Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stan Juzwiak. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Stan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

In 2019 I moved to Minneapolis, the bustling cityscape brought with it a vibrant music scene that ignited my creativity and propelled me into the world of music. At the University of Minnesota, I immersed myself in the rich cultural and artistic atmosphere, honing my skills and expanding my musical horizons. It was during this time that I discovered my interest in recording local artists. Captivated by the raw emotions and stories woven into their songs, I dedicated myself to bringing their music to life through the art of audio production. However, my journey didn’t stop there.

Inspired by the power of visual storytelling, I ventured into the realm of music video production. Combining my passion for music with my growing videography skills, I found a new medium through which to express myself and enhance the narratives of the artists I worked with. The camera became an extension of my creative vision, allowing me to capture the essence of a song and translate it into captivating visuals. As word spread about my work, I began to receive requests for videography from various artists, and what started as a side project quickly blossomed into a full-time career.

When I first ventured into videography, I began by offering my services for free to gain experience and build a portfolio. This approach had its pros and cons. On the positive side, it allowed me to refine my skills, experiment with different techniques, and establish connections within the industry. By working on various projects without the pressure of monetary compensation, I had the freedom to explore creative ideas and learn from my mistakes. Additionally, providing free services helped me establish a reputation and build a network of satisfied clients who could vouch for my work.

However, there were also challenges to working for free. The main drawback was the lack of financial compensation for my time and efforts. As I invested more and more into my craft, it became crucial to transition to paid work to sustain myself and continue growing professionally. When starting to get paying clients, it’s important to establish clear expectations and communicate openly about pricing. Determining the appropriate rates for your videography services involves considering factors such as the complexity of the project, equipment usage, editing time, and your level of expertise. It’s essential to value your skills and ensure that your clients understand the value you bring to their projects. Building a fair and mutually beneficial relationship with your clients is key to sustaining a successful videography career.

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

I found my way into the Twin Cities videography scene through music videography and I now provide all sorts of videography services tailored to my clients. From music videos that capture the essence of an artist’s vision and showcase their unique talent, to product videos that highlight the features and benefits of various offerings, I have found immense joy in bringing stories to life through the lens of my camera. Each project presents a new and exciting opportunity to collaborate with passionate individuals and businesses, capturing their essence and creating visual experiences that resonate with their target audience. Whether it’s the dynamic energy of a live performance or the meticulous attention to detail in showcasing a business/product, I thrive on the challenge of translating concepts into captivating visuals that leave a lasting impact.

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

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned on my journey is the importance of not waiting to be an expert before diving into something new. It can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we must have all the knowledge and skills before taking that first step. However, I’ve discovered that true growth and mastery come from learning along the way. Embracing the mindset of continuous learning allows us to leap into new ventures and gain practical experience that no amount of theory can provide. Through trial and error, we acquire valuable insights, refine our abilities, and cultivate a deep understanding of our craft. It is in the process of doing, exploring, and adapting that we uncover our true potential and make meaningful strides towards excellence. So, I encourage everyone to take that leap of faith, knowing that the journey itself is an invaluable teacher, and that the pursuit of growth and improvement is a lifelong endeavor.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Sharing my visual art with the world and receiving reactions brings me immense joy. It’s an exhilarating experience to see how people respond to my work, whether it sparks emotions, initiates conversations, or simply brings a smile to someone’s face. Each reaction, positive or critical, helps me grow as an artist and encourages me to keep exploring new ideas. The connection forged through the language of visual art reminds me of the universal power of creativity and motivates me to continue sharing my artistic vision with others.

Contact Info:

• Website: themanstan.com
• Instagram: @themanstan.mpls