Alec Dominguez, a New York-based filmmaker and photographer, discusses how the city's collaborative spirit shaped his creativity. From his freeform artistic process to lessons learned at La Cabra café, Alec emphasizes the importance of craftsmanship, integrity, and staying true to one’s vision while pursuing meaningful collaborations.
Please tell us about yourself?
Alec Dominguez: Hey guys, my name is Alec Dominguez, and I am a photographer and filmmaker based here in New York City.
How has living in New York City changed you as a creative?
Alec Dominguez: That’s a great question. When I moved to New York, I realized that a lot more people here are open. Creatives in New York are less about comparing themselves to each other and more about being collaborative.
I grew up in California, and when I worked on gigs there, I felt there was a "you versus me" vibe. There’s obviously competition in New York too, but in my experience, people here are more open to working together, cheering you on, and being like, "Yo, that’s awesome—let me help out." It’s made me more collaborative and humble in my approach to working with other creatives.
What are you working on currently?
Alec Dominguez: I’m working on a short film—a film I wrote and am directing. It’s my first time opening up a project this deeply to other people and allowing them to have their own creative footprint on it. That was scary at first because it’s my baby, you know? I wrote it, and I came up with it on my own. But I’ve found that collaborating with others has been really cool. I’m very glad to be working with the people I do on this project.
Where do you find inspiration?
Alec Dominguez: Music is a big one for me. My favorite thing is to put on my headphones, listen to music, and let the stories and concepts come to my mind.
I also find inspiration from my family. I come from a very creative family, and they have great taste. Growing up, I wanted to have good taste too. I’d say I’m always inspired—whether it’s walking around the city, people-watching, or even working in a coffee shop. Inspiration just comes to me.
On Alec : ONS Hawthorn Cotton Nylon Jacket , ONS Niles Slub Trousers
Could you tell us about your artistic process? Is it habitual, freeform, or calculated?
Alec Dominguez: My process is very freeform. I try to be organized, but that’s definitely not my strength. I’ve learned to embrace that my creative approach is different from others. For a long time, I felt insecure because my process didn’t look like everyone else’s. But I’ve realized that stepping into your own creative expression is what matters.
I always tell people, "Create what you want to see." That’s been my guiding principle. Once I stopped worrying about fitting into a mold and started creating what felt authentic to me, I became more confident in my work.
What does an ideal workday look like for you?
Alec Dominguez: An ideal workday for me starts with waking up at 9 a.m., making a pour-over coffee, and reading a book. I might watch some SpongeBob to relax, then head out to edit from a café.
I love collaborating with friends on projects, so my perfect day involves meeting up, bouncing ideas off each other, and working on creative things together. That kind of flow makes for a great day.
You mentioned working at La Cabra in Soho. What have you learned from your time there?
Alec Dominguez: Working at La Cabra has been great. I love coffee, and I’m super geeky about it. I care about things like roast style, the farm where the beans came from, and even the elevation they were grown at. La Cabra is incredibly intentional about their coffee, and that’s what drew me to work there.
It’s also a high-volume café, so the challenge is making a high-quality product while dealing with crazy busy conditions. That requires a lot of discipline. I’ve worked at places where quality gets sacrificed for speed, but at La Cabra, we don’t do that. I’ve learned so much about balancing quality and efficiency—and that’s something I’ve applied to my creative work as well.
How do you define quality and craftsmanship in your work?
Alec Dominguez: For me, quality and craftsmanship mean being intentional about what you create. People can tell the difference between something that’s well-made and something that’s rushed. Whether it’s coffee or film, if you care about what you’re making, that effort shows, and people notice it.
It’s about having integrity in your work and not cutting corners, even when it’s challenging. That’s something I value both in coffee and in my creative projects.
What part of the creative process brings you the most joy?
Alec Dominguez: There are two moments that bring me the most joy. The first is when I’m stuck during editing—when I hit a creative block—and then something clicks. It could be an editing choice, a music change, or just figuring out the direction. That breakthrough moment is so rewarding.
The second is when I finish a project and share it with others. When you know it’s good, and your friends watch it and say, "That was sick," it’s the best feeling. It’s that validation that reminds you why you do what you do.
Any advice for someone entering a creative field?
Alec Dominguez: My advice is simple: create what you like. Don’t try to be someone else or sacrifice your vision to fit into a mold. It’s okay to take inspiration from others, but find your own voice and stay true to it.
Also, create often. It doesn’t have to be a big project—just create something, even if it’s small. For me, even a ten-second video I post on Instagram keeps my creative juices flowing. Consistency is key.
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