A Career Surrounded by Creativity: Ryan's Visual Goal
Date Published: 18/8/2025
Author: Maioha Tawa
Ryan (Ngaati Maahanga) loves house music and wants to build a life surrounded by creativity, music and film. During the week, he wants to produce house music and refine his craft as a musician. On the weekends, he wants to perform at events as a DJ and connect with the audience through music. Alongside his passion for music is his passion for film.
When turning Ryan’s aspirations into a visual journey, I used the past, present and future framework to weave his story together as a pathway of growth. In the past, he was burdened by a lack of space, technology, and support - he felt trapped inside a box. Now he is out and pursuing a new pathway, with a focus on investing in himself and purchasing the required hardware and software needed to launch his career. I drew him living out his dreams of becoming an indigenous film director and DJ. The vibe that I get from Ryan is funky and energetic, so I integrated that vibe by using bright colours.
“Looks perfect! I love it.”
After receiving his completed visual goal drawing, he said he loved it and that it captured his goals perfectly, leaving him feeling more hopeful and confident for the future. He said that visual goals were a great way to support people in realising their dreams, and visualise their future. Since receiving his drawing, Ryan has attended a Waikato Maaori Filmmaker event here in Kirikiriroa to connect with other people working in the film industry.