Meet Drew Merlino: Videographer & Photographer & Social Media Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Drew Merlino and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Drew, do you think college was worth it?
College has its pro’s and it’s con’s from my life perspective. On the pro side, I learned how to network, meet new friends, open my horizons, and mature in a professional sense. On the con side, students like myself did not know what to look for to help better themselves. We thought that getting good grades was the only thing we needed to really do. Instead it would have been nice to know that a internship is KEY to get in the summer, meeting classmates, and going to events to hopefully find what you inspire to really do in life. So, was college worth the price tag? Yes, as long as you do not just want to go to get a degree. You should want to go to mature, meet new people and their backgrounds, and again to hopefully find something you are passionate about.
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 career really started in Austin, Texas. I got my first job at a start up company doing data entry. But of course my first job out of college I was determined to do a good job and work my butt off. During this job, I was able to get into video production with my friend Mike. While learning more and more about video production, I then started to hate my “data-entry” job. I gave everything I had to both my job and learning video production until I was let go. I was wrecked, pissed off, and not in a good place. On top of that, my girlfriend at the time dumped me over phone… I had no idea why things were happening the way they were, but I realized I had to move on. So, I moved back to Dallas with no idea what to do. Luckily, my alma mater, Bishop Dunne Catholic School, was looking for someone to help out in the marketing department. And BOOM, I landed my next job! It was not as easy as it sounds getting to where I am now though. From only making $1,200 a month, eating PB&Js for lunch on a regular basis, and the sleepless nights from learning video production/ editing, I can say I worked hard those 6 years to get where I am today. The one lesson I learned and I hope other people can learn from my brief story is to just keeping working. To keep working for what you want to do in life, but also neglect anything that comes your way. Because, without landing that random job down in Austin… Would I have ever ran into Mike and get into video production. Without getting let go from my first job, I would not be back in Dallas close to family and friends. Things happen for a reason, so don’t drive yourself in the shadows, but ride with it.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Depending on what events were going on… I’m more into exploring even things I have not even done or gone too. But if I was to say, I would start it out with a party at my house to have all the old friends over to catch up. Hopefully mix in a sky dive, go camping, activities that a normal person would not do. Areas specifically pertaining to Dallas, we would have to visit Katy Trail Ice House, Bishop Arts District, HERO, hopefully catch a sports game, Snuffers, and my favorite Foundry. Also, go to Billy Bobs in Fort Worth, because newbies to Texas need to 2-step for their first time…. This way we can do a little of sight-seeing, the night life, and get to sit back and relax.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank anyone and everyone who has given me a opportunity to be a part in their life to take photo’s or videos. But to specifically shoutout someone, it would be my old friend Mike. Without Mike, I would not be where I am today doing what I love. Also, my employer, Bishop Dunne Catholic School, for giving me the opportunity to help in the marketing and social media department. I love to give back to my alma mater and help high school students get ready for the next level of life.
Website: https://vimeo.com/drewmerlino
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drewmerlino/