We recently connected with Daniela Garcia and have shared our conversation below.
Daniela, 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 try to romanticize everything I do, from the most mundane moments to the big, life-changing ones, and I think that’s what makes life feel more beautiful and keeps my creativity alive.
Music has always been the biggest source of inspiration for me. I’ve never actually learned to play an instrument, though I’ve tried guitar and piano. Still, there’s something about music that has sparked my imagination since I was a kid. I often find myself visualizing storylines and scenes to go along with my favorite songs, which is why I’ve always admired the world of music videos, from the colors to the textures to the locations.
Life itself, and the people I cross paths with, constantly teach me something. I try to take those moments and turn them into something creative.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I recently graduated from Film School at NYFA, and I’ve gradually begun specializing in the Costume Design department. There’s something truly fascinating about fashion, how much it reveals about a character and how essential it is to storytelling. Clothes, color palettes, accessories, and textures all play a vital role in shaping a character and the world they inhabit.
I’m also a Film Director. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved creating stories, directing my little sister, cousins, and friends in home video sketches, editing them on an old Toshiba laptop. Sometimes it was just about capturing the joy of traveling with loved ones, which was reason enough to film something.
In college, I explored directing more seriously, experimenting with ideas that had lived in my head for years. Music has always been a huge influence on me, many of my short films began with a song that sparked a visual storyline. With little more than a few friends, some digital cameras, and a shared passion, we brought these ideas to life. They were low-budget and very indie, but some even made it into small college festivals. I was proud, not just of the work, but of the filmmaker I was becoming.
Although I took a few years away from filmmaking, returning to it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. Film school reignited my passion and pushed me to explore new concepts I didn’t even know I was capable of handling.
I’ve worked across several genres, fantasy, psychological horror, and drama, which has helped me narrow down the kind of stories I want to tell and the voice I want to develop as a Director.
On the other side of the camera, right after graduating from NYFA, I began working on various thesis films and now vertical productions as a Costume Designer. As someone who genuinely loves fashion, I’ve found this role incredibly fulfilling. It’s allowed me to discover a new creative side of myself within the film industry, and every opportunity has contributed to my growth as a filmmaker.
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?
The first quality that comes to mind is having the courage to take a risk. One day, I found myself asking what I was doing with my life and where I wanted to be in five years. I realized that at the very least, I owed it to myself to try pursuing what I believed was my dream, and it turned out it truly was.
There’s nothing more fulfilling than turning your dreams into real, tangible plans. And often, the only thing standing between the two is the bravery to give yourself a chance.
Another key quality is being disciplined with your financial priorities. There are times when you see your friends traveling, shopping, or going out all the time, and it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out. But in those moments, you have to remind yourself that your sacrifices have purpose, and they’re leading you somewhere meaningful.
Lastly, it’s important to stay grateful for everything that surrounds you. Remember how much you once wished to be where you are now. Be patient, because every step you take is part of a bigger path toward your goals. Stay grounded in who you are, appreciate those who support you, and trust that opportunities will keep coming your way.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is someone who’s looking for a creative challenge, someone open-minded, collaborative, and eager to go beyond the expected. I’m most inspired when working with people who want to explore fresh ideas, push boundaries, and create something that feels original, intentional, and a little daring. If you’re looking to do more than just “check the box,” we’ll probably work great together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16592982/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_2_tt_0_nm_8_in_0_q_daniela%2520garcia
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellaaagr/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bydanielagarcia/
Image Credits
Alan Rivas
Anton Sinitsyn
Aaron Soffer
Delmer Menjivar
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