We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Youyin Zhang a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Youyin, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
First of all, make a correct assessment of yourself, clearly recognize your own shortcomings, but also grasp your own strengths. And this process of recognizing yourself is to keep trying and hitting the wall, putting yourself into the market assessment, the occasional success and failure to bring the emotional volatility will be washed away in countless attempts. Instead of being anxious, take action. When you constantly have the next thing to do, it stops you from internalizing. Also, I have a tip, which is fake it till you make it. When you feel that you have imposter syndrome, it means that you think that you are not as good as other people in a certain area. This is a subjective judgment, but regardless of whether this judgment is accurate or not, you can assume that there is a “super-me” who is doing well in this area, and what would the “Super-me” do in the face of difficulties? Suddenly one day you will realize that you have really become that “super-me”.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a film editor based in the Los Angeles area. I graduated from Chapman Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Editing is not just a profession for me; it’s a passion that I thoroughly enjoy. I always find myself excited about taking on new genres and challenges. Interestingly, I used to be afraid of watching horror movies, but when I had to edit a horror short film, I immersed myself in watching numerous films of this genre. I constantly delve into researching editing techniques that bring out the desired effects.
In addition to being a film editor, I am also an independent film director. I tend to be observant and introspective in my daily life, and filmmaking is the medium I love to express myself through. Recently, I completed the filming of a documentary about a student theater troupe rehearsing a play called “Birds and the Curiosity.” The story revolves around a Chinese girl who, after growing up, travels back in time to experience an adventure with her younger self. Throughout the filming process, I had the pleasure of working with a group of enthusiastic actors and talented filmmakers who brought the project to life. Capturing meaningful moments is like using a butterfly net in the vastness of life. It has been an exciting journey, and I am currently in the process of editing the documentary, with plans to finish it by autumn this year.
At present, I am attending a film training camp in China as an editor. Our challenge is to collaborate with other team members from various disciplines and complete a short film within a week. This task requires each member to showcase their technical expertise and aesthetic sensibilities. For me, it is an excellent opportunity for training and honing my skills, and I am eagerly anticipating the final outcome of our collaborative efforts.
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?
Embrace Continuous Learning: Never stop growing. When collaborating with new film teams, integrate into their production processes, whether using different software or adapting to their methods. Seek workshops, mentorship and stay up-to-date with industry trends to stay relevant.
Embrace Courageous Exploration: Step out of your comfort zone. Don’t fear demanding circumstances. If a project captures your interest, get involved. Have faith in yourself and take brave leaps. Explore unconventional projects, collaborate with diverse teams, and broaden your horizons.
Find Joy in Your Work: Passion fuels success. Find what truly excites and inspires you. Pursue projects aligned with your passions. Cultivate a positive mindset, appreciate the process, and celebrate achievements, no matter how small.
In conclusion, embrace continuous learning, be courageous in exploring opportunities, and find joy in your work. These qualities form a solid foundation for growth in filmmaking. Embrace each experience, learn, challenge yourself, and make a meaningful impact.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The book that has had the greatest influence on my growth process is Italo Calvino’s ” Il barone rampante”. The protagonist in his book is never just a cog in the vast machinery of society. He doesn’t identify with any authority, power, position, system, or so-called mainstream values. Instead, he prefers to live in seclusion, as an outsider on the fringes of society, quietly tightening his own screws. However, they are by no means weak, nor are they synonymous with decadence or indifference. They possess a sound knowledge system, independent personality and values, and a worldview that believes in “not surrendering anything to others, and not getting involved with anyone,” an individualist perspective.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youyinga.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youy_inga/
- Other: Email: zhangyouyin1123@gmail.com
Image Credits
Youyin Zhang/Yixuan Li
