Meet Mike Khukuri | Digital Magician

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

Hi Mike, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I am most certainly a risk taker. Throughout life’s journey, we evolve, acquiring new skills and strategies. Our desires and priorities change and we naturally outgrow aspects of our past. I have helped build several companies, both for others and for my own ventures.

Whenever I reached a point where I felt I wasn’t realizing my full potential, I took what I learned and went to seek out fresh opportunities. Every contract or job I took served as a valuable lesson, not only shedding light on my own aspirations, but also guiding me in laying the foundation for achieving them.

Over the years, my long-term vision has crystallized. Allowing me to determine my professional path, something that makes me happy.

It’s important to acknowledge that not all the risks I undertook proved to be worthwhile; nonetheless, I always maintained a contingency plan and kept on grinding.

Now I’ve applied all the knowledge and insights I gained to establish a company of my own, setup for sustainable growth. Most importantly, I find true satisfaction in my work.

I also have other future endeavors on my horizon. By embracing the opportunities I had presented and learning from them, I have a clearer picture of what I truly want.

So If you are feeling stuck or in a rut, perhaps its time for a change. However, before you take a risk, make a thorough risk assessment and create backup plans on backup plans.

Remarkably, at times, these contingency plans can yield even more lucrative outcomes.

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.
I began my first YouTube channel in 2009 and have been creating regular content since. Each day, I am engrossed in the processes of filming, editing, as well as the relentless pursuit of knowledge. I went to film school and studied VFX and mixed reality heavily. It’s what I am passionate about.

Presently, I moved into the realm of commercial advertising. My daily routine still revolves around filming and editing. However, I apply my art techniques and knowledge learned to the commercials I work on. Once my professional work is done, I spend my time re-editing photos from my travels.

I love photography and making something completely new from the photo I captured. It allows ideas to flourish and learn new techniques. I’ll begin working on a project that I have an idea for, but no idea how to pursue. Then take the next few hours learning effects and editing skills to make the idea possible.

This dual pursuit, bridging the realms of personal creative exploration as well as my professional work has helped our overall quality.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve had the privilege of exploring many incredible locations around the world. In the past, I often shared these discoveries with friends, taking them to witness the places I’d found. However, I’ve come to realize, there’s so much more to be discovered. Even in our own back yards.

If a friend was visiting for a week trip, I would plan a trip designed to introduce both of us to unique experiences.. Whether it involves woodland hikes, exploring unique stores or traveling within or out of our states boarders, there are plenty of new experiences for you and a friend to uncover.

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?
▼ Kat (Owner of Paw Record) http://www.youtube.com/@pawrecord ▼

My loving girlfriend. We found each other at the inception of my new business. It was just an idea, and she’s supported me every day, giving me a hand when I need it. With her dedication, we’ve achieved substantial growth with our business. She’s even taught herself to edit and began creating short form content for our platform. This has significantly bolstered our viewership and sales.

▼ AC (CEO of Web Woven Wars) http://www.youtube.com/@webwovenwars ▼

He’s helped keep my creative vision alive. A few years ago, I faced a big setback when I lost most of my equipment. AC graciously extended an opportunity to collaborate on filming projects and is always bringing me projects that allow me to flex that creative muscle. It’s a nice change of pace.

Our brainstorming sessions, where we meticulously plan upcoming shoots, have become the ideal environment for my creative expression. Being able to create makes me happy and we are continually engaged in exciting projects.

▼ Tera Garnett (Actress & CEO of Dude That’s Awesome) http://youtube.com/@dudethatsawesome ▼

We began working together many years ago during a commercial competition for White Castle. She sent in her headshot and resume for the project, and she was perfect! Although we didn’t win that contest, it paved the way for a lasting professional relationship that has flourished.

She’s now running and building her own marketing company and I contribute by offering my editorial skills and facilitating the production of commercials. The division of work has been a huge help and I remain committed to propelling her and others toward many more opportunities.

Website: https://hype.co/@needwantbuy

Instagram: http://instagram.com/needwantbuyreviews

Facebook: http://facebook.com/needwantbuyofficial

Youtube: http://youtube.com/@needwantbuy

Image Credits
Mike Khukuri