We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Yan Lopez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Yan below.
Hi Yan, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
For self-care I sit down and talk to God. Talking to God and letting Him in my life has led me to all of my accomplishments such as being an A&R, Manager, Film Director and Marketing Manager (Suite 16 Recording Studios). He also helps me with the ability to balance my careers while still being high school.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Yan, also known as Yanii, a 17 year old A&R, Manager, Film Director and Marketing Manager from West Palm Beach, FL now located in Tampa, FL. My journey started when i was 15 years old when i had ran into one of my inspirations DrewFilmedIt. Drew is a big name in the film industry known for shooting for major recording artist such as Future, Quavo, Lil Uzi, YNW Melly and Kidd G along with other major recording artist. As I called his name he continued to walk away but his team heard me calling him. They brought it to his attention that I was trying to get his attention and meet him. Having the opportunity of meeting drew changed my life and motivated me to pick up a camera the very next day. To perfect my craft I started shooting free music videos along with my business partner Taabish. A year later I started to get paid for shoots (both photo and video). From that point on I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. Working and networking consistently led me to directing videos for big names such as AveryB, SmoothGio, LilChriss, Hurricane Wisdom and Jordyn Huitema.
Shortly after I got the opportunity to become the Marketing Manager at Suite16 Recording Studios. Were i was able to hold and manage and event held with legendary producer Zaytoven, known for producing for Gucci Mane, Travis Scott, Nicki Minaj, Future, Migos, G Herbo, Young Dolph, Lil Uzi, Lil Durk, Lil Yachty, Meek Mill, Trippie Redd, Young Thug, Soulja Boy and Chief Keef. Later that year I took on the role of A&R and Artist Management at Top Floor Entertainment to sign and develop new rising acts while working under the head of A&R and Management at Hit House Entertainment (Rod Wave’s Label) Mario Mactier. This is when I got the opportunity to hop on Rod Wave’s Nostalgia Tour including artist such as Toosi, Ari Lennox and Eelmatic. So I took advantage of the opportunity and recorded a tour recap and thank you message to all the fans to close out the tour. Now i am responsible for the artist Wam SpinThaBin out of Broward County FL, Who was formally signed to artist Kodak Black and is now with Alamo Records/Sony Music Entertainment.
The best part about what I do is that I’m able to network and connect with other Artist, Producers, Managers, A&Rs and Strategist on a daily basis.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Surround yourself with high class individuals with the same or higher ambition as you.
– It’s important to do so because this will motivate and inspire you and the ones around to achieve the ultimate goal, To add to that the ones that hold you at a high standard will hold you accountable for your actions in your favor. Which will teach you how to overcome and prevail.
2. Stand out with your vision
– Knowing that everyone is starting to pick up a camera it is your job to stand out amongst other directors and be unique with your vision and creativity. This could be your shot selection, color grade, sequence or even your edits. There are many different ways to be unique and stand out but there is no better feeling than when you complete a project that is outstanding and like no other!
3. Being able to Multi Task
– Multitasking is a requirement especially in this industry. Taking on the role as a manager comes with different responsibilities like taking on bookings for shows, bookings for features, building innovative marketing campaigns, setting measurable goals that drive impact, manage and administrate budgets, strategize and implement digital marketing,
travel, set up meetings, direct, execute, close deals, dropping dates are scheduled correctly, and build a network of external resources and partners such as publicists, content creators, media outlets, radio stations, podcast, promoters, directors, playlist, blogs, labels, lawyers, other managers and A&Rs.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I’m overwhelmed I sit down and talk to somebody. Its important to keep somebody around that you can trust and come to when you’re not feeling 100%. Life has a lot of ups and downs that could really throw off your mental health. Depending on what state your mental is in it will reflect on your day to day attitude, personality, emotions, business and actions. But when you have that one person you can vent to and really clear your mind with it allows you to take a step back from your situation(s), reevaluate and come back stronger knocking down those walls that you placed for yourself by being overwhelmed.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @YaniiVisuals
Image Credits
@Pthekidd @jaredwalkaa @madebymanolian @omgghxst @zavierd23
