We were lucky to catch up with Casilda Garcia Lopez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Casilda, 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?
Work-life balance comes in many different forms. Cook your own food. Step out during your lunch break and get some sunlight. Go on a walk. Remember to humanize yourself. Talk to others. Call your family and loved ones, and tell them you miss them. Socializing is so much more than nightlife. Feel yourself connected and try different mediums. If you work in photos try drawing or even dancing in your free time. Make sure to set forth boundaries and are spending enough time with yourself before burnout takes over.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
For me, production goes beyond just capturing a shoot—it’s about breathing life into a story. It’s an opportunity to immerse myself in the culture that surrounds us, absorbing and learning from it as I work. Finding the right creative angle is about more than aesthetics; it’s about resonating with people by first cherry-picking your team and sharing something meaningful with the world resonating with the values behind the production’s client.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that shaped my journey are curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to going beyond the expected.
Curiosity has always been a driving force for me. As a naturally curious person—and a New Yorker unafraid to put myself out there—I believe in finding creative ways to connect. If someone isn’t replying to your email, try reaching out on another platform, or even show up at their office if it’s appropriate. In our industry, a LinkedIn application often won’t be enough; sometimes, creativity and persistence in connecting are just as crucial as artistic skills.
Curiosity will also take you on unexpected journeys. A lot of discovery happens simply by doing and staying open to new experiences. Even now, I’m constantly learning, figuring out what resonates with me and what doesn’t.
Finally, I believe life isn’t just about work. The things that make you feel alive outside of work are just as important and can even pave the way for new ideas and insights. I encourage everyone to disconnect and find activities that bring you energy and joy. For me, that’s commuting by bike and taking morning runs or walks. These moments help me reflect, gain new ideas, and feel connected to myself and the world around me. Meeting people and listening to their stories is another way I stay grounded and inspired. Ultimately, knowing yourself—beyond just your work—is key to a fulfilling path.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents taught me was the value of effort and hard work. They made it clear that there are limits; you can’t always get what you want, and often you have to earn it. Even then, sometimes, despite giving it your all, things may not turn out as planned. From them, I learned to prioritize and focus on what’s truly worth my time and energy, recognizing that time is as valuable as money.
They also instilled in me the importance of family and having a strong support system. Talking things out with my family has been essential for me, especially in a fast-paced place like New York. It’s my way of processing experiences and continuing to grow, knowing I have a solid foundation to lean on.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tierraextranany/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casildag/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
