We recently connected with Adam Conte and have shared our conversation below.

Adam , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

When I first started making videos, the most valuable thing I did early on was not being afraid to just make things happen. I didn’t have my own camera, homework, or a set curriculum. I would produce shoots, come up with ideas, and just go for it. I wasn’t afraid to make something that might ‘fail’ because I knew I needed more practice and repetitions.

I have been very lucky to have met so many other creatives who took me under their wing and taught me what they know. But what I realized is that a lot of them were sensitive about putting their name on projects and waited for perfect opportunities. I knew that was something I couldn’t do.

I wanted to learn fast because I started making videos a bit later in life, at 27 years old, during my senior year in an Exercise Science program. It was a complete pivot in my career path, so I knew I needed to learn quickly, and that’s why I did what I did.

To learn quickly, I just kept creating. Every project, even if it wasn’t perfect, was a stepping stone to bigger, better things. I didn’t post everything, but I definitely put in the work to get as much practice as possible.

Adam , 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?

Hello, I’m Adam Conte from Glendale, Arizona. I’m Filipino, Armenian, Native American, and Italian, and culture has always been a significant part of my life. When I started creating videos, I knew I wanted to express culture through a digital lens.

I’m most proud of starting my journey to elevate Native American content, ensuring it’s represented positively on social media. I’ve been part of many projects that have elevated Native American imagery and culture, and I plan to continue this important work. My experiences traveling to different reservations and working with various tribes have given me a unique perspective on what we need to do in our generation to keep the next one proud and excited about culture.

As a commercial director, film director, and content creator, I provide clients with a storytelling-based approach to branding and content creation. I’m easy to work with, business-minded, and a team player dedicated to making things happen.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Growing up, I always thought I wanted to be in the health industry. I was studying Exercise Science, on track for physical therapy school, and had spent years learning chemistry, biology, and biomechanics. But in my senior year, I took a video class that completely changed my life. That class opened my eyes to how videos can evoke emotions and tell powerful stories. I was hooked from the start, learning and practicing everything I could, I was learning everything from Youtube at the time.

I decided then that I wanted to elevate Native American content through a digital lens, and I never looked back. Some people thought I was crazy to pivot my entire career at 27, but it felt right. Now, I’m a film director, commercial director, and content creator who has worked with many tribes and visited numerous reservations, doing exactly what I set out to do. This path has given me immense fulfillment, and unlike some others who experience burnout, I stay motivated knowing I’m making a meaningful difference in Native American communities. It’s not just content; it’s about keeping our culture alive and inspiring future generations.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

When I first started making videos, I moved to a state where I didn’t know anyone except for my cousin. One weekend, he needed help moving, and my future business partner was there, too. Even though he had sprained his hamstring the night before and couldn’t help much, he still showed up. As the day went on, we started talking and realized our missions aligned. We decided to start a business called “The Arrow’s Journey,” which began as a web series highlighting Native American youth and their accomplishments. It eventually expanded to gala videos, highlight reels, and contracts with various tribes and reservations.

What contributed to our success was our complementary strengths: he excelled at negotiations, sales, and marketing, while I focused on content creation and storytelling. This allowed us to avoid the burnout that many new business owners face. It’s funny how a chance meeting while helping my cousin move led to a life-changing decision and a fulfilling partnership.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adam_conte01/

Image Credits

Emmie Edmo
Erin Celine
Samuel Jake