Hey there. I'm Dustin, a
super-curious storyteller , plus:
About Me ~
I'm Dustin (he/him), an Asian American, third-culture, born-to-Khmer-immigrants, lost-in-his-imagination, wandering-minded journalist (most days) who graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in Media and Journalism. I use a passion for discovery and my burning curiosity about the big, wide universe to document people's stories. Plus, my camera helps...
I have to keep my hands moving. Creative work is how I communicate the world. I use the need to express myself to create work that matters, has impact, and makes people feel things. Plus, doing this work is the way I learn about the people around me - and I can't stop from wanting to know more.
I believe in community and local bonds. I trust in the ability for stories and actual, real listening to bring people together. And I recognize the power of identity. I think it is the recognition of our own identities and our biases that makes for excellent storytelling.
My work has been seen in the BBC, Associated Press, Charlotte Observer, WRAL, Raleigh News & Observer, Asheville Citizen-Times, Greensboro News & Record, The Daily Tar Heel, and other places!
a visual + audio journalist,
a writer,
a designer of things,
a researcher,
dabbling in trying to do meaningful work.
Favorite Quote
(there's a lot you can tell about someone by the wisdom they try to carry through their lives)
"
To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life.
- The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Some Skills
DSLR Photo/Video
(production, cutting, editing, mixing, lighting, audio, etc.)
Adobe Suite
(Premiere/Photoshop/Lightroom/Illustrator/InDesign/Audition)
Audio/Video Editing Experience
(Adobe Premiere & Audition/Final Cut Pro)
Written Communication
(research, academic, journalistic, and creative)
Graphic Design
(Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Canva for promotion, datavis)
Social Media Marketing/Advertising
(SEO, analytics and growth for Instagram, FB, Twitter)
Research & Analysis
(sourcing, interviewing, data, archives, etc.)
Digital Mapping Experience
(QGIS)
