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

Nathaniel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I was fortunate to be in high school at a time when professional film and video gear was becoming more accessible to everyday people. The barrier to entry was finally lifting, and I took a creative video class where I learned the fundamentals of filmmaking. I followed the traditional path of college—which, while valuable to my journey—didn’t teach me nearly as much as simply doing the work. Trial and error, making mistakes, and figuring out how to improve—that’s where the real learning happened.

The best way to grow in any craft is to work, practice, and collaborate. It’s not about learning all the theory in a classroom—it’s about facing real challenges, problem-solving, and figuring out how to bring an idea to life with the tools and limitations in front of you.

The most important skill, whether in filmmaking or any creative field, is being open-minded. Learn from others, take feedback without taking it personally, and stay curious. You’ll run into people with big egos who think their way is the only way—but you’ll learn to recognize those voices versus the ones who genuinely want to help you grow.

My biggest obstacle was myself. It sounds cliché, but being surrounded by so many talented directors, editors, and DPs, it took time to find confidence in my own voice. The shift happened when I stopped comparing and started collaborating—when I saw those people as peers, not competition. That’s what it’s really about: trusting yourself, enjoying the process, telling stories that matter to you, and building with others who share that passion.

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.

I’ve always been drawn to creative pursuits—it’s something I believe is deeply human. What’s always set me apart is my instinct to jump in headfirst. Whether it was skipping the tutorial in a video game, strumming a guitar before learning chords, or picking up a camera with no manual—I’ve always learned best by doing. Over time, I’ve found a balance between learning the fundamentals and exploring through experimentation, but that hands-on curiosity still drives everything I do.

Today, I run Moto Archives, a hybrid of a creative video agency and a YouTube documentary series and podcast. I started Moto Archives to fulfill my own creative calling—telling the stories of builders, craftsmen, and riders in the custom motorcycle community. The channel has become a platform for these voices, helping guests gain visibility and opportunities through honest, cinematic storytelling.

On the client side, Moto Archives helps brands tell their story with clarity and authenticity. I collaborate with companies—especially those whose products I truly believe in—to go beyond simple product promotion. We aim to connect brands with their audience in a meaningful way, whether through branded films, social content, or doc-style campaigns. We strategize based on data, execute with intention, and always center the human story that brings it all to life. What sets us apart is the relationship we build with our clients: it’s not just about content—it’s about building something that lasts.

What I’m most proud of is the documentary work on my YouTube channel. Every video is a ground-up creation—conceived, filmed, directed, edited, and released by me. It’s a space where I can create without limits, and it documents not only the stories of others, but also my growth as a filmmaker and storyteller. The experiences and friendships I’ve built through the channel mean everything to me.

At the end of the day, I’m not just someone filming from the outside—I’m part of the community, both in film and motorcycles. My mission is to represent us in the most authentic way I can.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

I started my business with a credit card. And let me be clear—this isn’t financial advice, just my personal story.

At the time, I decided to take a calculated risk. I bought my first camera and a couple lenses on credit, knowing I had editing work to fall back on. I’d been editing professionally for years, so I used that income to slowly pay off the gear while building my own creative projects on the side. As I started to get more work, I reinvested into gear that allowed me to execute better ideas, deliver more value, and ultimately grow the business.

I’ve always been intentional about my purchases. I don’t buy gear just because it’s new or because another creator is using it, buying old motorcycles on the other hand… never mind.

I believe in keeping it simple. In fact, some of my best creative work has come from having limited tools and being forced to problem-solve. Constraints push you to get creative—and that challenge is something I think every filmmaker or business owner needs to stay sharp and motivated.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

This is a really important topic right now—maybe more than ever. With AI rapidly evolving and reshaping nearly every industry, I’ve had to pivot in how I approach my creative work. Instead of resisting it, I’ve found ways to integrate AI into my workflow in a way that supports—not replaces—my creativity.

I’ve used AI to help organize ideas, clean up archival footage, or even generate visuals for storyboards (which has been a game-changer because my illustration skills are awful). While these tools threaten creative work, I also acknowledge them as an opportunity to enhance areas where I might be weaker or where time is limited.

So in a way, this is an ongoing pivot—adapting to the new tools and figuring out how to stay true to my creative voice while working smarter. I think the future belongs to those who can blend technology with storytelling in a meaningful, human way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.motoarchives.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motoarchives/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanielramirez/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMotorcycleArchives

Image Credits

Nathaniel Ramirez, The Motorcycle Archives