We recently connected with Justina Diaz and have shared our conversation below.

Justina , appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I would say that biggest risk I’ve taken in my career would be moving to Los Angeles after highschool. It was a huge leap of faith for me, as I was leaving behind everything I knew and starting fresh in a new city where I didn’t know anyone. I gave myself that push to have a chance on a new adventure. However, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made as a fresh out of highschool kid. Los Angeles has opened up so many opportunities for me and allowed me to grow in ways I never could have imagined. If you are student wanting to study abroad or move to another state or country for school this is your sign to do it
It was definitely a scary decision, but it has been incredibly rewarding.

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.

Growing up, I was deeply passionate about special effects and enjoyed working with makeup to bring my creative visions to life. However, as for “the college picking process” I realized the importance of obtaining a degree. I recognized that pursuing a formal education would not only enhance my skills but also provide me with a solid foundation for my future career endeavors.

With this in mind, I decided that film school was the perfect choice for me. Film school offered me the chance to delve into the entertainment industry, learn about various aspects of filmmaking, and build connections with other like-minded creatives. It was an environment that fostered creativity, collaboration, and growth,

Moreover, attending film school also presented me with the opportunity to explore my passion for makeup artistry in a different light. I knew that if I ever decided to transition back into the world of makeup, the knowledge and experience I gained from film school would serve as a strong foundation for me to build upon.

After completing college I was lucky to get in contact with a production company that treated me like family. They helped me build resume and allowed me to immerse myself in various projects and industries. Working on set offers a unique perspective and hands-on experience that cannot be replicated in an office setting. From there I found interest in music videos, live entertainment, documentaries and everything in between.
I did not only still have a passion for makeup but developed a passion for production. It provided me with the opportunity to directly engage with clients, collaborators, and stakeholders, fostering strong working relationships and enhancing my communication and problem-solving skills
Overall, the experience of working on set has expanded my professional horizons and opened doors to new and exciting opportunities in my career.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

In the past year, I’ve struggled with anxiety. Some of that came from comparing myself to others’ goals and achievements. I often wondered what I was doing wrong to not be as successful. However, I had to unlearn my definition of perfectionism and comparison and learn to embrace imperfections and that maybe somebody felt the same way about me as I did to others I looked up to. I had to remind myself that it is a natural part of learning and to avoid comparing myself to others. Instead, I now focus on my own progress. I’m learning to celebrate small victories and trust that I’m on the right path for my own version of success.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

In high school, I expressed my desire to pursue a creative career but was met with the cliché notion of being a “starving artist.” While it is true that some artists face financial difficulties, it is important to challenge the stereotype and recognize that not all creatives fit into this category.

To non-creatives, understanding the creative lifestyle can be challenging. It defies traditional norms, involves unconventional thinking, taking risks, and embracing uncertainty. However, creatives possess unique skills and talents that are in demand across various industries. Their work can be seen in art, design, music, film, and many other areas.

With the right mindset, Inventive spirit, and a strong support system, artists and creatives can thrive and achieve financial stability while pursuing their passion. Yes, it is a competitive field, but the reward of earning a living doing what you love far outweighs the challenges and It definitely beats working in cold, quite cubicle.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Justinadayproductions.com
• Instagram: Justinadarlene
• Linkedin: Justina Diaz
• Youtube: Justinaday

Image Credits

Yz Islas – instagram : yzneye
Destiny Mendez – instagram: _destiny.mendez_