We were lucky to catch up with Julio Rodriguez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Julio , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

To be honest, betting on myself is the biggest risk I’ve ever taken—especially in an industry as uncertain as the one I’m trying to break into. I didn’t come from a privileged background, and choosing to pursue a career in a field where success isn’t guaranteed is both risky and, at times, terrifying.

As the oldest of four, I feel a responsibility to lead by example. For me, that means taking the leap and believing in myself—even when the odds aren’t in my favor. It means chasing a dream with everything I’ve got, not just for myself, but to show my siblings that it’s possible.

We all reach a point in life where we have to make a choice: to play it safe or to take a chance on something we believe in. I’ve made my choice, and I have no intention of wasting it. For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of being part of the film industry. Cartoons had a huge impact on me growing up, and knowing that the people behind those shows once stood exactly where I am now—that’s what keeps me going.

Believing in yourself is powerful. And if you put in the work and stay committed, it pays off.

Julio , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi, I’m Julio Rodriguez. I haven’t broken into the film industry yet, but I know without a doubt that it’s where I belong. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been in love with storytelling—especially through cartoons. I’ve always admired how these shows could be wild and playful on the surface, yet carry deeper, meaningful messages underneath. That ability to teach lessons in a fun, digestible way left a lasting impression on me.

It’s one of the main reasons I started creating content on YouTube—to sharpen my skills as a writer, director, editor, and storyteller. I believe creative expression is vital, especially in an industry where standing out is everything. For me, that edge comes not just from how I tell stories, but from the passion and energy I bring to every project.

You can see that drive in the content I post. With every video, I challenge myself to improve—to push the boundaries of what I can do from pre-production all the way to post. I’ll admit, it’s not always the healthiest mindset, especially with the risk of burnout, but I see it as part of the journey. Constant growth and self-improvement in my work is something I take real pride in. It’s what keeps me going.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

This might sound funny, but one of the most unexpected sources of growth for me has been my grocery store job. While I’m a creative at heart, I still work a “regular” job—and I’ve learned to use it to my advantage. Working at a grocery store has become a surprising networking hub. It’s kind of like the Wild West—you never know who’s going to end up in your line until you start a conversation.

Over time, I’ve used those small moments to build meaningful connections. I won’t pretend it was easy at first—it took confidence and a bit of a salesperson’s mindset to start pitching myself to strangers, but that challenge helped me grow. My interpersonal skills have improved immensely, and I genuinely believe I wouldn’t be where I am now without that experience.

It’s a great reminder that it’s not about where you start, but how you choose to play the hand you’re dealt.

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

For me, it’s always been about the emotional connection. I know I’ve done my job right when I can make someone feel something through my content—especially laughter. There’s something powerful about making people laugh, even if it’s just for a moment.

In this industry, I’ve learned you need thick skin. Whether people are laughing with you or at you, the goal is still the same: to entertain. That’s what I love most—creating something people can enjoy. Whether it’s serious or silly, if someone takes time out of their day to watch what I’ve made, that means the world to me.

It tells me they believe in what I’m doing—and that’s something I’ll never take for granted.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @imjuliorodriguez
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julio-rodriguez-1118b31ba/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@imjuliorodriguez8105