Alone in the Edit: The Solo Journey of My First Documentary

Working on my public art documentary has been one of the most rewarding and isolating experiences of my career. I’ve taken on every aspect of this project—writing, narrating, shooting, editing, producing, and directing—by myself. It’s a labor of love, a project that I’m deeply proud of, yet the solitude that comes with being responsible for every decision is something I didn’t fully anticipate.

There’s a unique kind of loneliness that comes from creating something where you have to trust only your vision. I’ve refined this documentary to a point where feedback has become scarce, and I’m left to trust my gut with each creative choice. While that’s empowering, it also leaves me questioning myself constantly—am I on the right path? Is this as good as it can be? Without external input, self-doubt creeps in, often louder than the moments of pride.

The process has been both fulfilling and frustrating. I’ve put my heart into capturing the story of public art, from Amarillo’s murals to the creative metamorphosis represented by Cadillac Ranch, and I know that it’s good work. Yet there’s always that voice in the back of my head wondering if it’s enough. In the quiet hours of editing, I wrestle with the desire for reassurance, but also with the understanding that this is my vision, and only I can see it through to the end.

I’m hoping this documentary will open doors—perhaps even win an award or two and lead to future projects—but right now, it’s hard to focus on what comes next. I’m simply trying to finish something that reflects what I believe in, despite the isolation and doubts.

The loneliness of working on a project like this is hard, but I know it’s necessary. In the end, I want this documentary to inspire others who might be walking a similar path—to show that sometimes, trusting your vision, even when it feels impossible, is the only way to create something meaningful.

I’ll keep going, trusting that this process will be worth it. The outcome isn’t the only thing that matters—what I’m learning about myself and my work along the way is just as important.

I’m excited to announce that this documentary will have its premiere in early 2025, and I can’t wait to finally share what I’ve been working so hard on for the past several months. The journey hasn’t been easy, but I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to bring this story to life. It’s been a labor of love, and I look forward to seeing how it resonates with audiences. More than anything, I’m thankful for the chance to tell this story, and I hope it leaves an impact, just as the process of creating it has left one on me.