We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Washi Taylor. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Washi below.
Washi, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
I think of myself as rather optimistic. Maybe it’s a bit juvenile, but the heroes always win. It may be difficult, and the skies may be dark; but tomorrow always happens. The sun comes up and world still spins.
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?
Cheers! I am a cinematographer, photographer and illustrator who has been doing it since I could hold a pencil. I have also thought that I saw the world just a little differently and it’s a thrill to share that with others! Even more so when I have the pleasure of helping to design a scene or image for someone.
When I was about 16, I was an assistant stage director for one of my church’s Christmas productions. It was a really big affair with fog machines and dancers—the works. As the night went on one of fog machines stopped working properly and wouldn’t respond to it remote triggers. I had to lay on the ground and trigger the fog machines manually on a queue i got via headset. Sounds a bit mundane but in this moment i got see the audience be enchanted as the fog rolled across the stage and the dancers begun their number.
At this time i never really focused on the audience’s actual reaction; not while backstage and certainly not while acting. But that moment changed my life. I saw people get taken away by the magic trick of stagecraft! And from that it let to my interest in filmmaking and photography. Pulling off my little “magic tricks.”
I’m not at liberty to share what all is coming up next but I can say there will be many magical moments in it!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think the most important skills or qualities that serve me are my ability to relate to people, to lead with kindness and to be curious.
The most important thing I ever learned, and I was lucky to learn it early, was to never be so proud that I failed to learn something new. No matter how far you go in your ventures anyone can teach you something new!
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
This is an easy one. My mom. Growing up, it was just her and I, so I had the privilege of watching this powerful woman struggle, and learn, and overcome. She set a remarkable example of how far a strong will, grace and kindness can get you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ArtofWashi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artofwashi?igsh=MWRvaGltYmYzbXV6cg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/washi-taylor-040355206?trk=contact-info
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
