Who I am: Professionally
As the website suggests, I am Zach Gurchiek, a Communication major at Indiana State University focusing in Digital and Interactive Media. I have had an interest in every step of the media creation process at some point in my life and have done my best to learn as much of it as I could.
I have extensive knowledge of software used within the trade, including Adobe Audition, Premiere, and After Effects when it has been needed. On top of that, I am well familiar with programs like Photoshop, Canva, Illustrator, and InDesign as well.
What I am trying to say is that I have worked to diversify my skillset as much as possible, to the point where I can figure out any unfamiliar tool within these programs very quickly. My journey started with learning Adobe Audition from scratch in October 2022. By February 2023, I was already being recognized by award syndicates for my work.
I have held several positions within Indiana State University's student media organization. My current and final position is Station Manager of 90.7 FM, and I previously served as Opinions Editor for the Indiana Statesman for two years before resigning to focus on other endeavors. I have recently graduated from Indiana State University and am currently looking for opportunities to continue pursuing my passion.
Who I am: Personally
I am a nerd, geek, or whatever one would want to call me, and I have embraced that identity fully. I've held a lifelong love for film, music, anime, video games, and tabletop gaming, and that feels like it doesn't even scratch the surface. These passions have helped shape my perspective on what is possible within media.
Growing up, I was heavily involved in my school's band programs and built a lot of skills that I rely on to this day. I've been referred to by many as a "natural leader," and I think those skills started there. I learned how to use my enthusiasm for music and creativity as a whole to encourage others to match my intensity. Working hard to create the best product I can is my default setting, and when I have a team to lead, I become even more effective.
I have only learned as much as I have because of the teams I have been a part of. Even when leading, I think it is important to take a step back and recognize that everyone has something they can teach you, even if that lesson is simply a new perspective. I have come to love collaborating with others to create and build. The greatest gift I have had throughout my life is the opportunities to make great connections.
To summarize, I am a nerd with ADHD who was born and raised in Terre Haute, Indiana. I chose to major in Communications as it was the most fitting degree path for what I have grown to be passionate about. I've learned not just how to lead, but how to keep learning. My friends and connections are a strength greater than I could ever attempt to describe. But again, as the website suggests, I am Zach Gurchiek.
Interesting answers to interesting questions:
What is your dream job?
My dream job would be to work on a show like Dimesnsion 20, Critical Role, or The Adventure Zone. I’m a big fan of actual play podcasts and shows due to my love of tabletop games. Whether it be as a personality on the show, a video or audio editor, or even just the intern who runs and gets the team coffee I would love to be involved in the process any way that I could.
What shows, books, or games are your biggest influence?
When it comes to talking about what influences me I have a lot of varied inspirations. I’m a huge fan of ‘Twin Peaks’ and David Lynch’s filmography as a whole. His ability to manifest what feel like dreams so vividly is enthralling. My favorite anime of all time has got to be ‘Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure’. Hirohiko Araki is a certified genius and I hope to be able to stay as true to my inspirations as he has been over the years. My favorite book of all time has got to be ‘This Is How You Lose the Time War’ by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone. A truly beautiful novella that manages to talk about war, love, and the human condition in a way that I feel is truly masterful.
What do you do if you don’t know how to do something?
If I don’t already know a skill that I need to finish a project I will learn it. I have learned all of my skills fairly quickly and have a proficiency in learning programs and the tools within them. I need to learn how to do a specific kind of video transition that I’ve never done before? Give me an hour or so and I will learn how to do it. I pride myself in my ability to adapt and I have always become stronger because of it.
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