We had the good fortune of connecting with Sean Noroña and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sean, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success and my brand Hogar Images is really marketing. A lot of people for a number of industries say, “It’s all about who you know.” To an extent that statement is true. Getting your brand’s name out there, and even your story is the most effective tool in overall success. If people know who you are and what your story is, then it’s easier to rally them to your cause. In my case our latest project has been producing a professional short film called BLACKOUT. The skills that I’ve learned in working for media companies and ad agencies through the years, as well as creative tools I’ve picked up along the way have really prepared me for such a large venture. My marketing skills have been essential to help getting word out about our little action film and will hopefully lead to it being a hit among Independent Film Festivals.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would say the thing that sets my work apart of others is my unique eye for aesthetics paired with ability to adhere to a structured train of thought. One might say that I do have access to my right brain and left brain. There is a bit of organization to all my productions, as I like to plan things out to a tee, before jumping in. On the flip side of that, for the images I capture for both my own passion projects, and brands I work with I try to bring an artistic look that evokes emotion and even some mystery to it. I think making an audience feel something is a huge accomplishment for an artist. The path to where I am now in my career was not an easy one. I was not always good at what I do, and you really can’t find the dream job, being fresh out of college. I had to gain a lot of life experience, practice every day, and work really hard to be come as proficient in my field as possible. The years of dedication to the craft also helped me develop more skills than I thought I could obtain, and even the people skills I need for future ventures.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a friend visiting, I would definitely take them to downtown Greensboro and show them some of the fun places to eat. I would first take them to Chez Genese for an elegant and delicious breakfast, take a stroll through Le Bauer Park, maybe even take them to a show at the Tanger Center in the afternoon. We would finish off with some wine and an outstanding 3 course meal at White and Wood which happens to be one of my favorite restaurants. Another day we might go hiking at Hanging Rock or drive east for the beach. That’s really the most wonderful thing about living in North Carolina, is that there is some much around us, and whatever direction you go, you will always find something to do that is soul enriching. I didn’t grow up in Greensboro, but I’ve definitely found it a place to call home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
When I was young my uncle, David Yanez, really took me under his wing. l was a child growing up in New York who loved to draw and anything art related. My uncle was a professional painter working in the City who knew not only fine art, but also the realm of Photoshop and digital art. He would give me lessons, and encouraged me to explore my creativity. There was never a doubt in my mind that I would one day be a creative professional. One thing we would do together is go to the movie theater and see the latest films. This was something I had no idea would affect the rest of my life, as films become the thing I cared about most, and lead me down a path of finding myself through photography, videography, and eventually filmmaking.

Website: www.hogarimages.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/blackout_action_film?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM=

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackoutindiefilm?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Other: https://vimeo.com/user120978301

Image Credits
Pierce Foster, Melissa Shaul, Casper Luna, Brendan Smyth

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