Meet Rick Ring

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rick Ring. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rick, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

How did I develop my confidence and self esteem? The dirty secret is that I haven’t really developed it yet. But I’m unafraid to share my art, and I let my creations speak for themselves.

I’ve always had a passion for creating, and behind that is the drive to tell stories. As a kid I was always writing fiction, making short films, drawing but was never given any encouragement that my creative energy was worthwhile in itself. Like it didn’t matter or amount to anything.

But through the years I’ve been compelled to keep creating, and I’ve learned that my storytelling resonates with people and that drives me to continue. Because I do deeply love it.

There are so many people who hesitate to create because of self-doubt and it’s okay to feel that way, but it doesn’t have to stop them. The journey isn’t just about making art; it’s about the courage to share it.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a creative media producer with over a decade of experience video editing, scripting, directing, filming, and collaborating to tell stories for brands and non-profits. I like to showcase the underdogs,
people who are doing important, meaningful work despite the odds. My hope is I can shine a light on their impact where it might otherwise go unnoticed.

Recently I started a “First Film School” in Portland, OR for elementary and middle school-age students. I want to help give them the tools to express themselves and harness their voices through video storytelling. They have a lot to say and such unique perspectives.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Firstly, even in times of doubt I trust my gut. It usually pays off, and even if I misstep there’s plenty to learn from that. So secondly, perseverance – I didn’t let failures stop me, I worked with what I learned and evolved. And for a third quality, empathy. At the heart of every project I take on is the desire to connect with people. Having the ability to listen, understand different perspectives, and translate them into engaging stories has been one of the most impactful skills in my journey.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

Something else I’m working on in myself is people pleasing – I’ll continue to say yes and take on project after project and start to get overwhelmed. When there’s so much to do, sometimes I get stuck, unable to begin. My strategies are, first be honest with myself and clients about when enough is enough. And then, when I’m feeling swamped and stuck, I step away. The best thing for me is to go for a walk – preferably somewhere with trees – and that frees my mind. I get some of my best ideas when I’m not trying. I’ll jot some of those ideas down, and map out where to begin and where to go from there.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rickring.me
• Instagram: @rickringphotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-ring/