Meet Juan Velasco

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

Juan, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

I keep my creativity alive by moving between mediums. When I am making a film, I am actually thinking as a musician — paying attention to rhythm and emotional flow. On the other hand, when I am composing or teaching music, I tend to visualize scenes, colours, and frames. Blending these two worlds allows ideas to constantly evolve and feed each other. It keeps my work fresh and prevents creative stagnation.

For me, creativity stays alive when I stay curious and connected with the community.

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?

As an artist, I’m focused on building a strong portfolio in film, photography, and music. As an entrepreneur, I’ve been working hard to build my name — taking small but meaningful steps that have led me to collaborate on exciting projects. My goal is to continue developing my career in both music and film.

I currently work as a teaching artist with a nonprofit organization (Sistema Kingston) and as a guitar instructor at Long & McQuade. In addition, I’m collaborating with Joe’s Music Mill (a nonprofit music-lending library) on a new project set to launch this December. I also work with the Kingston Canadian Film Festival as an editor and colourist for the 18MM program. On top of that, I’m producing my second film, which I’m hoping will premiere at KCFF 2026 — fingers crossed — While continuing to grow my photography and filmmaking business.

Sometimes I feel it is a lot, but I love what I do, and I’m grateful to be working hard seven days a week on projects that inspire me.

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?

1. Never give up.
I know it might sound like a cliché phrase, but I have fought against all odds to keep my wheels spinning. There were moments when the only thing I wanted was to quit, but I just kept pushing through — and in the end, the results were always worth it. Spray the Change — my first film — is the perfect example of perseverance.

2. Take the risk.
I have seen classmates and some colleagues get stuck because they felt insecure. It is also important to be patient, to study, and to prepare yourself as much as possible so you’re ready when the time comes to step out into the field. Don’t get me wrong — you need to study, you need to be prepared — but you also need to take steps to put yourself out there. No one is going to come knocking at your door looking for you, regardless of your preparation. Feeling insecure is part of the path, but at some point, you have to take the risk. The only way to know whether something will work or not is to do it. Send that cold email, make that call, apply for that job, put your music out, create films.

3. Don’t stop creating.
Even after you achieve your goals, keep creating. Keep your mind busy thinking about the next step — the next film, the next song. Don’t stop being an artist.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

I would create as much as possible. The only thing that remains in this world when we pass away is what we have given. Therefore, my focus would be on creating as much as I can — taking as many photos as possible, composing as much music as possible, and making as many films as possible.

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Juan Velasco

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