We recently connected with Zaya Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Zaya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I think I always knew a typical 9-5 wasn’t for me. I exist the way I am because of my creative passion, and my persistence to make that something livable for me. As I have gone through the stepping stones of my career as a creative I have questioned conforming to the typical experience of a regular job. Times get hard, and slow months go by. That’s when I really have considered it, but I remember why I am doing this. I am doing this for myself, young and old, to feel the pursuit of passion and art. I could never truly be fulfilled in a regular job, especially considering the creative alley my brain has always been drawn to. The beauty of being a creative is the trials. You are always learning and experiencing, and that’s what I want.

Zaya, 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 freelance videographer and PA. I love crafting videos and being on sets. Creating something beautiful that I am excited about is the most exhilarating feeling. I love honing in to the beauty of life and emulating that in my work. I’ve always been creating since I was a kid, from kids toy videos all the way to makeup videos in my pre teen years. The video program at my local high school was what really drew me in to all of this though.

I’ve always loved storytelling through visuals and influencing others, and this caught my eye. I fell in love with it, which brought me to my conclusion. This is what I am doing for the rest of my life, no matter what. I loved the idea of directing, being a DP, freelancing, literally everything. What makes me different is my eagerness to try everything and put that energy into my work. I can’t help but be proud of where I have gotten, but I am more excited about where I can go. The sky is the limit, and to my core I want to create and be a part of all that I can. My dad has always been my #1 supporter, and has always encouraged me to do what I love.

My goal is to make things feel cinematic, including ads and social media posts. I want everything to feel special. I love being on sets as well because I can help be a part of a larger project that I may not be able to tackle all on my own. I yearn to create.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

My most rewarding aspect is the feeling I can give to others and myself when I create. My favorite work is the work that makes me feel something. When I am creating with others, I love the new connections and bonds that rewards you after everything. I love meeting people and seeing how we can all be affected is so rewarding,

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Supporting artists and creatives means being kind, doing your best, paying their real worth, and lifting each other up. People can quickly underestimate the work that goes into everything artists and creatives do. If society can truly appreciate it, things can thrive immensely. In the creative and artistic community, it is so important to support each other. Constructive criticism, treating each other with respect, and ALWAYS being kind are key components.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zayacreativez/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zaya-johnson-15a539248?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

Image Credits

Ethan Decker and Gavin White and Miguel Mendoza