We recently connected with Jose Daniel and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jose, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Even though I wouldn’t say I have completely defeated the imposter in my head because there are always going to be ups and downs, I can say that I have learned a few things along my journey that have helped me have more confidence in myself and reassure me that I deserve all that I have accomplished. Imposter syndrome has been something that I have struggled with for as long as I can remember. I think many people can relate to this insecure voice that tries to show you all the possibilities of things that could go wrong, this uncertainty that tries to convince you that you are not doing enough to accomplish all your goals and dreams. A successful production designer who has worked with well-known celebrities once told me that even Beyonce and Taylor Swift admit that they sometimes feel insecure about themselves. Can you believe that!? You never know what a person is going through. Maybe in their heads they don’t feel confident about themselves and might even look up to you.
The main element that I think fuels imposter syndrome is comparison. It’s ridiculous how sometimes we measure our success or happiness based on other people. Each person has their own path with particular strengths and weaknesses, so the idea that there is a right or wrong timeline for your progress is absurd.
It is important to try to remember all the steps we have taken to be where we are today. To acknowledge all the hardships we endured, celebrate all our victories (even the small ones), and replace our imposter syndrome with a louder, more positive voice in our heads that encourages us to go forward. Our anxiety usually makes us think of a hundred scenarios where things can go wrong for us, but what of all the wonderful things that can happen to us? Why wouldn’t life offer you great experiences? The first step to defeat feeling diminished is to believe good things can happen to you.
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?
From a young age, I have been captivated by the power of imagination and its ability to transcend boundaries. It is a characteristic I greatly value because it has always sparked curiosity about the world around me and helped me express myself through art and storytelling. Growing up in Mexico City, I felt fascinated by film and attached to flavourful stories packed with color and originality. I developed an immense imagination and a hunger to satisfy it. Therefore, I would try to create something of my own or constantly explore whatever I could. Whether it was drawing, doing different crafts, figuring out the components of an object, or inventing characters and designing costumes for them. That same imagination led me to find shelter in sci-fi/fantasy movies with stories that captivated me with their fascinating fictional worlds. I spent my time watching sagas like Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Back to the Future, and Harry Potter.
Later in life, I graduated with a BA in Industrial Design and studied abroad in different countries, where I continued expanding my interests and skills in storytelling. While interning at The Walt Disney Company Mexico, I discovered my passion for Production Design. This opportunity then led me to
work at an event production company designing for clients like Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Studios.
Two years ago, I moved to LA to pursue my dream of becoming a Production Designer in Hollywood. I had the privilege of attending The American Film Institute Conservatory, one of the most prestigious film schools in the world, where I am close to graduating with an MFA in Production Design for film. Production Designers are responsible for projecting the essence of the characters into the environment and in collaboration with the rest of the filmmakers, create captivating spaces that reflect the story of the film. Being a designer also means being a creative problem solver. We have the task of taking words and transforming them into visuals. Sometimes, we have to do this with scarce resources, time constraints, financial limitations, and other setbacks, but at the end of the day, we perform magic and build fantastic spaces.
Relocating to Los Angeles has allowed me to participate in various roles within the Art Departments of eccentric, unconventional projects such as horror and sci-fi films, period pieces, musicals, and conceptual shorts. Throughout this spectacular experience, I also got to meet and work with incredibly talented people who helped me grow as a person and a professional. Now that I am about to finish this rewarding stage at AFI, I feel prepared to begin my professional career as a filmmaker and excited for the new endeavors to come.
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?
The first quality I cherish in myself is being genuine. I have always prided myself on remaining original instead of trying to fit into society’s standards. Having an authentic personality and identity will bring the people, projects, and work that resonate with you while trying to change parts of yourself to adapt to someone else will only project a fake energy and attract the wrong people.
Having a strong sense of selfhood will also create confidence in yourself. I’ve learned that you should always be your first and biggest cheerleader. Even when a challenge seems impossible to overcome, have certainty that you will find ways to solve whatever you set your mind to.
Lastly, I think resilience is the most important quality someone can have to improve themselves and be ahead on their journey. Seeing failure as part of the process to succeed and not as a setback has made me more gentle and graceful with myself. You only fail if you don’t keep trying. Try to view each obstacle as a learning experience and an opportunity to grow.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I would love to collaborate with filmmakers and artists looking to tell unique stories with underrepresented characters. I’m looking forward to developing projects where we shine a light on marginalized communities, on people who struggle to fit in and accomplish their dreams, but who have the power and determination to defeat any obstacle to do it.
Above all, I truly believe that kindness is the most essential quality to have when you work in such a collaborative environment as film. There can be a lot of talent and skill, but not everyone treats people with the empathy and respect they deserve.
Please reach out to me if you are interested in collaborating. I would be more than happy to work with new partners and create amazing things together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://josedaniel.design/
- Instagram: @jose.dan.ask
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
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