We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joshua Sauceda. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joshua below.

Joshua, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

I’ve always been deeply drawn to storytelling, and my work as a photographer and filmmaker had already given me a solid foundation in capturing narratives. But I wanted to take it further, to create a platform that not only showcased art and culture but also delved into the stories behind them, offering refreshing perspectives that are often overlooked. The initial spark was followed by an intense period of research and ideation. I spent countless hours sketching out what ARCHIV3 could be, imagining the types of stories we would tell and the impact we could have. This phase was all about dreaming big and letting my creative instincts run without constraints. From there, it was time to get practical.

The first major step was assembling the infrastructure with my co-founders who had shared my vision. This was crucial because the scope of what I wanted to achieve required diverse skills and perspectives. With a core team in place, we began to lay the groundwork. We needed a solid base, so we focused on setting up our website and social media channels, ensuring they reflected our unique brand identity. At the same time, we started developing content, reaching out to artists, musicians, and technologists for interviews and features. It was a tornado of activity, but seeing my ideas take shape was illuminating. Once we had developed the blueprint for our branding, conducted our first series of features, hard launched with a flagship event on Wall-Street, narrowed out internal communications, and secured our initial sponsors and partners, I reached out to contacts in my network. After pitching the concept, I was fortunate to find incredibly talented and passionate contributors who were excited to bring ARCHIV3 to life.

In the early months, I found myself wearing many hats—interviewer, editor, marketer, and manager. It was demanding, but it also allowed me to understand every aspect of the business deeply. I learned to pivot quickly, adapt to new situations, and make strategic decisions on the fly. This hands-on approach was invaluable in those formative stages. As we grew, we expanded our departments and columns, bringing in new voices and perspectives. One of the most exciting developments as of lately has been the expansion of our culture column to cover niches like the sex industry, fashion, cannabis, and activism. These are areas with rich, invested communities, and we’re passionate about giving them the coverage they deserve. Throughout this venture, collaboration and community have been at the heart of ARCHIV3. Our success is a collective effort, and I’m immensely proud of the team we’ve built and the stories we’ve told. Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come from that initial idea. The process of turning a dream into reality is complex and challenging, but it’s also deeply fulfilling. And while there’s always more to achieve, I’m excited about the future.

Joshua, 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?

I am a versatile Creative Director and media producer, deeply passionate about storytelling through a multitude of formats. My expertise spans multimedia projects, scriptwriting, directing, visual engineering, camera operation, editing, and social content curation. At my core, I am a storyteller, captivated by the process of crafting narratives, conducting exhaustive research, sculpting scripts, and coordinating the various facets of production. My journey began over a decade ago with a love for documenting life through photography and film. Initially, these were hobbies that allowed me to express myself creatively, but near 2020, I made the decision to transform this passion into a profession.

Since making that leap, my skills and experiences have grown, opening doors to contracts, jobs, and opportunities across multiple industries. I fell in love with storytelling and curating visuals for brands, artists, and communities, and I haven’t looked back since. I’ve created impactful visuals for socially and culturally relevant communities across the globe. My work has been featured on esteemed platforms such as Forbes Japan, and I’ve had the honor of being interviewed for Bold Journey Magazine and judging competitions for Scholastic Inc. These experiences underscore my prowess as a documenter in the art, culture, and experimental technology domains.

For potential clients and supporters, I want them to know that my work is driven by a love for storytelling and a commitment to excellence. I am passionate about what I do, and I strive to create content that not only informs and entertains but also inspires and empowers. Whether through my magazine, digital platforms, or multimedia projects – my desire is to make a meaningful impact. The inspiration I draw from consistently collaborating with other artists has been an essential part of this journey, continually fueling my creativity.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One aspect that non-creatives might struggle to understand is the intensity and all-consuming nature of pursuing a career in the arts. When you’re deeply passionate about art and determined to make a living from it, your life can become a whirlwind of constant activity. It’s not just about creating; it’s also about networking, producing, marketing, and managing various aspects of your work around the clock. This often means a staggered social life where maintaining regular contact with friends and family becomes challenging.

Imagine being in the midst of four productions, preparing for two exhibitions, and handling all your bookings simultaneously. In these moments, you might have to delay answering texts, miss social gatherings, or say no to spontaneous plans just to ensure you meet your deadlines and maintain the quality of your work. It can feel like being in a bootcamp, where the focus and dedication required are relentless. The degree to which this affects one’s social life can vary, but it ultimately depends on how much you want it. The drive to succeed in the creative industry often means making sacrifices in other areas of life. Finding a balance is crucial, but it can be incredibly challenging when you’re juggling multiple projects and responsibilities.

This isn’t to say that creatives don’t value their relationships; on the contrary, they cherish them deeply. It’s just that the demands of the profession can sometimes overshadow personal time. It’s about making strategic choices to prioritize what’s necessary to achieve your goals. This dedication can be hard for non-creatives to fully grasp, as it requires a level of commitment and passion that permeates every aspect of life. Understanding this can be enlightening for those outside the creative field. It sheds light on the immense effort and dedication that goes into turning a passion into a profession. It highlights the behind-the-scenes hustle that fuels the art, the stories, and the visuals that people enjoy and appreciate. So, the next time you see a stunning piece of art, an impactful film, or an engaging story, remember the countless hours and sacrifices that went into creating it. For creatives, it’s a labor of love, and despite the challenges, it’s a journey they wouldn’t trade for anything.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I’d be happy to share the story of how I built my audience on social media, along with some advice for those just starting out.

Building an audience on social media is a revolving door that requires consistency, authenticity, and a deep understanding of your target audience. For me, it started with a clear vision of what I wanted to share with the world and a genuine passion for storytelling through art, photography, and film.

Initially, my social media presence was an extension of my creative work. I used platforms like Instagram to showcase my photography and film projects, focusing on high-quality visuals and compelling narratives. Here are some key steps and strategies that helped me build and grow my audience:

1. Consistency is Key:
I made it a point to post regularly. Consistency helps keep your audience engaged and shows that you are active and dedicated. I created a content calendar to plan my posts, ensuring a steady stream of content without overwhelming myself.

2. Authentic Storytelling:
Authenticity has always been at the heart of my work. I shared not just the finished pieces but also the process behind them. This included behind-the-scenes shots, candid moments, and personal stories about my journey. People connect with authenticity and appreciate seeing the human side of the creative process.

3. Engage with Your Audience:
Building an audience is a two-way street. I made it a priority to engage with my followers by responding to comments, participating in conversations, and showing appreciation for their support. This helped create a sense of community and made my followers feel valued.

4. Leverage Multiple Platforms:
While Instagram was my primary platform, I also leveraged other social media channels like Twitter, LinkedIn, and later, Youtube. Each platform has its unique audience and features, so I tailored my content to suit each one. Cross-promoting content across platforms also helped reach a wider audience.

5. Collaborations and Networking:
Collaborating with other artists, brands, and influencers played a significant role in growing my audience. These collaborations introduced my work to new audiences and added credibility to my profile. Networking within the art, music, and tech communities helped build valuable connections and opened up new opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.joshsauceda.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshsauceda/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshsauceda/
• Twitter: https://x.com/joshdsauceda
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@joshsauceda
• Other: https://linktr.ee/joshsauceda

Image Credits

KILLGXXD, Mike Santiago, Bleu Pablo.