We recently connected with Daniela Almanza and have shared our conversation below.
Daniela, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most meaningful project I worked on was Together Forever, a drama/thriller short film three classmates and I produced for a film festival my senior year of high school (2018). It began with me spitting out a story idea and going back and forth with the 2nd writer to develop the plot. This was our big chance to create something great since it would be our last short film project in the audio video class. We were hungry to get first place at the competition. Shooting the film was the best part because we had the privilege to leave campus during school hours. I felt so cool/edgy walking into a local high school meeting other students. We shared so many laughs and great memories through it all. I unintentionally slipped into playing the supporting lead role which challenged my fear of being in front of a camera. It was also my first time taking the lead as an editor. I was able to take on the roles of being a writer, actor, and editor which not only helped me gain confidence in my creative ability but it granted me with the magical experience of watching our unique story come to life. I was completely satisfied and proud. The film festival took place at a movie theater in our city! We got to meet our competitors and judges after watching all the films on the big screen. It was sensational seeing myself on screen and hearing the audience react at the most chilling moment in the film. The biggest gift and surprise was being handed not one but two awards! We were so happy and ended up fighting over who would take the awards home haha. It was meaningful because I took leadership and trusted myself even though I was afraid to fail. I showed myself what I was capable of and had so much fun while doing it.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Daniela Almanza, also known as Daniela Wolf. I am a 24-year-old video director, beginner photographer and digital creative. I got into the Dallas film scene in 2018 when I got heavily inspired by Cole Bennett and Iliana Aragon. I began shooting video interviews for local rappers/musicians in the Mesquite/Dallas area and published them on my YouTube channel. In 2019, I transitioned into directing and filming my own music videos. After years of not putting anything out, I’m putting my Sony to use and satisfying that itch of curiosity I had for photography. I still have a passion for film and want to say that I still have so much to learn.
I offer digital portrait photography sessions with photo editing: individual, couple, family, graduation, events and creative sessions. I also offer film and video editing services: music video, promo, recap, short reels and passion projects. I make the effort to understand what clients are looking for and I do my best to make them feel comfortable during shoots. I love hyping up my clients. I always want to give the client more because I want to! I’m most proud of having the courage to step back into my creativity again. I really want people to know that I do my best and more when it comes to a shoot/project. I am on a healing journey and am seeking to create opportunities and make great connections with other creatives. Note: I am thinking about making a separate Instagram account specifically for my film/photography services but feel free to check out my current page. You can find my videos on my YouTube channel link.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is connecting with myself and the community I work with. I love meeting new people and creating a fun experience when working together! Art brings people together and allows us to be vulnerable in special and memorable ways. I never regret creating something because it teaches me more about myself. I gain confidence and trust in myself. Being an artist means letting your guard down over and over again. It’s really an honor to be able to express myself creatively and I don’t know if it’s just me but I feel like everyone has that passion in them (to create).
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I built my audience by publishing and sharing my videos on my Instagram page. This was before Reels were a thing – It feels crazy to say that because so much has changed haha. At the beginning, I was releasing an artist interview video every week or two. When I transitioned to music videos, I was uploading 1-2 times a month on my YouTube channel. A fun fact is that a good amount of my videos were done for free because I was determined to learn my craft and to create a portfolio. Creating my own opportunities, sharing all my work on Instagram and being consistent drew people to my page. I had so many supporters who would share my work as well. Another big thing that helped my audience grow was attending local music shows and other events that brought me face to face with other artists/creatives in the area. Making those connections and collaborating made a difference!
I would love to give my advice. My advice is to be yourself. It’s great to be inspired by other people but don’t be afraid to step into your own light. I definitely was. I reached a point early in my career where I felt seen and praised but I still felt insecure in who I was. I liked being liked and I was afraid to shift or to be different. Strive to be your true self! That’s the best thing you can do. Save yourself the energy and trust that you will attract your people/audience. The second thing would be to be consistent. If you want people to pay attention, you have to make yourself be known. Show up as much as you can. Actively publish your art, show your face online, meet with other artists. Find or create a content plan that works for you. Last thing I have to say is be patient. Be patient with your goals and with yourself. Remember to enjoy what you do and don’t get lost in other things that don’t really matter. Focus and have fun! Period!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @dannielaalmanza
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DANIELAWOLF
