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

Alright, Carlos thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

My creative journey began early, writing songs at school, rap battling friends on the bus, and making homemade music videos with my family to our favorite songs. I’d also write short novels —continuations of my favorite novels and even original works. In high school, I discovered music production through FL Studio, which felt like a perfect blend of my love for music and technology. From creating beats to vlogging field trips and experimenting with creative storytelling, each medium gave me a new way to express myself. Most recently, I picked up photography during a solo trip to Japan, where immersing myself in a new environment inspired me to learn quickly.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change the timing of my journey—it’s all unfolded as it was meant to. Every creative pursuit has arrived at the right moment, and I’ve learned to trust that process. The most essential skill I’ve developed is self-forgiveness. Early on, I judged myself harshly, doubted my abilities, and fixated on perfection. Over time, I learned that growth comes from showing up and creating consistently, even when the results aren’t perfect. It’s about closing the gap between your taste and your skill, one project at a time.

One of the biggest obstacles I faced was my own limiting beliefs—thinking I lacked the tools or experience to create at the level I wanted. But art is about expression, not perfection. I watched Steve Lacy’s TED Talk, where he talked about creating Grammy-nominated music using just his iPhone. His “bare maximum” approach—doing more with less—changed my perspective, teaching me to make the most of what I have.

Carlos, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a multidisciplinary creative specializing in photography, videography, music production, songwriting, and social media strategy/management. My main goal is to help clients materialize their vision in whatever multimedia form best serves their goals. Whether that means creating dynamic visuals, producing an engaging soundtrack, or crafting a cohesive social media campaign, I work closely with each client to ensure their ideas are transformed into tangible, impactful results.

What sets me apart is my dedication to both the craft and the client. I live by the philosophy that the way you do anything is how you do everything. That belief drives me to approach every project with the same level of care, precision, and passion I would bring to my personal work. I see each project as a collaboration—your vision becomes my vision, and I treat it as an extension of myself. This meticulous and client-centered approach ensures that every deliverable is not just high-quality but deeply aligned with your brand or goals.

For potential clients and fans, I want you to know that I value creativity, intentionality, and authenticity in everything I do. My work is about bringing stories and ideas to life, whether it’s through a visual campaign, a musical composition, or a social media presence that resonates with your audience. I’m proud of my ability to combine creative sensibilities with a professional mindset, delivering results that are innovative, polished, and leave every client and collaborator fully satisfied.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I’m a believer that things find you are the right time. That said, there are some resources I highly recommend. The first one is Rick Rubin’s book The Creative Act. It’s an inspiring guide that reframes creativity as an essential and ongoing process, helping me better understand and harness it in my work. For anyone interested in editing and videography, the Digital Spaghetti YouTube channel is invaluable. It goes beyond technical tutorials, showcasing creators’ unique approaches by breaking down how they edited specific videos. It offers incredible insight into the thought processes and techniques behind their work, making it perfect for refining your own storytelling and editing style.

I’d also recommend Vanity Fair’s Director Scene Breakdown YouTube series, where directors break down some of their most iconic shots and scenes. It’s a masterclass in visual storytelling, providing a rare look into the creative decisions that bring unforgettable moments to life.

Lastly, I’d encourage any aspiring creative to find artists or creators in their field who inspire them, then take a deep dive into their entire body of work. Learn why their work resonates with you, study their techniques, and immerse yourself in their journey. Understanding what draws you to certain creators can help you develop your own unique perspective and elevate your craft.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I prefer a very practical approach to life and spirituality, which is why I tend to gravitate toward books that offer studies and application tips. Two books that have had a significant impact on my management style and overall life philosophy are Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.

Psycho-Cybernetics was transformative for me, as it focuses on understanding and improving the relationship you have with yourself. By shifting the way we view ourselves, the book teaches how to reprogram our mindset, which ultimately affects our behavior and success. It gave me a clear, actionable framework for building a positive self-image and taking more intentional actions toward my goals.

Following that, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People expands from the individual to the world at large, providing practical tools for effective time management, personal accountability, and productive relationships with others. These resources have shaped my perspective and day-to-day approach to both creative work and broader entrepreneurial efforts. They’ve taught me that with the right mindset, daily actions, and relationships, you can create the life and success you desire.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://donxcarlo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donxcarlo/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlosnguyen808/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DONXCARLO