From Generalist to Specialist: My Journey in the Production Industry
Follow along on my journey as I combine 16+ years of production industry experience with new cutting-edge technology to create a case study for the brand, SunPeak Solar Solutions. I will be breaking down imposter syndrome and proving to myself that I am just as competent as my competition.
Why am I doing this?! I could have chosen to specialize years ago when I was first coming out of the gate, but I didn’t. I remained a generalist. It was not until I was tossed into a fire (figuratively) at my last company did I really come to understand my capabilities. There have been some unconscious pivots in my career leading me to test the waters in every direction. There is even a gap in my resume when I worked at Match.com improving people’s profiles and analytics. I was good at this job. I listened to customers, and adjusted information that I thought would help them get future love matches. A romantic lover at heart (sigh).
One day I was at work for this dating site, and I heard that our group was going to move to Honeywell Home. There was a Thermostat video playing in the background. I immediately recognized the voice and the music. I turned my head to the screen, and to my shock it was a video I created and won an award for what was then being shown as the standard for training modules, and that was because of my motion graphics work. I quit shortly after.
I used my network, knocked on some doors and sold my skills as a low production service. I got into a small production start-up. Learned the ropes and I quickly earned a spot as top creator as lead videographer, editor, and motion graphics artist. I am a competitive person by nature and I was always pushing myself to be better. I was flying all over the United States directing and filming for new product launches. It was a fun energetic time. I eventually found myself at burn out with the project workflow, hours, amount of work, and this started to take a toll on my mental health. My energy shifted in 2018. I didn’t have the right tools in place to cope with the changes that were happening in my life and in my career. It was hard to find balance. So, I took a step back from production and I become interested in working directly with channel marketers, product marketers, designers, and stakeholder talent. I wanted to know how the content I was creating was performing. I was intrigued by client management and was interested in learning about launch processes.
I made the jump over to in-house marketing 6 years ago. Slightly dragging my feet and trying to utilize what energy I had left. I exposed myself to collaborations with omi-channel marketing groups and structures. Had to opportunity to immerse myself in quantitative and qualitative market research to learn about customer insights that drive behavior choices. Contributed to high-level stakeholder presentation launch meetings. Had a chance to work with the digital channels to understand algorithms and SEO best practices. I’ve created highly viewed digital media content for brands by understanding the tools and customizing channels to fit the brands goals. I’ve also had the opportunity to attend a beta class to understand social media marketing and engagement. My career is long, and I never had the opportunity to define it. I just kept grinding.
Covid happened. What a strange life experience we all had, and we each went through the event with a different gained perspective. . . But that is a whole other blog post.
Coincidently, 2024 is a leap year. This moment in time where it all catches up and stops you dead in your tracks. I didn’t prepare. I was floating and there was a wave that everyone was aware of coming straight at us. It was a competitive environment. The best of the best, I truly believe that. I didn’t know at the time how to clearly communicate my career objectives. I became redundant which is a harsh word. I had limiting beliefs that were a detriment to my existence.
I was suddenly catapulted into this other Reality, and I got curious. There is finally access to tools to help accelerate my creativity, and I am here to prove that to myself. I want to be very clear what I bring to the table because I AM the tool to help accelerate the content strategy. It’s a whirlwind out here. Maybe I never truly understood the meaning of this film that I produced in 2014 until now Reading Gwendolyn Brooks on the 14A. A decade has pasted, and interesting fact that we are stationed in Pluto for the next twenty years.
Why am I saying all this? I think I just need to write it down as affirmation and a reminder that I am a Rockstar who struggles with self-doubt. I guess I was looking for a sign, and the universe delivered on the clarity. Check out this Instagram post I did this on February 29, 2024.
Embracing life’s most interesting moments.
