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#84 - Life of Riza - The Pursuit of Creative Balance

The Creative Gap Podcast

41,092 views

In this conversation, Kariza Santos reflects on her journey as a filmmaker and YouTube creator, discussing the realities of building a creative career while trying to maintain balance in life. She shares how freelancing, experimentation, and years of learning eventually led her to develop a cinematic storytelling style on YouTube, while also navigating the constant pressure to produce content in a fast-moving digital space. Kariza talks about the importance of structure, boundaries, and time-blocking to avoid burnout, as well as the role of mentorship, collaboration, and community in helping creators grow. Ultimately, she emphasizes that creativity is a long-term pursuit built on persistence, curiosity, and self-awareness—encouraging creators to focus less on algorithms or perfection and more on finding their voice, continuing to learn, and creating work they’re genuinely proud of.

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00:00 – Introduction & Kariza Santos’ Creative Path
04:45 – What Fulfillment Looks Like as a Creative
09:10 – Freelancing, Burnout & Creating Boundaries
14:20 – Forcing Creativity vs Letting Ideas Develop
20:35 – The Pressure of Uploading on YouTube
27:50 – Mentorship and the Importance of Creative Community
35:40 – Dropping Out of School and Entering Freelance Work
45:15 – Finding Her Voice on YouTube
55:20 – Building Season 2 and Working With a Team
01:03:30 – Advice for Creators and Final Reflections

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20 Comments

@TechOutAdam 6 months ago (edited)

She's so freaking special. Her energy is such a calming nervous system reset. Also, Gian asked some FANTASTIC questions.

@Tech4YourNeeds 6 months ago

The Life of Riza is one of the most captivating content creators. I love her unique film style and her videos.

@by.jana.nadine 6 months ago

Thank you for this! Riza's work inspires me like no other here on YouTube. 🙏 I only discovere her channel last July during her break, which gave me time to watch every single video of hers (many multiple times), and now I can't imagine not knowing her. She's the one that got me into making more cinematic videos, even though I'm only a bloody beginner.

@winnieho8589 6 months ago

It's one of most inspiring interviews that I've ever watched. I like how genuine and natural Riza is in front of us and the way she thinks and talks. Also, thanks for the host for asking such amazing questions that bring out very deep level of reflections.

@shotbyden 6 months ago

Don't even know how bad I needed this one, thanks for even making The Creative Gap Podcast it's so inspiring.

@no_one514 3 months ago

Wowwwww! Been watching her vlogs... Thank you, Riza!
5:09pm 6-10-26 WED

@Colinlutterloah 5 months ago (edited)

Another amazing video! Love Riza's story and personality. After watching this I realized both of you have had incredible mentors who really helped shape who you are today. Not taking away from your hard work, just a personal realization that I need to find some solid mentors and people willing to take a chance on me. Thanks for sharing!

@BenjiSelby 6 months ago

Loved this episode! It's amazing to see how you both have similar experiences but from different perspectives as creatives on YouTube. I really enjoyed your question selection and the vulnerability to share some of your struggles too.

@quietcatlife 2 months ago

Knowing that Matt D. inspired her makes so much sense. I can definitely see how his work influenced the way her videos are made.

@Palesa_Mohasoane 4 months ago

Shes so gorgeous

@gielaah 6 months ago

Thanks for this. I look up to both of you and I love how you both share your experiences so genuinely. There is so much more to video upload and behind the scenes. The art of filmmaking is so priceless and beautiful. Also love how you take the time to listen and balance to value her input and yours 🙇‍♀️🙌.

@dereamzz 6 months ago

Such a good episode! After turning photography and filmmaking into my job, I've started to fall out of love with filmmaking a bit. But talking about breaks, and this whole conversation motivated me again!

@Alannn. 6 months ago

This girl inspires me. I love her work. Interesting interview!

@VerdantVanille 5 months ago

I’m beyond grateful for the depth of the questions and for the honesty and wisdom in Riza’s answers. So much of what came through resonated deeply with me! Thank you for making this show!

@PrinceShakurYoutube 6 months ago

Thank you so much for this! Life of Riza is definitely a channel with a visual style and emotional tonality to aspire to, so it's great to hear a long-form conversation! Much appreciated