In the world of video production, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest gear and software. We often think that better tools will make us better creators. But, as I’ve learned over the years, it’s not the tools that make you excel; it’s your desire and creativity to make the most of what you have. This truth was recently underscored by the story of Yusuf Dikeç, a Turkish Olympic shooter who went viral not for his high-end equipment but for his regular appearance.
Yusuf Dikeç’s journey to the Olympics exemplifies what can be achieved with grit and resourcefulness. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Dikeç and his teammate Şevval İlayda Tarhan won a gold medal in the 10-meter Air Pistol Mixed Team event, marking Turkey’s first-ever medal in Olympic shooting (Daily Sabah ) (ISSF) (Wikipedia). The pair equaled the Olympic qualification record of 582 points previously set by India at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (ISSF) (Wikipedia).
Leading up to the Olympics, Dikeç and Tarhan demonstrated their potential by winning the final Olympic qualifier in Rio and the Munich World Cup (ISSF) (Wikipedia). Dikeç’s career highlights include winning gold at the 2006 CISM World Championships and multiple medals in various European and World Cup competitions (Wikipedia).
In our creative fields, it’s easy to fall into the trap of waiting for the perfect moment when we have all the right tools. But the reality is there will always be something newer, better, or more advanced on the market (See also Gear Acquisition Syndrome or G.A.S.). We’ll never start creating if we keep waiting for the perfect setup. Instead, we should embrace the tools we have and focus on honing our skills and nurturing our creativity.
The true measure of a creator’s ability is not in their tools but in their vision and dedication. When we look at the works of great artists, filmmakers, and storytellers, we often find that their most impactful pieces were created with limited resources (from the wedding filmmaker’s perspective, see this article). What set them apart was their ability to see beyond their tools’ limitations and push the boundaries of their creativity. At this point, I would be remiss not to mention a film we watched in film school called The Five Obstructions, where the creator is tasked with creating with limitations. I highly recommend you watch it. In fact, a whole course I took was based on these principles, and to this day, I think it influences my work daily.
So, the next time you find yourself longing for the latest camera model or the newest software update, remember Yusuf Dikeç. Remember that it’s not the tools that make the creator; it’s the creator’s passion, ingenuity, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Embrace the challenges, get creative with your resources, and let your desire to create drive you forward.
Ultimately, your vision, determination, and willingness to work with what you have will set you apart. So, pick up whatever tools you have at hand and start creating. The world is waiting to see what you can do.
Matt Nikkila
A seasoned storyteller specializing in design, photo, and video, adept at fostering collaborative teams and dedicated to innovative problem-solving.