Cornish College of the Arts nurtures a vibrant community of artists, each on a unique creative journey. Among them is Isaiah Dziko, a senior Film student whose passion for storytelling began as a childhood curiosity and has since evolved into a reflective and dynamic filmmaking practice. Isaiah’s story highlights the transformative power of art education and the profound impact of storytelling on personal and cultural growth.

Isaiah’s love for filmmaking sparked at the age of 12 with an iMovie project—a fake horror movie trailer crafted with his siblings. “It was so accessible and fun, and I was able to create stories,” he recalls. What started as a playful experiment soon grew into a lifelong fascination. At Cornish, that fascination matured. “Now, I understand what a C-stand is, why lighting is so important, and how it can convey a story,” he says. Through professional training and hands-on experiences, Isaiah has turned his creative curiosity into a practiced craft.

One of his most personal projects, Louise is Almost Famous, exemplifies his journey as a filmmaker. Each episode of the mini-series was inspired by a song he composed, exploring deeply personal themes of gender and race. “Writing about how I identify in so many different ways allowed me to reflect on my past and discover new things about myself,” Isaiah shares. This project marked a turning point in his storytelling, demonstrating his commitment to using film as a medium for self-discovery and cultural dialogue.

At Cornish, constructive critique has played a pivotal role in shaping Isaiah’s artistic voice. A particularly memorable moment came from Cornish alum Gizelle Hadeed, who offered a piece of advice that shifted his perspective: “She said that the reaction to my art is more important than just making a piece. Even a negative reaction is better than none at all.” This insight encouraged Isaiah to focus on creating work that resonates with audiences, sparking emotion and conversation.

Collaboration has also been central to Isaiah’s development as a filmmaker. Working with students from other disciplines, particularly theater majors, taught him the value of teamwork and the nuances actors bring to a story. “They came prepared, with questions and suggestions that enhanced their characters’ depth,” he explains. These experiences deepened his understanding of character-driven narratives and enriched his approach to storytelling.

Seattle’s cultural landscape has further shaped Isaiah’s artistry. One of his standout projects, Put On a Show, captured spontaneous performances by passersby at the University of Washington. “It was amazing to capture Seattle’s culture through its people rather than iconic landmarks,” he says. This documentary highlighted Isaiah’s ability to uncover the beauty in unfiltered human experiences and celebrate the spirit of the city.

As Isaiah’s work continues to evolve, he remains mindful of balancing artistic freedom with audience expectations. “Audiences are smarter than people think,” he says. He believes that clear storytelling, even in experimental formats, allows viewers to find their own interpretations. For Isaiah, creativity comes first, and his goal is to craft films that are both deeply personal and widely engaging.

Isaiah draws inspiration from artists like Tyler, The Creator, whose work blends Afro-surrealism with themes of identity and inclusion. “He’s inspired me ever since high school,” Isaiah notes, explaining how Tyler’s celebration of Black identity influences his own storytelling. This ethos drives Isaiah’s commitment to representation and social change through film.

As he approaches graduation, Isaiah reflects on the comprehensive education Cornish has provided. In addition to technical skills like lighting and editing, he has gained business acumen through courses in budgeting, scriptwriting, and understanding creative briefs. “I know these skills will come up again, whether I’m working on set or in a more stable, business environment,” he says. His goal is to secure a salaried position in Seattle, where he can continue creating personal projects while contributing his expertise to the local creative community.

For aspiring filmmakers, Isaiah has simple yet profound advice: “Make the worst films of your life.” He believes that perfectionism often holds people back from starting. “You’ll learn how to get equipment and write better stories later, but if you don’t start now, you never will.”

Isaiah Dziko’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education, community, and self-expression. At Cornish, he has honed his skills, found his voice, and built a foundation for a career that blends technical precision with meaningful storytelling. As he looks ahead, Isaiah is excited to continue creating work that inspires reflection and celebrates the human experience.

Interested in exploring your passion for film? Discover how Cornish College of the Arts can shape your journey as a filmmaker. Visit our Film Department to learn more and see if Cornish is the right fit for you today.