Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Isabel Camacho. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Isabel, 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?
As a Latina filmmaker/photographer, it can be difficult at times to keep my creativity alive. Being in the creative world you can feel at times that you are not good enough. The truth is YOU are good enough. As a Latina in the United States, you find inspiration from your culture and how it adapts to another country. It can be scary, but other people want to hear about your experiences and relate to it. I took breaks and watched films, collaborated with other creatives, and experienced moments in my life that have inspired my creativity!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Isabel, but I prefer Chavelita which is a nickname is Mexico for all the Isabels. I am a photographer and filmmaker. My passion for film grew when I was a young and didn’t know how to speak english. I would watch films to escape in them, but I slowly started to fall in love how the behind the scenes of film worked.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
After graduating college last year, and I finally felt confident in my skills. Some things I would love for other inspiring filmmakers or artists to know (that I wish I knew was okay when I was. younger) is that first IT IS OKAY TO FAIL. Do not be scared to fail or do something wrong, literally I know you might hear this a million times, but I was so scared to do anything wrong. This is the only way you will learn. I have messed up so many times either in camera settings or filming something the wrong way. But it is okay because I asked questions after I failed and learned from my mistakes to not do that in future projects. Someone is always out there willing to help you! Always be persistent, even if you think your project is not good enough, go out there, show it off! It is. your film and you did it even if you don’t like it. If you show it to people and they see your thrive, they can help you how to better or even help you on your next project! Last but not least, always be kind. Seriously don’t be a jerk. I have met some wonderful creatives and some big jerks (because they think they are all that.) You never know what other people are going through and make sure to help other creatives.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
I think the hardest challenge for anyone or at least me, is my inner self. I am my hardest critique and I can stop myself from creating projects. At moments I think I am not good enough for this. Then I overcome it, but remembering how much I love this and want this. And knowing I can help other Latinas and Latinos who want to be a creative!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.isabelcamacho.com
- Instagram: @its.chavelita
Image Credits
Risa Cantu Grayson
