Meet Vic Brown

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vic Brown. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Vic, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?

I’ve definitely encountered my fair share of creativity blocks, both in my work as a video editor and in my photography, which is my true passion.

When those blocks happen, I start by going back to the basics, trusting my process and focusing on the fundamentals. But often, what really breaks the block is a change of scenery. Experiencing something new sparks curiosity and excitement, which in turn fuels my creativity.

I’m fortunate to live in a place where a two-hour drive in almost any direction feels like stepping into a whole new world. A few years ago, while working on a demanding documentary project, I hit a wall creatively. Knowing I needed to reset, I took a spontaneous drive toward the desert and ended up in Bombay Beach, an eccentric, almost surreal community. I spent the afternoon walking around, photographing the landscape and art installations. By the time I got back on the road, I had fresh ideas and a renewed perspective for my doc project.

Sometimes, all it takes is stepping away to come back stronger.

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?

I’m an LA native, raised in South Central Los Angeles in the ‘80s and ‘90s, a time and place that exposed me to everything from video games to gang culture. Even at a young age, I sensed that some of what I saw around me wasn’t right, but I struggled to put those feelings into words. That’s when I turned to art, specifically drawing, as a way to express myself.

It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with storytelling through art. By my late teens, I was introduced to the art of filmmaking and knew I had found my path. I started working freelance production gigs, doing everything from PA work to assisting grip and electric departments. As a PA, I was able to transition from production to post-production, almost as if editing found me. That was the moment my journey as a creative video editor truly began.

Now, with roughly 20 years of editing experience, I’ve worked on documentaries, feature films, commercials, and music videos. Today, as a senior lead editor, I’m doing some of the most impactful work of my career.

Beyond editing, my passion for photography has remained strong. While I love photographing live bands and events, street and candid photography have always been my favorite. Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours capturing the energy of Santa Monica, Venice, and San Francisco. This year, I’m focused on wrapping up projects from two of those locations and releasing my first zine, hopefully coming soon.

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?

Three qualities stand out as being the most impactful in my journey.

First, resilience. A creative journey is rarely a straight path lined with roses. There will be challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. Staying focused and pushing through those rough times is essential.

Second, a commitment to lifelong learning. Never see yourself as a finished product. Growth comes from constantly evolving, refining your craft, and staying curious. I never went to school for editing or photography, I’m entirely self-taught with lots of hours of on-the-job training. The knowledge is out there for anyone willing to seek it, so take advantage of it.

For those starting out, my advice is simple: stay persistent, stay open to learning, and never stop pushing yourself creatively.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my mother did for me was offering her unwavering support in my journey as a creative. I took a path that was far from traditional, one she knew little about, but she recognized my passion and, more importantly, she trusted the person she raised. That trust made all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ivicbrown.com
• Instagram: @skippem
• Linkedin: Check out Vic Brown’s profile on LinkedIn

Image Credits

all photos taken by Vic Brown