Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joey Santiago. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Joey, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Building up confidence and self esteem is really not easy. It took many many years for me to truly believe in myself. As cliche as it sounds, but once you stop caring, is when you can really feel your confidence blossom. Building confidence takes many errors and mistakes along the way; but not running away from these shortcomings, instead it’s to learn. Looking back at your experiences, the good and the bad, and seeing how can you grow? How can I learn from these moments and become a better person?
Making sure to be nice to yourself. It’s so easy to compare and judge yourself based on others and their physical features, belongings, status, etc.. But this does nothing but put artificial boundaries on you and your mental health. Just learning to let go and continue to be yourself, don’t change yourself to please other people. Please be nice to yourself, learning these things all coincide into gaining more confidence in life. Once you believe in yourself, there is no one thing or person who can stop you or get in your way.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hello everyone! My name is Joey Santiago and I am a photographer here in the DMV area. I mostly focus on street/urban photography and capturing “moments in time” as I like to call it. Being able to capture an imaginative or dreamlike feel to everyday life. There is beauty in everything around us, and in mundane life, this is what I attempt to capture in my photography. As a brand for myself, I try to just be as authentic as possible, I like to provide just a small little escape if I can for people. Or to invite themselves into that little moment in time. I find life really fascinating and beautiful in small moments.
As for anything new I am working on, I am planning to relaunch my YouTube channel to create visual essays and media reviews. I have longed thought about bringing my channel back, but I feel like I can offer a unique perspective on film critique and media literacy. That is hands down my biggest announcement I’d have to offer. I am currently working on a video review of one of my favorite movies of all time, but I am hoping to be uploading and creating content soon!
Link: https://www.youtube.com/@iamjoeysantiago
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
For 3 qualities I’ll keep it very simple. Be patient, be humble, and be yourself. Very original I know right? But hear me out; you know how as a kid your parents or adults in your life would always say cliche sayings and you would roll your eyes? Well, they’re cliches for a reason; it’s because they’re true.
Being patient is simple, do not try to rush your growth or process. Move at the pace you need and don’t compare yourself to what others might be doing. Don’t try to go for the most insanely expensive equipment, just try to learn and find your visual voice. Make many mistakes but learn from there.
Being humble is such an important quality. I’ve met many people in the art field with egos and attitudes that aren’t pleasant. I think that’s just detrimental and discouraging to others. Being an artist is not an easy thing in life, so why attack and bring each other down? There is a difference between being self centered and being confident. Believe in yourself, but not at the cost of others.
And finally, be yourself. Do not try to filter or alter yourself in anyway. Be as authentic as possible in life and don’t change who you are. The moment you change yourself to please others is the moment you are no longer being kind to yourself. I am a huge proponent of mental health and taking care of yourself, you are your own best friend. Learn to love yourself and be at peace. It’s not an easy path, but it’s worth the trials to get there.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Honestly, there are many stories that have impacted my growth and my views of the world. Art imitates life (another cliche, I am on a roll here) and there are absolutely beautiful pieces of literature and stories out there. But there is one that has impacted my life in such an important way and that is Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece.
One Piece has been a part of life for almost 10 years now, and I have never experienced anything in life like it. From the characters, to the world they inhabit, to the themes and motifs that are throughout the story. It truly is a beautifully thought out world and story crated with love and detail. For a while, it was what kept me going through life and very dark places mentally. If you’re willing to commit to a very long journey, I really cannot recommend it enough.
As for most impactful nuggets of wisdom for me it’s the sense of freedom and adventure you can find in life. The progression of the characters and the story just makes you see the joy in life and how being who you are is when you can truly be free. Freedom is such an underrated word in my opinion, but to surround yourself with people you love and be authentic to who you are is what freedom really truly means.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjoeysantiago/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-santiago-b608ba15a/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamjoeysantiago
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi5icRmD0tPrSUzNr13DNRQ
Image Credits
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