Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Estrada.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in the Los Angeles area, and later moved to Texas, where I graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in the fall of 2024 with my BFA specializing in New Media, along with minors in Film Studies and Art History. Since I was a little girl, I have always loved art and films. A lot of that early influence came from my father, who has worked in motion picture security since before I was born, so being around that world gave me an early appreciation for how much intention and collaboration go into filmmaking. I developed a natural passion for visual storytelling as I advanced in my education and artistic endeavors, utilizing digital, photographic, and film mediums. Additionally, I’ve gained experience in both organized academic environments and more autonomous creative work, which has influenced how I approach projects today. At my core, I see my work as art first. While it can fall under what people call “content creation” in today’s industry, I approach it more as storytelling and intentional visual expression before anything else. That mindset is what guides how I create, no matter the medium.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. I moved to Texas on my own without knowing anyone, and I had to navigate my creative journey independently while still having support from friends and family back home.
A big part of my growth has been realizing how nonlinear it is. When I first went into fine arts in college, I didn’t even see myself as a “fine arts artist,” but I chose that path because it allowed me to specialize in my creative interests at the time. As I progressed through my courses, I found myself being pushed into projects that brought out parts of me I didn’t expect to share—but it felt real, raw, and authentic to who I am as an artist.
At the same time, I’ve struggled with self-doubt and being overly critical of my work. Years of constant critique, both external and internal, made it hard at times to recognize my own growth or feel confident saying, “this is good.” That’s still something I work through.
Graduating and transitioning into adulthood while trying to maintain my creative practice has also been one of the biggest challenges. Losing the structure and momentum of school made me realize how important consistency and community are for my creativity. Since then, I’ve been building my freelance work and learning how to put myself out there more intentionally.
Overall, it’s been a process of learning to trust myself, give myself grace, and stay committed to growing as both an artist and a creative professional.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a creative working across film, photography, and visual storytelling. My work sits at the intersection of storytelling and aesthetic, with a strong documentary influence—capturing real moments in a way that feels cinematic and intentional.
I specialize in visual storytelling, whether through short-form films, photography, or creative projects that highlight people, moments, and atmosphere. I’m especially drawn to work that feels honest and grounded, but still visually elevated—where the emotion of the moment leads the style, not the other way around.
I’d say I’m known for my cinematic eye and my ability to notice and frame subtle, in-between moments that often get overlooked. There’s a natural, observational quality to my work that leans slightly documentary, but still carries a strong sense of composition and mood. I like staying flexible with style, and I’m continuing to explore more stylized and fashion-driven visual work as my voice evolves.
What I’m most proud of is, honestly, making it this far in my journey. Choosing a creative path isn’t easy, and learning not to compare my growth to others has been a big part of my development. I’m also proud of building my creative identity independently and continuing to refine my voice through hands-on experience and freelance work. What sets me apart is that I approach every project as art first—focusing on truth, emotion, and intention before anything else.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Oh my gosh… it’s almost difficult to think of one. I would say, maybe the time my dad brought my brother Jacob and I onto the set of “Beverly Hill’s Chihuahua 2”. I remember going back to school and showing classmates pictures of me with the dogs. Looking back I think it’s the funniest thing ever. Dog celebrities? How funny is that? Haha. I guess second to that would be meeting Will Ferrell on the set of “Semi-pro”. That man is for sure a lot more well known, and at the time I was so little the height difference was a bit crazy. I got to sit in the crowd as they filmed practice scenes on the court. Even had to sign my name on some paper and could barely write nice cursive. Going back to school with that news felt a bit cooler. What a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ctrlvznstudio.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctrlvzn
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@emscreativefile
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/emselysian?utm_source=qr
