We were lucky to catch up with Valor Aguilar recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Valor thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. 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 being an artist or a creative right now is a privilege and a blessing; especially when you consider, that most Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. I often feel guilt for not working a regular job, the financial security would be nice, and I understand that its only because of what my parents and grandparents sacrificed that I have the option to do so. But in alignment with positive nihilism, if the world is going to hell in a hand-basket, I would like to burn up while doing something I like at least.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hey, my name is Valor. I’m an artist. People in my industry usually recommend that you specialize in order to market yourself better; but often times, employers will hire me as a sort of one man animation production team, though I have worked on projects where that is not the case. I typically freelance for non profit organizations, dealing in education or political activism.
I got into animation because these are the only marketable skills I really have. Well, that’s not true. I could have been a nurse or a doctor, but I didn’t want to stay in school for that long. I also didn’t have the money.
Lately, its been very trendy to be inclusive and diverse, so I’ve been able to find work as I’m trans, broke, and a POC. But also because I do good work.
To be real though, I love storytelling, and its saved my life many times over. I feel its a spiritual thing, one of the core elements of being human and alive. Still, we live in a capitalist society, so I gotta make money somehow.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about how we view art as a product. Something to be bought and sold, mass produced. I think that’s why a lot of non-creatives have a hard time understanding its value. Especially in a world so inundated with images and advertisements. When AI can make things that look just as good or even better.
I think we need to rediscover the spirituality of art. We need to fall in love with crafting again, with human beings.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
I really like the 1988 movie “The Adventures of Baron Munchausen” by Terry Gilliam. It is a fantastic movie in the most literal sense. Not only is it visually appealing, and a masterpiece of cinema, it is timeless in its message of the power of narrative and comedy. The Baron is a mental model for us all in a time when hate, intolerance, and violence seem overwhelmingly present; laughter, silliness, and a certain level of romanticism are essential to stop yourself from giving in to the fear that bureaucracy perpetuates. As Sally said to the Baron at the end of the movie, “ It’s not just a story, is it?”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://valor.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valor.rola/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valor-aguilar-964664139/
- Other: Tiktok: @valor.rola
Image Credits
Valor Aguilar