For those of you like myself that watch YouTube on a regular basis, you've probably come across the name " Casey Neistat ." You might have even seen some of his videos.
With over 8 million subscribers on his YouTube channel and an average of about 2 million views on each video he releases, you could say that he's somewhat well known, though that would be quite an understatement. But I have an argument that goes beyond that. Casey Neistat is more than just a persona that found success on the YouTube platform.
I'd venture to say that he is one of our generation's most influential creative minds.
Without a doubt, part of my admiration for Neistat stems from the fact that I also have a passion for filmmaking. Since high school, I've had an interest in pretty much anything that involved a camera: photography, filmmaking, that sort of thing. In my mind, I've always referred to cameras as "time machine prototypes." I think that's a fitting description if you think about it.
You're taking a moment in time and placing it in its own little universe, preserving it for later. What you do with this saved piece of time is up to you, because once you capture it, it becomes yours forever. Do this enough times, and before you know it you'll have enough moments for a pretty awesome story. A completely unique story, your story. Creating original work is exhilarating, and part of the reason why I love filmmaking.
Casey Neistat puts genuine effort into his craft, and it shows. His work is so good it's hard to describe what exactly about it makes it so good. However, watch some of his videos and you'll get it. The editing, the angles, the time-lapses; everything feels deliberate, purposeful, and right where it needs to be. The attention to detail is immaculate, and it's blatantly obvious he's passionate about what he does.
It's ridiculously inspirational to watch someone like that at work. Whether or not you're an aspiring filmmaker, there's something in his videos for everyone. Watching them is nothing short of addicting, and you'll find yourself watching multiple in a single sitting.
It's hard for me to tell you how much of an impact he's had on me. In a video he put out about how he got to where he is today, you learn that he didn't start from much. He moved to New York City at the age of twenty-one with nothing but a dream to create.
Even with the odds stacked against him with countless obstacles in his way. He found ways to overcome them all and push on. It wasn't easy, and he had to grind for it, but he's living proof that hard work pays. Greatness from small beginnings.
Casey Neistat embodies what it means to be creative and think outside the box. It feels as though with each video he's breaking something, only to create something better. Constantly redefining, always pushing boundaries, and inspiring others to do the same.
So I guess what I'm trying to say is thanks, Casey, for being you.
