Today we’d like to introduce you to Jiaci Yan.
Hi Jiaci, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I have been involved in video production for five years since graduating from Northeastern University in 2019, specializing in a variety of fields, including fashion, events, product commercials, real estate, and food & cuisine. I have participated in numerous projects of varying scales, such as shooting magazine covers for Harper’s Bazaar, corporate listings on NASDAQ, New York Fashion Week, and multiple collaborations with Maye Musk. Everyone who has worked with me has highly praised my work.
Reflecting on how I reached this point in my career, I trace it back to my childhood. My elementary school teachers often said that I could not concentrate, that I was unable to seriously listen in class and was always distracted by minor disturbances. In reality, the world outside the window appeared to me as a vast canvas, and the lessons were stories unfolding on a canvas painted by the sky. So, while we were supposed to be memorizing lectures and facts, my mind was busy creating various animated scenarios. My father, a passionate fan of Hollywood movies, often watched them with me when I was young, which undoubtedly intensified my imagination and made me fall deeply in love with moving pictures and colors. As a young boy, I was fascinated by movies and their ability to showcase human emotions and actions in a way that is both captivating and inspiring. This laid the foundation for my future career as a videographer and photographer.
In the small town where I grew up, people did not take careers like painting or photography seriously, considering them unstable. My parents felt the same and hoped I would become a lawyer, doctor, or programmer. Initially, I studied coding because it was the most popular major at the time, and most of my peers chose it. However, the more I learned, the more lost I felt, as it was not what I loved doing. Once, while helping the school casting team set up their equipment and prepare for filming, I found that I loved everything they were doing. Then, I finally decided to quit coding and started learning about videography and editing, soon discovering my true calling in life. With every project I work on, my love for what I do only grows.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey of growth is never smooth sailing, and every choice comes with its own set of risks. Choosing to be a photographer and videographer was no exception for me. Initially, I had to face the instability of working as a freelancer. Six months after I graduated from Northeastern University, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, severely exacerbating the challenges at the start of my career. Virtually all businesses came to a standstill, and those were the toughest two years for me, filled with daily anxiety. Despite my efforts, it seemed like they were like stones thrown into the ocean—making no ripples at all. I constantly doubted my choices and wondered whether I should continue. Under such emotional strain, it was difficult to focus on anything. But looking back now, I am grateful that I persevered because photography and videography are my passions.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work includes shooting videos for fashion magazine covers such as Harper’s Bazaar and Glamour, as well as capturing Fashion Week and various fashion brand products. I also cover a wide range of events, including award ceremonies, corporate IPOs, and real estate.
I believe the most appreciated aspect of my work is my editing style. People have told me that my work is visually stunning yet logically organized, rich in content, but beautifully composed. Many have expressed their enjoyment in collaborating with me because I can grasp what they need and accurately reflect their desired content in my visuals. My work not only carries a commercial flair but also exudes artistry. Additionally, I often include extra footage in the final deliverable to provide more content for posting on their social media. Sometimes, I don’t mind doing a bit extra or giving a little more, as I am passionate about video production. This enthusiasm is likely why I am able to stand out and maintain long-term relationships with my clients.
What I am most proud of is being a witness to great moments. I’ve seen countless individuals work tirelessly behind the scenes to perfect a fashion show, heard the bell ring at a Nasdaq IPO, and observed artists making sacrifices during their creative processes. I take immense pride in being part of these projects and witnessing many miracles unfold. While these moments may seem small in the grand scheme of history, for everyone involved, they represent the essence of life’s meaning.
What’s next?
I look forward to working in even larger projects in the future and encountering more fascinating people and things. I am very satisfied with my current progress and hope to be seen and recognized by more people. I believe that big changes are the result of many small changes accumulated over time. Therefore, I hope to continue doing what I love, perfecting the small details, and from there, big changes will naturally occur.
Contact Info:
- Website: jcyan.com
- Instagram: jcyan24
Image Credits
Ivan Liu
Ella Xu
