We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ausar Stephens a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ausar, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

The moment I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally wasn’t glamorous or triumphant—it was raw. I was in my mom’s basement, back in my hometown after trying to build a life in Atlanta. The weight of failure was crushing. I had watched my friends step into careers they were proud of while I floundered, my degree in visual arts feeling like a dead end. I sat there, alone, replaying every decision that led me to that basement, every moment I had quit on something I once believed in. I wondered if this time would be any different.

Atlanta had been my last big push. I’d thrown myself into a project called Free Empathy, asking 100 strangers one question: “What does music mean to you in one word?” The answers were transformative. Strangers shared raw, vulnerable glimpses of their lives, and I realized how deeply I loved talking about music—the way it connects us, how it shapes who we are. But life got in the way, and when I moved back home, I packed those interviews away like an abandoned dream.

Sitting in that basement, I told myself: One more chance. One last shot at this creative life. I grabbed a piece of paper and, without thinking too hard, I drew a planet. It was rough and imperfect, but to me, it represented possibility. A world I could build from scratch. That drawing became the foundation of Spacial. The name itself reflected my love for space—both literal and metaphorical—the vast unknowns, the infinite potential, and the room to grow. I decided this new venture would focus on music, a natural evolution of the questions I’d asked back in Atlanta. But instead of asking others, I’d explore my own answers through video essays.

That night, I traced that planet into a logo and uploaded it to YouTube. It felt fragile but exciting, like planting a seed in barren soil. Looking back now, I see how that moment of despair became a turning point. It wasn’t just about starting a channel—it was about reclaiming my purpose. Music analysis became my way of bridging the gap between who I was and who I wanted to become.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Ausar Stephens, also known as Spacial. I’m a video editor, storyteller, and content creator passionate about crafting bold, impactful narratives that capture attention and inspire. My journey began in a moment of uncertainty, sitting in my mom’s basement, where I decided to give content creation one last shot. I drew a planet on a piece of paper—symbolizing a fresh start—and it became the logo for my YouTube channel, Spacial. The name reflects my love for space and the infinite potential of storytelling.

From the start, I set a challenge for myself: create 100 videos and make each one 1% better than the last. That commitment not only transformed my skills but also became the foundation of my career. Over time, my dedication to growth led to collaborations with prominent YouTubers like FDSignifier, Charisma on Command, and 19 Keys from Earn Your Leisure, helping their videos reach millions of viewers.

In addition to client work, I’ve poured my heart into personal projects, telling the stories of artistic growth from some of my favorite and most inspiring artists—visionaries like Tyler the Creator, Daniel Caesar, and SZA, who all paved their own unique paths to success. My videos explore the struggles and triumphs of their creative journeys, aiming to inspire viewers to embrace their own potential.

My approach is distinctive: I treat music as a character in my edits, using techniques like scoring, layering stems, and rhythmic pacing to craft emotional arcs that resonate deeply. Whether it’s through a personal documentary or a client project, my goal remains the same: to tell stories that captivate, connect, and inspire.

Ultimately, I want to be the person you call when you need a story told in an impactful and bold way—one that captures as many eyes and inspires as many people as possible. That’s the journey I’m on, and every project brings me closer to that vision.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goals in life aren’t tied to any awards, a numerical milestone, or any type of outside validation. For me it’s about becoming the best storyteller I can possibly be and telling the best story I can possibly tell that inspires as many people as possible.

Id be happy if I lived a life where I could say I’ve fulfilled that purpose. Every project I take on is rooted in creating narratives that connect, inspire, and resonate with people on a deeper level.

I believe that any artist who can see further than their peers must recognize that they stand on the shoulders of their inspirations and creative projects that came before them. For me, this means paying that feeing forward by staying true to the inspiration I authentically embody and share.

Now, if I had to tie my goal to a metric, it would be the impact I leave behind—knowing that I’ve inspired the next writer, video editor, or storyteller to create something great, just as I’ve been inspired by those who came before me.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

One resource that has significantly impacted my thinking is an older episode of the Duncan Trussell Family Hour podcast. In the intro, Duncan Trussell described depression as a battle—a war to be fought. As someone who has dealt with seasonal depression for many years, his words struck a chord with me. That speech lit a true flame inside of me that hasn’t gone out since the first time I heard it.

Not only that, but I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since—the sense of hope and clarity he gave me during such a dark time. And when I say chasing, I mean I want to give that same feeling, that same authenticity, and that same realness to others through my work. Whether it’s through a video, an edit, or a story I tell, my goal is to create something that lights a flame for someone else, just as his words did for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://spacial.productions/client-work
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ausar.png/profilecard/?igsh=MXhydHl3ZWUwbWltMQ==
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@realspacial?si=m9RSM9zsuldhWMaX
• Other: [email protected]