We were lucky to catch up with Zashery recently and have shared our conversation below.

Zashery, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you 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?

I have been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work. A lot of the jobs I’ve had were relevant to my skills and interests. That is were It all started – being intentional and strategic. I’ve always been creative since a child and minored in Studio Art at Florida State University. I began by aligning my career path with my passions and skills, aiming to merge acting with an understanding of the film industry’s business side. I’ve pursued jobs that allowed me to learn and grow in both areas simultaneously.

There was one particular job I had that gave me hands-on experience in the creative aspects of filmmaking. I’ve created pitch decks for several producers and did graphics as well. I got to project manage, see how films get funded/created from scratch.

After learning through trial and error, building relationships and networking.. I decided to establish my own venture, Zashdash, LLC, offering creative services. Building a client base and securing steady income required persistent networking and consistently delivering high-quality work. Looking back, I’ve realized the importance of networking even more extensively. Actively seeking out opportunities to network could have potentially accelerated my progress.

Zashery, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born in Manhattan, New York, and raised in the Dominican Republic, my artistic journey began with my mother, a talented painter herself. She sparked my passion for art with coloring books, and I remember spending countless hours drawing. Despite never receiving formal lessons, my mother’s gift of a canvas, acrylic paints, and brushes one Christmas opened up a whole new world of creativity for me. From that moment on, I was hooked on painting, finding joy and peace through art. Film and acting came into my life at summer camp, sparking a passion for the stage. I pursued related classes in school for self-expression and as an adult. Art & film somehow interconnected!

My artistic background led me to graphic design, where I learned Illustrator and offered logo design services. As I expanded my skills, I delved into website design, pitch decks for films, and project management. What I cherish most is my dedication to my dreams—I persistently learn and grow.

The ultimate joy comes from seeing satisfied clients, knowing I’ve contributed to their success and earned their trust. Being able to do what I love and make a living out of it brings me immense fulfillment!

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

One valuable lesson I’ve had to learn is to stop letting other people’s opinions dictate my dreams and goals. I’ve faced a lack of support from some individuals, which initially affected my motivation a few years ago. However, as I matured, I came to realize that external validation doesn’t determine my success. What truly matters is self-belief. I’ve discovered that even with all the support in the world, it’s ultimately up to me to pursue my aspirations. Believing in yourself is the key; only then can others truly believe in you.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the freedom to express oneself fully. As a shy and reserved child, painting, drawing, or performing became my sanctuary—a moment to release and truly be myself. It’s a feeling I’ll always hold dear. I can’t envision a life without the ability to create. Everyone has their outlet, whether it’s through music, cooking, or any other form of expression—it’s what keeps us grounded and connected to our true selves.

Contact Info:

• Website: zashdash.co
• Instagram: @zashery
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zashery

Image Credits
Gold painting with the egyptians/aliens by Zashery