We recently connected with Jiaci Yan and have shared our conversation below.
Jiaci, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
During the past decade of studying and living abroad, I often found myself as the only one in the room who stood out. Whether in terms of race, ethnicity, culture, or educational background, my experiences were significantly different from those of others. This required me to invest more time, energy, and courage to adapt to new environments and overcome language and cultural barriers. In my professional career, being in the minority within a team has also been a common occurrence, making it more challenging to find my place and maintain efficiency in such settings.
Over time, I gradually realized that this sense of being “different” was not just a challenge but also a valuable opportunity. As a photographer and videographer, I learned how to turn these cultural differences into creative advantages. Beyond my technical skills, I leveraged my unique background and perspective to bring distinctive value to teams and clients. I was able to draw inspiration from diverse cultures and tell clients’ stories in innovative ways, allowing my work to stand out across different contexts.
In the face of challenges within cross-cultural projects, I have always maintained resilience and an open mindset, unafraid of failure. This persistence has enabled me to navigate and solve various problems effectively in diverse cultural settings. These experiences not only helped me grow professionally but also allowed me to better understand how to leverage my unique strengths in multicultural environments.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a photographer and videographer, my work goes far beyond just pressing the shutter. My mission is to tell compelling stories through the lens, and every shoot fills me with excitement because I know I’m not just capturing images—I’m documenting unforgettable moments. I specialize in fashion, events, product commercials, and real estate, and I’ve had the privilege of witnessing many extraordinary moments. From filming interviews with Nobel Prize winners, to shooting covers for Harper’s Bazaar, to capturing the brilliance of Fashion Week, my work has taken me to incredible places. I’ve also had the honor of collaborating with industry icons like Katalin Karikó, Maye Musk, and Joe Won, witnessing the untold stories behind their success.
What excites me the most is being able to witness these great moments and the miracles that happen behind the scenes. I’ve watched hundreds of people work tirelessly day and night to perfect a fashion show, I’ve stood in the midst of the NASDAQ IPO bell-ringing, where that one moment encapsulates so many dreams and years of hard work. I’ve also witnessed artists make profound sacrifices in their creative process. These moments are incredibly real and deeply moving. While they may seem insignificant in the grand narrative of history, for those who lived through them, they represent the very essence of life’s meaning. The emotional weight and energy of these scenes drive my passion every time I press the shutter.
My creative process has always been rooted in my connection to the environment and the atmosphere I find myself in. I observe the emotions of the people around me, their expressions, their gestures, and I capture their actions through my lens, bringing these feelings to life in my video work. Every project I take on is a reflection of my emotional resonance with what’s happening in the moment.
As for new developments in my business, I am evolving from a simple cameraman into a creative director. I’m no longer just shooting—I’m providing clients with creative solutions, from conceptual design to visual execution. This includes visual branding, advertising campaign strategy, and cross-cultural video production. I’m helping clients tell their stories from unique perspectives and breaking visual boundaries to deliver work that is more impactful and meaningful.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my professional journey, the three qualities that have had the most profound impact on my career are persistence, curiosity, and communication skills. These traits have been essential to my growth and success over the years.
Persistence has been the foundation that helped me overcome the early challenges of my career as a photographer and videographer. In those initial stages, I faced uncertainty and doubt while honing my technical skills and building experience. However, it was persistence—rooted in patience and belief—that allowed me to push through those obstacles. Over time, this persistence became more than just a means of survival; it strengthened my resilience, making me more adaptable to pressure and less prone to being overwhelmed by difficulties. It’s this persistence that continues to fuel my progress, helping me grow both creatively and professionally, even in the face of new challenges.
Curiosity has been the key to sustaining my creativity. Every time I step into a new project or environment, my curiosity pushes me to explore, learn, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. It’s through curiosity that I’m able to view challenges from different perspectives, discover innovative solutions, and offer clients unique visual experiences. This constant thirst for knowledge not only fuels my inspiration but also keeps my creative energy alive and vibrant.
Communication skills are essential for building and maintaining strong relationships with clients. In this industry, being a videographer/editor isn’t just about technical proficiency; it’s also about clearly understanding and articulating the client’s needs to ensure their vision is realized. Effective communication helps me deliver work that exceeds expectations and has also opened the door to more opportunities and word-of-mouth referrals. Through trust and clear dialogue with clients, my career has expanded, and new projects continue to flow in.
Persistence, curiosity, and communication skills are the three key qualities that have shaped my journey. For those just starting out, I believe the most important thing is to keep your passion and love for what you do alive. Go out there, explore, try new things, and continuously challenge yourself to improve. Stay humble, connect with a wide variety of people, and over time, not only will you establish yourself in this industry, but you’ll also unlock new opportunities and possibilities along the way.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
In my career journey, I’ve realized the importance of focusing on your strengths and showcasing them. As a photographer, having a solid foundation in my craft has been essential for gaining a foothold in the industry. This strong skill set not only helped me gain early recognition but also opened the door to more opportunities for growth and success. No matter the field, mastering your core skills is crucial to standing out and advancing.
In my own experience, what people seem to appreciate most about my work is my shooting and editing techniques. Clients often describe my editing style as visually stunning and well-organized—rich in content, yet beautifully composed. They enjoy collaborating with me because I intuitively understand their needs and can accurately reflect their vision through my visuals. My work not only has commercial appeal but also carries an artistic flair.
When it comes to improving weaknesses, I don’t completely dismiss the idea of working on areas where you’re not as strong. However, in terms of priorities, I believe it’s more important to first elevate your strengths to a level of consistent professional excellence. This not only attracts more opportunities but also builds a solid foundation for future progress. When addressing weaker areas, it’s most effective to focus on skills that align with your strengths and can help elevate your overall career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jcyan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcyan24/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcyan94/
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