Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Federico Velez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Federico, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?
My first dollar as a creative came from Fiverr, where I landed my first gig as a video editor. To be honest, the work itself wasn’t the most exciting—I was editing YouTube videos for a guy who made movie recap content, cutting down full feature films into tight 10-minute summaries with a voiceover. It was pretty straightforward, nothing too creative, but for me, it was huge. I was actually getting paid to edit, and that feeling was exciting.
From there, things started picking up. More clients came in, and I slowly began to value my work more. As my confidence grew, so did my ambition—I started shooting my own projects, experimenting, and eventually reaching out to creatives I admired. That led to some incredible opportunities, getting connected with people I once looked up to and actually working for them.
That first gig may not have been the most thrilling project, but it was the first step. It showed me that I could make a living doing what I love, and I haven’t looked back since.
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?
I’m Federico Vélez, a cinematographer, editor, and visual storyteller passionate about crafting compelling narratives through film. I initially started as an editor, working mainly on client projects—cutting, refining, and shaping content for brands, artists, and social media creators. But as I began shooting more, I quickly became obsessed with cinematography—not just the cameras, but everything that goes into creating powerful imagery, from lighting to lens choices to post-production processes like color grading and finishing.
Today, I work as a freelance Director of Photography, videographer, and editor, collaborating on a variety of projects ranging from commercial work to narrative films, branded documentaries, and music videos. I’ve had the privilege of working with high-profile clients such as Cordae, BET Awards, Dusse, Empire Records, and Sail GP, as well as shooting and editing independent films and passion projects that allow me to push my creativity further.
Beyond my freelance work, I’m also an Ambassador for Runway ML, where I explore and experiment with AI-powered creative tools for video editing, VFX, and content creation. AI is undoubtedly the future of the industry, and I’m excited about the efficiency and new creative possibilities these tools bring. I’m also part of Secret Level, the world’s first native AI production company, where I continue to explore how AI can revolutionize filmmaking workflows.
What sets me apart is my adaptability and my ability to bridge different aspects of filmmaking—understanding both the technical and creative sides, from pre-production planning to post-production finishing. Whether I’m behind the camera or in the editing suite, I bring a sharp eye for detail, a passion for storytelling, and a deep understanding of how visuals can elevate a project.
I take pride in the work I’ve done, but even more so in how far I’ve come—starting from small freelance gigs to now working alongside some of the people I once looked up to. For potential clients and collaborators, I want them to know that I approach every project with dedication, innovation, and a drive to create something truly impactful. Whether it’s a commercial, music video, or independent film, my goal is always to bring a vision to life in the most compelling way possible.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I think the most important resource is actually yourself. At the end of the day, you are the only one responsible for your success—whether that’s reaching out to people, sending emails, asking for help, or just taking the steps necessary to move forward. No one is going to do it for you. I wish I had fully realized earlier how much power I had over my own path.
It’s really easy to get distracted or fall into the mindset of waiting for opportunities to come to you, but the truth is, you have to make them happen. If you want to work with someone, reach out. If you want to learn something, find a way to do it. If you don’t know how to start, ask. Taking action, even in small ways, creates momentum.
I’ve learned that it’s not about having the perfect timing or the perfect opportunity—it’s about being proactive and putting yourself in situations where good things can happen. The more you take initiative, the more doors you open for yourself. Your future is entirely in your hands, and the sooner you embrace that, the faster you’ll move toward your goals.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is the ability to express myself and share that with others. There’s something really special about taking an idea, a vision, or even just a feeling and bringing it to life—whether it’s to inspire, help others, or simply as a form of self-expression. Creativity is such a personal thing, but when you put it out into the world, it connects with people in ways you might not even expect.
Beyond that, the idea of being able to make a living through creativity—turning something so personal into a career—is incredible. It’s not always easy, but the fact that I can create, tell stories, and bring ideas to life while also building a future around that is something I’ll never take for granted.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.federicovelez.com/
- Instagram: @fedevelz
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fedevelez/
