Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Valerie Chen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Valerie, so great to have you with us today. There are so many topics we want to ask you about, but perhaps the one we can start with is burnout. How have you overcome or avoided burnout?
For me, one key approach to avoid burnout has been to establish a daily routine that prioritizes self-care and balance. Starting each day with rituals like enjoying a cup of coffee and exercising not only energizes me but also provides a sense of order and structure, particularly during stressful periods. Additionally, dedicating time to cooking meals daily serves as a therapeutic activity that promotes mindfulness and allows me to unwind from the demands of work.
I’ve found that proactive planning and task management are crucial in mitigating burnout, especially when faced with multiple deadlines. Breaking down larger tasks into manageable steps and planning ahead helps alleviate feelings of overwhelm and ensures that I can allocate my time and resources effectively. By staying organized and maintaining a clear roadmap for my work, I can navigate busy periods with greater ease and avoid the detrimental effects of burnout.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a multimedia journalist and documentary filmmaker based in the vibrant landscape of New York City. My journey began in J-school during college, where I honed my storytelling skills and developed a passion for visual narratives. Today, I bring stories to life by producing, editing, and shooting diverse content, ranging from short-form documentaries to interactive and animated videos.
My focus is on crafting narratives that resonate with audiences and ignite conversations on underrepresented topics. I take pride in my work, which has garnered recognition through prestigious awards such as ONA, The Telly Awards, The Webby Award, and SOPA.
What sets me apart is not just my technical proficiency but my commitment to shedding light on compelling stories that often go unnoticed. I aim to be a catalyst for change, sparking meaningful discussions through my visual storytelling. I’m proud of the impact my work has made, and I invite potential clients, followers, and fans to join me on this journey of exploration, connection, and storytelling that goes beyond the surface.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, I’ve realized the profound impact of establishing a workflow tailored to my own work habits. Understanding how I operate best has allowed me to optimize my productivity and efficiency. Whether it’s setting aside specific times for focused work or incorporating breaks to maintain mental clarity, finding a workflow that aligns with my individual needs has been essential. My advice to those starting out is to take the time to explore different approaches and identify what works best for you. Embrace your unique work style and leverage it to maximize your potential.
Another crucial lesson I’ve learned is that output is just as significant as input. It’s not enough to passively absorb knowledge; one must actively apply it. Creating something tangible, whether it’s a project, a piece of art, or even a simple prototype, solidifies learning and fosters growth. By transforming acquired knowledge into practical outcomes, individuals can deepen their understanding and refine their skills. I encourage everyone to embrace the creative process and seize every opportunity to translate learning into action. Even small projects can yield valuable insights and contribute to personal and professional development.
Finally, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of seeking help and collaborating with others. While autonomy is valuable, it’s equally essential to recognize when to reach out for support. Collaborative efforts often yield innovative solutions and fresh perspectives. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance from peers, mentors, or experts in relevant fields. Embracing teamwork not only accelerates progress but also cultivates a supportive community.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client possesses a clear understanding of their needs and communicates them effectively, both when articulating initial requirements and providing feedback during collaborations. By understanding their goals and expectations upfront, we can navigate projects with precision and deliver results that exceed expectations.
I also wish them to have a willingness to embrace new ideas and approaches. They are open to exploring innovative storytelling techniques and experimenting with different editing styles and elements. This openness to new possibilities allows for creative exploration and pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/froggieforval/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svalchen/
