Skyler Vander Molen
Q What do you do?
“I’m a San Francisco based film & creative director specializing in commercial film, campaigns and music videos.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I started my career as a brand designer before transitioning into product design at Postmates in 2010. Shortly after, I worked as an in-house art director at Facebook where I got on set for the first time. In late 2016 I decided to leave my job to freelance full-time and I haven't looked back.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I focus a lot on personal projects and am really selective about the work I take on. If I don't feel like I have something uniquely me to bring to a project, I generally don't take it on.
Q What are you working on right now?
I just finished two music videos and am producing a narrative short in New York.
Q What’s your style?
My sweet spot is highly art directed conceptual video with a human backbone.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Music is my first love and the discipline I wish I would have pursued harder. I still dabble but regret not leaning into it more when I was starting my career.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
All the admin involved in being independent. I love the freedom and flexibility, but doing taxes, managing email, signing contracts, etc. is a big drain on my energy. I'd love to be in a position to be able to pay someone to take that work off my plate.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Manage my email, stay on top of balancing my books, paying bills, managing budgets and calendars, organizing files and backing up projects, PR and press outreach... basically all the day-to-day admin work I hate.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I'd probably go back to middle school and tell my younger self not to take things so damn seriously. No one's watching you, no one cares what you do with your life... all that matters is that you love how you spend your time on Earth. Lean into the things that bring you joy and don't worry about the rest.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
How to do a better job promoting my work. I'd love to get better at finding press coverage for my projects.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I love music videos but would love to branch out into more commercial film, particularly with fashion and luxury brands.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Clients who trust my vision and give me space to do my best work by not micromanaging or attempting to control everything. Collaborators who give everything they have to the project while leaving their egos on the table. A team of friends making something we're excited about and proud of. That perfect mix of head + heart + and budget.
Q: What is your rate?
Full-service production for most commercial jobs starts at around $75K. Directing through a production company starts at ~$5K / day. Art Direction / Creative direction starts at ~$2K / day. Music videos are a different ball game and depend on how much I vibe with the song and the artist, but usually need a minimum of $5K.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Email, please include a rough budget range, timeline, and creative brief
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Getting off the computer and living.
This member profile was originally published in March 2022.