We recently connected with Oscar Velasquez and have shared our conversation below.

Oscar, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I love this question, because I am reminded of the quote, “Love your parents. We are so busy growing up, we often forget they are also growing old.”

Being the youngest of 4 siblings but the first to be born in the States as a first-generation, this allows me to reflect on my family’s journey from Mexico to America.

My parents’ story of arriving in California with an elementary-grade reading level and overcoming language barriers is a testament to the resilience that many immigrants share, and their striving to build a better life for their families, fueled by hard work, sacrifice, and determination.

My parents started working in the fields, earning low wages but enough to support my siblings, and still sending money back to their own parents and siblings in Mexico. My Dad landed a job at a dairy factory, where we lived and where I was eventually born. My parents quickly learned to drive, and early evenings were dedicated to night school, led by my kindergarten teacher (shoutout to Mr. Bryant), with Inglés sin Barreras bridging the gap like an early Duolingo.

My parents would eventually take on new roles – my Dad mowed lawns and worked at a local ceramics factory, my Mom cleaned houses and worked at a restaurant. Their work ethic and sacrifices ingrained in me values of perseverance, the importance of education, and the strength in pursuing one’s dreams.

Their journey has shaped my perspective, reminding me to approach challenges with determination and empathy. I am incredibly proud of my parents, who are my roots, and the strength they’ve given me to overcome obstacles and pursue my passions and aspirations as a Creative Producer.

Te amo, Mamá y Papá.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a Creative Producer, my mission is to transform concepts into reality.

With over 15 years of experience in advertising, branded content, animation, visual effects, and post-production, I handle everything from conceptualizing ideas and assembling the right team to overseeing the project through to the finishing stages of production.

I’m known for building strong client relationships and developing strategic vendor partnerships through organized project management. I’m a creative and critical-thinking leader in studio operations, workflows, and pipeline development. I excel in nurturing my team’s talents and driving results in fast-paced environments. I am fully dedicated to delivering innovative content that adheres to timelines, budgets, and brand standards.

My journey into storytelling and content creation was fueled by a fascination with the transformative power of movies. From a young age, I recognized that films had the ability to evoke profound emotions, transport us to new worlds, and spark important conversations. This ignited my passion to be part of this captivating art form.

I take pride in navigating the technical hurdles of complex projects and overcoming challenges while fostering a collaborative environment. Each challenge, unique to every project, has taught me the power of patience, persistence, and clear problem-solving. From crafting global campaigns to overseeing diverse creative teams, these moments have been a guiding light in my career.

My work is a fusion of creativity, dedication, and a commitment to growth.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Growing up in a small California town, being first-generation, I didn’t fully comprehend the true significance of representation and the strength embedded within my culture.

Like most kids in high school, I just wanted to fit in. However, I found myself caught between identities – I wasn’t white enough for one group, I wasn’t brown enough for another. The complexities of identity unfolded.

Over time, discovering and embracing my identity became my driving force. This inspires me to create content that celebrates diverse perspectives and authenticity. This commitment to inclusivity is extended to the teams I collaborate with, fostering an environment where every voice is valued while maintaining a clear forward direction.

My creative journey is rooted in the belief that storytelling is a powerful tool. It weaves the threads of imagination, innovation, and empathy into captivating stories that deeply resonate with audiences. Whether conveyed through stunning animation and visual effects, compelling campaign messages, or emotionally charged storytelling, these narratives unveil the beauty in our differences and the shared human experiences that connect us all.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The habit of apologizing for simply belonging.

Apologizing for simply belonging was a habit I carried for years. I used to apologize for taking up space, sharing my opinions, or pursuing my dreams. This stemmed from a subconscious belief that my presence and contributions were less valid or important than others.

Realizing that this pattern was rooted in imposter syndrome and a need for validation, I saw how it was holding back my progress both personally and professionally. Shifting this mindset was a process of self-reflection, self-empowerment, and conscious action. I recognized that constantly saying sorry undermined my own value and muted my voice. That’s when I decided to reclaim my self-worth and confidently own my space.

Unlearning this habit allowed me to step into my power authentically. It transformed how I engage with others, how I pursue my goals, and how I perceive myself. Today, I stand tall (ahem, 5’10”) without the weight of unnecessary apologies, embracing my belonging and valuable role.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.oscarvelasquez.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shallowoscar/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oscarvelasquez/
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3023518/

Image Credits
Ariana Puente (@ari.technica)