Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Justina Diaz . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Justina , appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I always knew that I wanted to be creative whether that was in music, film, painting, or even makeup. And in order for me to have that future for myself, I had to put in the hard work.As with anything, there is always trial and error, dealing with more rejections than yeses, maneuvering through different paths, and learning and developing my style of art. When working on a project, I truly believe you’re putting a piece of your soul in it that lives forever. Even after we leave this earth we have something that will remind other people of our passions and strengths, which I find beautiful. The biggest reward is when I am finally done working on a project, I could step back and without anyones critiques (whether it’s a hit or miss) I can have a moment and be proud of myself. What also makes it worth it is actually when I get to show off my work. It’s becomes very meaningful to me when I see how my art impacts others by their reactions and them being excited for what I can do next-That’s what drives me to want to create more and keeping my creativity alive.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Of course! Growing up I didn’t have much of an experience with film or art in elementary or high school, my only exposure was through my mom, as she would teach me how to draw, come up with stories, and has encouraged me to find my passion in art. This encouragement has inspired me to go into film and to also be a proud woman in the film industry. After my high school graduation, I made a bold decision to move to Los Angeles, CA and pursue my dream in the filmmaking, as of 2021, I have graduated with my BA as a Producer and now work with studios and live entertainment as well as working as part time educator. I would consider myself a film freelancer working as a producer on indie productions and as a Production Assistant on bigger projects. My job is to gather the resources like script, cast, crew, and financing as well as oversee the creation of the film from start to finish. What I love about what I do in film is having the ability to ensure the cast and crew have everything they need for a smooth production. As for my educational background it goes hand and hand with art and working with many different people. I am passionate about creating a community for younger artist and motivating them to make their art a career along with helping them with other educational needs. Overall I love being apart of a community with many creative minds all wanting to make their stories come to life.
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?
Learn to get uncomfortable: I think in many instances we are to scared of change. We’re unable to move forward due to imposter syndrome, feeling that we’re not good enough, or we just sit where we at because we’re just “fine” How is anyone able to grow this way? In the back of my mind I try to think – am I getting too comfortable? What can I do to change where I’m at? and how was I going to get myself out of my comfort zone? learning this way has impacted me to challenge myself on what I know and also focus on what I can do. Especially as a freelancer we are learning all the time to work under pressure, know different jobs, working with different people every day, and taking risk. I truly believe having this mindset prepares you for any curve balls life might throw at you. As we grow as creatives we are always adjusting and learning to adjust.
Putting your best foot forward: In this field, you are working with people that you will see on many different sets and/or people that can potentially get you on the next project. I want people to look at me and correlate that with a positive experience, who doesn’t want to work with a person that makes them feel good and enjoys being at work! I always do my best to work hard with a smile on my face and pay attention to detail. when I was younger I remember going to work with my dad and he did his best to know everybody’s name, greeted everybody with a smile, and went above and beyond to keep the workflow, well flow! And seeing his positive energy affect others really impacted me in my own work ethic. I know building relationships can be tough depending on the duration of the project but I think creating a postive space for yourself and others is important. Only you can bring that change to the workspace to make the experience worth it.
Promise less and Deliver more: Starting out, I always say under promising and over delivering is your best friend when you were working with clients. Working in a fast pace environment it is important that we don’t waste time and we make things happen- but at the same time we have to set ourselves up for success. You need to learn on how you work and how comfortable you feel with time frames. For myself and with my background in production, it always feels good knowing that I did the task that was asked as well as continuously thinking ahead on what else I can get done in that timeframe.
Believe me -It always feels good when I’m onset and I am asked for something to get done and it’s already done. It leaves you with positive note on set which has benefited me for the best outcome
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
I would say the biggest area of growth I’ve focus on in the past year would be communication. Not only for myself but also how others communicate with me. In the past I used to be too afraid to communicate what I wanted which would lead me to taking jobs that didn’t feel right, being in situations or relationships I didn’t want to be in or just feeling stuck, where I genuinely wasn’t happy. Over time I’ve learned that it is important to practice communication in small and big situation so we are ready for those conversations. Leaving little to no room for confusion on either ends. I take this lesson with me when I am working and also in my everyday life and I’m still perfecting it. There is a need for people to have communication skills to make sure we are all on the same page and that we respect the voices in a creative production, which I am a huge advocate for.
Contact Info:
- Website: Justinadayproductions.com
- Instagram: Justinadarlene
- Youtube: Justinaday
Image Credits
Yz Islas – instagram : yzneye Destiny Mendez – instagram: _destiny.mendez_
