We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Steve Garcia. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Steve below.
Steve, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Picture this: I’m back in my college days, working at this high-end steakhouse in Miami. It’s that hectic transition between lunch and dinner service, and I’ve hustled through all the tasks, finally taking a breather at the bar with a Diet Coke in hand.
Suddenly, in rolls the operations manager with a dolly loaded to the brim with liquor for restocking. As he meticulously replenishes the bar and steps back to admire his handiwork, he hits me with this unexpected statement: “You know what, Steve… I’m not the best, but I’m f**ing good!”
I couldn’t help but laugh in agreement, but that moment was like a lightning bolt. It made me pause and realize something profound. I might not ever claim the title of “the best,” but I could certainly be exceptional at what I did. That instant revelation became a guiding light for me. Whether it was a colossal project or the tiniest detail, I resolved to imprint it with my touch because I knew there was greatness in my approach.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My name’s Steve Garcia, and I’m not your average creative. I’ve never quite fit into just one box in the creative realm—I’ve dipped my toes into pretty much every pool. Over my two-decade journey, I’ve worn hats as a graphic designer, motion graphic artist, visual effects artist, editor, field producer, executive producer, set director, art director, creative director, and creative strategist.
It all began with a chance opportunity freelancing at a major Spanish National Television Network. From there, I’ve navigated through Local News, Regional Sports Networks, an Immersive Technology Agency, and even ran my own freelance motion graphics animation and video production studio.
But what truly excites me is this industry’s inclusivity. Networking at conferences like NAB and Adobe Max opened my eyes to the importance of connecting with fellow creatives. We each carry our victories, face our losses, and weave a tapestry of unique experiences, whether glorious or not-so-glamorous. Sharing these stories, learning from each other, that’s where the real magic happens.
Looking ahead to 2024, I have a big plan: launching a YouTube channel. Why? To share my tales and offer guidance through this wild industry. From honing hard skills to mastering those crucial soft skills and everything in between, I aim to humanize our craft. We all grapple with insecurities and chase that shimmering ambition to be great. I hope to impart wisdom from my successful journey and inspire the next generation of designers, artists, and creatives.
So, future viewers, buckle up! I’m inviting you into the conversation, aiming to give back to this vibrant creative community that’s woven into the fabric of my career. Let’s navigate this ride together and shed light on the wonderful chaos that defines our industry.
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?
1. Pay attention! Keep an eye on trends, industry leaders, and evolving technology. Stay consistently informed. When starting a new job, observe how the department functions, communicates, manages files, and handles approvals. Be mindful of your time and efforts, ensuring you never miss a deadline. In essence—remain focused and pay attention.
2. Embrace curiosity. Don’t hesitate to inquire. When your art director requests alterations, delve deeper. Ask for clarification on their reasoning. Is it about achieving balance or adjusting the composition? Perhaps it concerns the choice of typeface. By understanding their perspective, you’ll start to think like an art director, gaining valuable insight into their creative approach. This curiosity fuels your growth within the creative sphere.
3. Be kind. It’s simple, don’t be a jerk.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
“Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon resonates with designers by redefining creativity and inspiration. It encourages the practice of drawing from various influences to fuel originality instead of merely imitating. Kleon advocates for embracing diverse sources of inspiration, allowing designers to find their unique voice by remixing ideas. This approach fosters continuous learning and adaptation, urging designers to transform their creative process by incorporating diverse influences, ultimately fostering innovation and originality.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sgarcia.net
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/steveofx/
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@
stevegarciaofficial
