Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Leo Velasquez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Leo thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
I was in community college studying business administration and marketing. Not really because I wanted to, but because my parents wanted me to go to school. It felt like the “right” thing to do.
Halfway through my senior year of high school, I got into video editing. At first, it was just for fun and an outlet. I’d make Call of Duty and Fortnite montages and just zone out while editing.
Eventually, that hobby started turning into something more. I shifted from gaming edits to editing for YouTubers, and that’s when things started to pick up. It got to the point where I had so much work coming in that I couldn’t keep up with it on my own. A few friends were in the same situation, so we decided to start a video production company.
At the start, it was slow. But after about two months, things picked up way faster than any of us expected. That’s when I knew I had to take a risk. I couldn’t keep doing both school and this business. So, I dropped out.
At first, I didn’t tell my parents. They still thought I was taking my classes. When I finally told them, they were definitely confused. They had always pictured me taking the traditional route. But once I explained how well the business was doing, they came around and were supportive.
Of course, not everyone got it. Some friends and family doubted whether it was actually going to work. The only thing I was scared of was ending up stuck in another 9-to-5 job I hated. I had already worked a couple of those, and I knew that life wasn’t for me. I was so focused on making this work that any fears I had just kind of faded into the background.
After dropping out, my friends and I went all in and things took off. We landed deals we never thought we’d get. Since then, I’ve worked with some of the biggest companies in the world, doing not just video, but also design work.
Looking back, dropping out was definitely the right move. Taking that risk made my life way more exciting and fulfilling. If I hadn’t done it, I’d definitely be wondering what if.
But, I don’t really like playing that game. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I’d do it in a heartbeat.
Leo, 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’m a creative who provides video and design services for YouTubers, music artists, brands, and agencies. I started in high school by editing gaming montages, which quickly turned into a passion. A year later, I was editing for YouTubers and taking on more work than I could handle alone.
That led me to start a video production company with friends and eventually drop out of college to go all in on this path. Since then, I’ve worked with some of the biggest companies in the world.
What sets me apart is my ability to deliver fast without sacrificing quality. Clients often tell me they’re impressed by how efficiently I can bring their vision to life. I treat every project like a collaboration. It’s your idea. I’m just here to help make it real.
I’m in this because I love creating. The goal is always to build work that connects and stands out.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being a creative is seeing my work go live and watching people connect with it. I don’t create for validation, but when someone feels something from a project I’ve worked on, that means everything. I love the process, but it’s the impact that matters most to me. I want to help people create moments that stick with them. Even if the work isn’t about me, I always leave little pieces of my own story in it. When it all comes together, there’s this feeling of peace that reminds me why I do what I do.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
A lot of people think being a creative is easy. But the truth is, inspiration isn’t always there. And when you’re doing this full-time, creating without real meaning behind it can get draining fast.
I’ve had people underestimate the time, effort, and mental energy that goes into my work. There’s constant pressure to be inspired, to stay creative, to always be producing. What helps me the most is taking time away from it all by spending time with friends and family and giving myself a chance to reset.
Earlier in my career, I worked so much that I unintentionally isolated myself. I thought nonstop grinding was the only way to succeed. But I’ve learned balance is key.
What people don’t always see is that the creative path takes a certain mindset. You have to take risks, trust yourself, and keep going even when the ideas are not there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://leocreated.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/leocreated
- Twitter: https://x.com/leocreated
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@leocreated
Image Credits
Adolfo Rojas