Meet Nico Poalillo | Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nico Poalillo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nico, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work life balance has been a tremendous struggle, and is for most people that work in a solely freelance capacity. It’s something that must be learned out time, and gets easier as we get deeper into our careers.

My balance specifically as changed greatly over time. Realizing that even though I don’t have a steady pay check coming in that everything is going to be ok, and that prioritizing life outside of work is integral to having actually being able to enjoy what you do for a living.

Balance is truly crucial, as are having other hobbies outside of your work as a freelancer. We tend to get so wrapped up in what we do because we love it so much that it can negatively impact our life outside of work. Taking the time to take a step back, and really analyze our overall balance is again, integral to enjoying and frankly loving what we do for a living.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art in many ways is rooted in the art of telling stories, and capturing moments that other people are living. I really work to root myself not only the cultural zeitgeist, but also within the subject matter of the stories I am telling, and capturing.

Advertising is an odd sect of work because it requires us to take stories and manipulate them into something that sells a product that most likely we don’t have much of a connection too. Once I realized this, it really allowed me to get the next level and ensure that the stories I am telling, or creating really do truly do the subject matter justice.

This career specifically has been very challenging. It’s incredibly politically and competitive but what I have learned, and what I think others should know is that honestly and staying true to yourself while trusting your creative growth will lead to your own version of success within filmmaking and advertising.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, Detroit has a lot to offer. In the perfect world I’d love to take them up north to Traverse City. Enjoy the scenic drive, hit a brewery, grab an early dinner in Leland and enjoy a movie in the little theater on Traverse Bay. It’s such a special part of the state and one that everyone needs to see!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have got to shoutout the folks over at Los York for all the support they’ve given me and their other young directors. I would not be where I am now if it wasn’t for them!

Website: https://nicopoalillo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicopoalillo/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicopoalillo/