In the world of creative work, it’s often said that the path to success is never straightforward. Few know this better than Geovana Pimentel, a filmmaker and photographer whose journey to making a full-time living from her art took years of perseverance and determination. In an exclusive conversation with us, Geovana shared her insights, struggles, and milestones that led her to where she is today, offering a deep dive into the reality of building a career in the creative industry.
For Geovana, the road to becoming a full-time artist was anything but easy. Reflecting on her journey, she recalls the tough realities of earning a living through art, especially when she first embarked on this path in 2017. “Making a full-time living from art is challenging.” she admits. “When I first started, I had no idea it would be this tough, but perseverance is always the key”.
One of the biggest aspects of being an artist is overcoming the common misconception that creative work isn’t “real” work. “While art is essential to human life, many people tend to think that artists are merely having fun, believing that if they love their work, it’s just a hobby.” she says. This undervaluation of the creative process made it all the more difficult for her to make a living at first.
Geovana’s academic journey in film began in 2017 and continued until 2021, before taking a brief pause from 2021 to 2023. But it wasn’t until she moved to Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world, that her dreams began to materialize into a career. It was only a few months ago, in October 2024, that she landed her first full-time job as a videographer at an advertising production company—over seven years after starting film school. “When I reflect on how fortunate I was that it ‘only’ took 7 years as someone who came from my specific background, I realize some people spend their entire lives juggling day jobs because they can’t make a living from their art,” Geovana shares. “This can’t and shouldn’t be the norm.”
A filmmaker and photographer originally from Recife, Brazil, Geovana’s career has been shaped by a passion for art and culture. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Film in 2021, and later moved to Los Angeles in 2023 to further her education. Her career in Brazil included working for a marketing agency where she gained valuable experience creating video content for social media advertisements and commercials. In addition, she has spent the last five years as a freelance videographer, photographer, and video editor, contributing to projects ranging from music videos to events and social media ads.
Today, as a foreigner in Los Angeles, she continues to embrace every opportunity to learn and share knowledge, not just about filmmaking but also about life and personal growth. Her goal is not only to contribute to video production projects but to collaborate with others, fostering connections that lead to mutual growth. When asked what the most rewarding part of being a creative is, Geovana’s answer is heartfelt and personal. “It’s doing what you love,” she says, but clarifies that it goes beyond simply working on something you enjoy. “Without art, I don’t think I could survive. It’s the one thing that truly fills my heart with joy.” For Geovana, creating art isn’t just a career choice—it’s a fundamental part of her existence. “I hope one day my children and grandchildren will look at the work I’ve done and be proud,” she reflects.
In her early years, Geovana struggled with shyness, which made it difficult for her to network and collaborate. “I had to quickly realize that no one can make a movie by themselves,” she says. “The number one rule is that you have to connect with likeminded people.” She emphasizes the importance of in-person interactions in building a successful career. Although online platforms are useful for finding collaborators, Geovana believes there’s no substitute for the bonds you form through face-to-face interactions, particularly on movie sets. “The set experience creates a bond like no other. We spend 10, 12 or even more hours together every day and have to be there for each other in order to deliver the best results. It truly connects people”. With her new full-time role in Los Angeles at High Scale AI, a company that specializes in advertising for large brands all over the US territory, Geovana is excited for the future, but she remains grounded in the knowledge that the creative path is rarely easy. It takes time, persistence, and a lot of hard work. For aspiring creatives, she offers this piece of advice: Ïf “you persevere and believe in your art enough, more people will start believing in it too.” As she continues to build her career in the entertainment industry, her passion for art and dedication to her craft will undoubtedly inspire others to follow their creative dreams, no matter the obstacles they may face. “The road is long and often complicated, but the views are worth it, trust me. And this is coming from a filmmaker’s perspective! Enjoy the views and take some pictures in the meantime”, she states at the end of our conversation.
