Daily Inspiration: Meet Steve Dew

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Dew. 

Hi Steve, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I found a love for photography and video work when I was still a teenager. I volunteered in my home church as a cameraman and shortly started creating my own stop-motion LEGO videos and short action-packed videos using my GoPro. From those early teenage days on, I kept producing my own videos, mostly just to preserve my memories or have a creative project to work on. In college at SIU, I grew in my photography skills and since then have done custom video work and photo work across the Midwest and in Colorado. A couple years ago, I expanded into teaching stop motion animation courses online at stopmotionsensei.com and running a LEGO animation YouTube Channel. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I doubt anyone’s road has been a smooth journey, whether they are in the creative realm or not. Along with navigating daily life, the biggest struggles along my way were growing my business and finding ways to keep my work fresh and new. Those are still a challenge! I have a close friend who was a theatre director for a long time, and he always said “When it stops getting better, it stops being good.” I try to live each day as an opportunity to improve because I think the challenge for all of us is finding who we are and how we can get better in both life and work. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
For my video and photo clients, I create tangible moments from their memories that they can look back on with perfect recall and cherish. For my LEGO stop-motion students and followers, I give them the knowledge and tools to make their work the best it can be. At this moment, what I’m most proud of is being a consistent creator. Half of life is showing up, and it’s important to accomplish something each day, even if that task is seemingly irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. What sets me apart from most others is probably my curiosity. I am always looking to learn new things, whether through intentional study, books, podcasts, etc. Every day it feels, I find something new that truly interests me and I dive into that learning. 

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I have had a few great mentors in my life and work, and many people who I’ve worked alongside. What has always worked best for me is to go out and do things; find a sports league to join, a small group at church, etc. Talk with people you meet and make sure they know what you do. You can’t meet anyone if you’re always home on the couch! 

Contact Info:

• Website: stopmotionsensei.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevedew_photo/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJKfgehe6Es7NoywUT6KuVQ