An Inspired Chat with Daniel Marsh of Los Angeles

We recently had the chance to connect with Daniel Marsh and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Daniel, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
One of the most surprising things I’ve learned is how much their perspectives enhance the work we do together. Every client and collaborator brings a different set of experiences and ideas to the table, and those differences often spark ideas that I may never have arrived at on my own. It’s a unique experience to work on creative projects with a team, and it has taught me that the best results often come from true collaboration and allowing everyone’s ideas to be heard.

I think something that’s very fun for me about being a media creative and a photographer is getting to work with a wide range of talent. Everyone has their own perspectives when it comes to creative work. My favorite shots or takes from a project might be very different from someone else’s and opening up that discussion either on set or during the revision process is a fun experience. I see a vision through my lens, they see it through theirs, and together we can blend those perspectives into a shared creative idea that feels cohesive.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Daniel, and I’m a Los Angeles based creative. I’m originally from Michigan, where I studied cinematic arts and media design in college. In 2018, I moved to Los Angeles with the goal of building a career in creative media. Specifically, collaborating with music artists to develop visual content such as music videos.

My first job after relocating, however, was in casting. I worked as a casting assistant for a major studio, which was an experience that gave me a firsthand understanding of the entertainment industry. From there, I transitioned into television production and assisted on a reality singing competition series. Later, I joined the post-production team for a scripted television show, which opened the door to an entirely new side of the industry. I began as a post-production assistant, and over the course of the next few years, and while working across several network shows, I ultimately grew into the role of a post-production supervisor.

Alongside these larger projects, I’ve also worked on a variety of shorter form content, including photoshoots, social media content creation, and music videos. Music and fashion have always been big sources of inspiration for me, and so I often look to that to fuel creative ideas with my personal brand and work.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Since childhood, I’ve always been a curious and creative soul. I was always fascinated by science, art, technology, nature, literature, and storytelling. When I was very young, I dreamed of becoming a marine biologist because I love animals and the ocean. When I was a teenager, I was convinced I wanted to design roller coasters and become an engineer. Anything theatrical, adventurous, or spectacular captured my attention and my imagination.

When I was in middle school, my parents gifted me my first camera. It was a digital camcorder and I used it for both video and still photography. I’d set it up on a tripod and practice self portraiture, experimenting with different editing techniques and camera settings. Eventually, I transformed the spare room in our basement into a makeshift production studio, complete with a green screen, lights, and a small computer setup to edit. Friends would come over after school, and we would make ridiculous videos. We’d dance to music in front of the green screen and replace the backdrop with funny things or add fun effects. I think it was at that point that I realized working in entertainment media would be where I ultimately wanted to land.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You’re gonna do great, kiddo. Don’t let anyone dim that shine.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
How other people perceive me is none of my business. I think everyone has different versions of themselves that they present to the world, but all versions of you are authentic. Ultimately how you are viewed through a public lens is beyond your control. We are all mirrors and we look for what we’re familiar with in other people. All that to say, yes, what you see of me is what you get, and I always strive to stay rooted in what feels authentic. Especially when it comes to art and creating what feels true.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing? 
Trying. I feel that at this point in my life, any regrets I have ever accumulated are derived more from things that I didn’t do than from things that I did do. I try to remind myself of that as often as I can and remember to take calculated risks and just go for it. Risk can be scary, but also very rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.danielmarshmedia.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dan_yill/