Meet Garrett Rawlings

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

Garrett , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I truly believe that discovering your purpose comes from putting yourself out there and trying new things. That said, I also know for a fact that your purpose can—and often does—find you in ways that feel completely natural. However, without the willingness to explore and lean into those experiences, I don’t think anyone can fully grasp or fulfill their passion and purpose.

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

I’m a Cinematographer and Photographer based in Northern Utah, specializing in brand work. I’ve been in this space for the past three years, ever since graduating high school. Creating—and more specifically, visual storytelling—has always been a deep passion of mine. I can still remember watching full-length skateboard parts on repeat as a kid, subconsciously studying the pacing, visuals, and sound that brought each story to life.

Now, at the beginning of my career, that same passion has really had the chance to blossom. As I continue to grow, I’m excited to take a bigger step into filmmaking and narrative storytelling. I’m incredibly grateful—and honestly, beyond blessed—that things have come together so quickly.

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?

Let’s start with skills. If you’re just starting out, the truth is—you don’t know much. And that’s actually to your advantage right now. It means you’re open. You have space to absorb so much more than someone already locked into their own methods or creative process.

I remember when I first started—my mind felt like a sponge. I became obsessed, and that hunger to learn and improve helped me grow my skills quickly. One of the best things you can do is find a handful of great creators, directors, or artists—whatever you want to call them—and really study their work.

This naturally ties into knowledge. As your understanding deepens, so will your skill set. But don’t forget to try things your own way, too. Don’t get stuck idolizing others or relying on them to hand you a process. Build your foundation with inspiration from others, but let your own experiences shape your path.

One key quality you’re going to need is grit. Grit is what carries you through the moments when you feel stuck, lost, or even ready to quit. As much as I love being a cinematographer, there are days I wonder if I’m really cut out for it. That’s when grit kicks in and reminds me—those feelings are temporary.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

This question really hits home for me. Over the past year, I’ve felt the weight of breaking into a new category of filmmaking, if you will. It’s been more demanding, definitely more stressful—but also far more rewarding.

During these past few months, I’ve had a mantra written throughout my home: “Look inward, and less outward.” In today’s world, I truly believe a lot of the stress in the creative space comes from constantly looking outward—comparing our work, our progress, our lives.

As passionate creatives, our work often feels like an extension of ourselves. So when we compare it—or worse, when we feel it’s being judged—it can become toxic really fast.

This year, I’ve learned to step back more. As much as I love the grind, I’ve realized, especially looking back a year or so ago, that it was holding me back from growing in certain areas—both personally and creatively.

Practicing gratitude and recognizing how blessed I am to even be in a space I’m this passionate about has made a huge difference. It’s helped me keep the overwhelming emotions in check and given me more space to grow in a healthy way.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

All images are mine.

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