We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Josh Gomez-Gaerlan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Josh, appreciate you joining 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?

Oh gosh, I have this thought every day at least once a day. I had it this morning as I made my coffee! As a filmmaker who’s barely starting their journey out, there are days where I sit and really think to myself, why did I choose this lifestyle? It’s hard. Being a creative is hard and not just from a monetary stand point but from a mental one too. There are days where that’s really what gets to me because I struggle with writers block/creative blocks a lot. and I tend to get really in my head about my work since I’m such a perfectionist.

But on days where I’m able to create and I’m able to make things with other people, it’s the most euphoric feeling. There is something so fulfilling and joyous about being able to create something and have others create with you. And to get that perfect shot or write that perfect line and have everyone love it as much as you do, there’s no better feeling.

I used to work a 9-5 and I’ve worked a lot of corporate jobs that were super consistent but monotonous and it just wasn’t for me. Ultimately, I am happier as an artist/creative. I love film more than anything and to be working with it and in it to any degree is just an honor.

Josh, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a queer, Latina filmmaker born and raised in Los Angeles, California. It’s funny because I fought going into film for so long. I’ve always loved it but I grew up a rebel without a cause, so when my mom (who’s always worked with people who are in the industry) tried to tell me to go into film I was absolutely against the idea. I wanted to go into fashion before anything else. But I guess what’s meant for you eventually finds you and I think it was after watching Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind for the first time that I kind of took a step back and was like “no yeah I wanna do this”, and I’ve been here ever since.

I primarily focus on Directing and Sound Design but work in production design and art direction a lot too. I’ve done everything from large scale sets to commercials to just personal projects to make myself and my friends laugh. I like to think of myself as a Jack of all trades; you can show me something once and I’ll pick it up almost immediately. There have been situations on set where I’ve been brought on as a PA and ended up set dressing and art directing or learning how to script supervise.

Overall what I’m most proud of is not only my work ethic but my ability to understand people. I think being a good director requires a sense of empathy and emotion that a lot of people lack and I’m thankful I’m able to understand most folks and make them feel seen.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Support small artists and creators and share their work. Support your friends the way you support your favorite musician or actor and not only encourage them to create but offer to help! I think people think the only way to support artists is through money and while thats of course one of the best ways, moral support really goes a long way too! A simple repost of a poster on a social media website can go so far. Like I know for me, it means the world to me when my friends want to get involved in the projects I do, either as an extra in the background of a scene or helping me spread the word about my project and telling their friends about it.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

It sounds really cheesy but the most rewarding aspect of being a filmmaker for me is the ability to connect with others. Whether its my work connecting with someone else or me connecting with my favorite films, the fact that as humans we’re able to understand each other and share common stories and emotions is just so beautiful.

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