We were lucky to catch up with Luqi Zhao recently and have shared our conversation below.
Luqi, thrilled to have you on the platform as I think our readers can really benefit from your insights and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear about how you think about burnout, avoiding or overcoming burnout, etc.
Avoiding burnout has been a continuous learning process that I’ve been practicing. I have been stuck in a cycle of overloading my schedule because of not wanting to miss out on any opportunities. This resulted in packing my schedule with multiple projects and eating into my rest time, weekends, and energy. Recently, my body sent red flags that I wasn’t taking care of myself. I realized I needed to get back into an exercise routine and a more healthy work-life balanced lifestyle. There were chances that I had to talk to mentors about improving my work habits and mindset to advance my career. Their guidance has helped me reassess my approach. I’ve become more selective with projects instead of taking on every opportunity that comes my way. As I find myself caught up with work, I realize the need to prioritize spending quality time with families. For me, planning trips for myself is the most effective way to carve out time to recharge. For the past few years, I have made it a point to plan a long vacation at least once a year to reward myself. Additionally, I plan small events throughout the year to have things to look forward to, which I find encouraging.
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?
I am a professional editor/assistant editor currently based in Los Angeles. I am a member of the Motion Picture Editors Guild and hold an MFA in Film Editing from the American Film Institute Conservatory. I also have a BA in Film Studies from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, including two narrative features, one feature documentary, and numerous shorts.
I am proficient in using a wide range of editing software, including Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Adobe After Effects. I am always looking to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in the field of film editing, as I believe in the importance of constantly improving my skills.
As an editor, I am driven by a passion for thought-provoking storytelling. The films that I want to make are those that can challenge viewers to think critically about the world around them and their experiences, which they can see and feel themselves in the characters or the stories. I am always seeking new opportunities to learn and grow as an editor, and I am excited to see where my career in film editing will take me in the future.
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?
Throughout my journey, I have found that embracing curiosity and willingness to learn have played a crucial role in my growth. Keeping an open mind to finding inspiration from people around me or things I encounter has enriched my creativity, as it can lead to valuable insights and perspectives.
Approaching work with enthusiasm and a positive can-do attitude will make the work process more enjoyable and create good energy. At the same time, it’s also important not to be afraid to communicate your thoughts effectively and respectfully to help create a supportive work environment.
Building strong organizational skills and creating schedules are essential work ethics, as they can produce a stable foundation for the long run and make sure every step you take is solid.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Similar to the Panel Discussion Question about managing work-life balance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.luqizhao.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luqizhao.mili
Image Credits
Anton Shavlik
