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

Hi Anthony, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking risk is a part of life. Not to sound preachy, but taking risks is one of the quickest ways learn. When something goes wrong, it is important learn quickly through reflection and avoid getting stuck in the feeling of disappointment/“failure”. This is how I have learned where to make change in my life, ambitions, and strategies. Although I am far from being perfect a this, taking risks is one of the fundamental ways we can strive to be better.

Although I am more risk averse then some friends, I was not always this way. There were times, I would waste so much time on learning and researching something before taking action. I have gotten a lot better at this by consciously executing an idea in the moment. If the idea can be done at this moment, I will do it right then. If it cannot be done at that moment, I write it down and put a date on it.

Lastly, it can be all too easy to get stuck with feelings of guilt and failure when taking a risk. The key is to realize that the outcome of the risk is not your identity and with awareness, start making strides toward the changes necessary to succeed. “Start” is the key word. Taking a small action towards a necessary change is how anyone reading this can build momentum.

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I think what’s sets me apart from others is in the details of my work and creativity. My personal mantra is “creativity is just as important quality”. I do not settle on either end of this spectrum, and take this mentality into everything I do.

The details are what make my work stand out and be special to each of my clients. Details are just as important as the basics within my work; For example, it is important to make sure photos and videos are captured in good quality but the details of what was captured, how it was taken, and how it is edited, are what take it to the next level. The change of color, the sharpness, and the minor edits that may individually go unnoticed, along with the story being created, always add up to create something special. I apply this mentality to every art-form.

My creativity and the help of a few friends who encouraged me to seek and learn to express myself. If we look at the long run, it was not easy. I was never encouraged through school or family to express myself or to even think being a creative is sustainable. And although the learning, working events, and being creative with my work is fun, running a business can sometimes be hard. It’s learning a lot of firsts, feeling uncomfortable with certain aspects of the business, and having good time-management with sudden life changes and surprises. I am currently working on overcoming these challenges and have gotten some of these down with the confidence built through repetition.

One of the lessons I have learned so far is to collaborate with others. When you have a vision, it is so easy to take the mantle and want to create it all on your own. Although this is possible, it is the slow of way getting things done. For example, It can take 6 months-2 years to be create something at the level you want within another skill set. I have learned this lesson the hard way and encourage others to be more open. Another big lesson I recently learned is how important my environment is to my mood and work. It is best to avoid stress-triggers if possible, by being pro-active instead of reactive. A lot easier said than done, but I hope this can help.

On a final note,

In a world full of Beautiful Illusions, it is time to create our own.

@be.illusions

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Let’s say they’ve never been to Dallas! I recommend these food spots: Hypnotic/ Amy’s Donuts, Pecan lodge, Lover’s Pizza, Rodeo Goat, Lucky’s Hot Chicken & Arcos de Jalisco for their Agua de Horchata.

Deep Ellum, Bishop arts, and downtown are good places to hang out. White Rock is also good for a nice walk/jog.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m not quite sure I would call myself a success just yet, but hope to get there soon. Two people I would like to thank are two of my old friends, Karina and Abel. They were one of the first few people who took me seriously when I expressed my creative endeavors/interests. Also, I would like to thank all my friends, family, and other creatives who have given me advice when I have had doubts or needed help!

Most importantly, I would like to thank all my first-year film clients for taking a chance on me. These were opportunities I truly appreciated and put all my heart and passion into.

Website: https://beautifulillusions.mypixieset.com/contact/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/be.illusions/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgVxXUhq23Q&list=PL2wxvaTYK8FCuMpbg7dedmmgM0fFuNmWy

Image Credits
Anthony Cardoso @be.illusions

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