, Ailu Kim
