Meet Amin | Filmmaker and Photographer

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

Hi Amin, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I believe that the key to achieving success lies in continually improving your knowledge and skills in any field you’re passionate about. You have to be dedicated to learning and growing, and then actively apply that knowledge by working and creating in those areas. It’s crucial to imagine success vividly and to want it deeply, from the very core of your being. Even when things get tough, you have to keep moving forward, driven by hope and determination, rather than letting yourself be consumed by hopelessness. When you can truly see your goals and you keep working towards them, step by step, with an open heart and a clear vision, there’s nothing that can stop you.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When people ask me what sets me apart, the first thing almost everyone mentions is my speed – not just in execution, but in thought. I process ideas, visualize concepts, and then bring them to life at an incredibly rapid pace. This isn’t some innate superpower; it’s a skill forged in the crucible of necessity. My early career involved producing countless advertisement videos, each with relentless deadlines. There was no room for hesitation; I had to think on my feet, make swift decisions, and deliver high-quality work, often against the clock. This intense training instilled in me a unique efficiency, allowing me to maintain artistic integrity even at breakneck speeds. It’s a rhythm I’ve come to embrace, and it truly defines my creative process.

What fuels this pace, and indeed, my entire professional journey, is a profound and genuine love for what I do. I love my major, I love my work, and frankly, I love my life. This isn’t just a job for me; it’s an extension of who I am. When you’re passionate about something, the effort doesn’t feel like work. It becomes a continuous cycle of creation, learning, and growth. This intrinsic motivation pushes me to add more, to make more, and inevitably, to progress. Each project, each challenge, is an opportunity to delve deeper into my craft, and that excitement keeps me moving forward.

Getting to where I am today professionally was far from easy. The path from a PhD in Mechanical Engineering to a Master of Arts in Media Arts was a radical shift, one that many might have deemed unconventional or even risky. There were moments of self-doubt, financial pressures, and the sheer intellectual challenge of re-orienting my entire academic and professional trajectory. But in overcoming these hurdles, I learned one of the most crucial lessons: the immense importance of time in solving challenges.

It’s not always about finding an immediate solution or a quick fix. Sometimes, the answer reveals itself through patience, persistence, and the dedication of consistent effort over time. You might encounter a creative block, a technical glitch, or a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. In those moments, instead of panicking, I’ve learned to give the problem the time it needs. This might mean stepping away for a bit, allowing my subconscious to work, or meticulously breaking down the issue into smaller, manageable parts. It’s about understanding that some challenges require a sustained investment of thought and action, and that true progress often comes incrementally. It’s about trusting the process and knowing that if you keep chipping away, the solution will eventually emerge. This disciplined approach, honed through countless tight deadlines and complex artistic endeavors, has been my greatest asset.

What I want the world to know about my brand and my story is this: everything is possible if you just follow the right way. This isn’t a naive optimism; it’s a conviction born from experience. ‘The right way’ doesn’t necessarily mean the easiest or most conventional path. For me, it meant listening to my inner calling, even when it led me away from a well-established career path. It meant embracing hard work, continuous learning, and adapting to new challenges. It meant surrounding myself with supportive people, like my family and the incredible faculty at the University of South Carolina, who believed in my vision. My art, my journey, and my brand are all about demonstrating that with passion, resilience, and a clear sense of direction, you can transform your aspirations into reality, no matter how daunting they may seem at the beginning.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When my best friend visits, we’d embark on an unforgettable week, starting with a deep dive into downtown Columbia’s vibrant pulse, exploring Main Street and The Vista’s lively arts scene, before escaping into the serene embrace of Congaree National Park’s ancient forests and the peaceful Riverwalk; as the sun dips below the horizon, we’d toast to the day from a rooftop bar, soaking in the city lights, and later, share laughter and stories over a homemade kebab feast, a truly personal touch to our adventure, all while discovering Columbia’s rich cultural tapestry at the State Museum, the eclectic charm of Five Points, and the wonders of Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, culminating in a farewell brunch that seals a week filled with genuine Southern hospitality, the vibrant energy of Soda City Market, and the endless outdoor possibilities that make this place truly special, proving that every moment is an opportunity for connection and joy.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are definitely a few key players in my story who deserve a massive shout-out. First and foremost, my family. They’ve been incredibly supportive, particularly during those tough times. I’m so grateful for their help in buying my first camera, but even more so for their trust in my choices, especially when I decided to switch gears completely from a PhD in Mechanical Engineering to a Master of Arts in Media Arts. Their never-ending encouragement truly allowed me to pursue my passion.

And I can’t forget the amazing individuals at the University of South Carolina who believed in me. They fostered an environment that felt like a second home, which was crucial in helping me focus and develop my craft.

Website: https://www.aminnakhi.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amin.nakhi/

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

Image Credits
No credits