Introduction
Meet Dylan Kartono, a guy who turned his high school love for making memes into a career most people can only dream of. While his classmates were stressing over college essays, Dylan was landing gigs, editing videos, and getting paid to do what he loved. Fast forward a few years, and his work has caught the attention of big names like NHK, Reddit, and Facebook. No fancy degree, no insider connections—just raw creativity, hustle, and a passion for storytelling. How did he go from smartphone edits to working with some of the biggest brands in the world? Let’s hear Dylan’s story and get inspired.
Interviewer:
Dylan, thank you for joining us today! Your story is so inspiring, and I’m sure our audience will take a lot from it. Let’s start from the beginning. What was your journey like in the early days?
Dylan:
Thank you for having me! My journey started pretty early, back in high school. To be honest, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life at first. I just knew that I loved making things, especially videos. I was the kind of kid who would spend hours messing around with free editing software on my old smartphone, making funny videos, gaming clips, and memes. I was always experimenting—seeing what worked, what didn’t, and just having fun with it.
One day, I posted a meme I made to social media, and it got a lot more attention than I expected. An independent artist reached out and asked if I could make a meme using their song. They offered to pay me, and that’s when it clicked—I could actually make money doing something I genuinely loved.
From there, I started taking on more small gigs, editing for artists, local events, and even friends who needed help with their projects. It didn’t feel like work at the time because I was having so much fun. By the time I graduated high school, I was already making a decent income. I decided not to go to university because I knew I wanted to dive into freelancing full-time.
Interviewer:
That’s such an impressive start, especially at such a young age. How did you go from those small gigs to working with major companies like Facebook and Reddit?
Dylan:
It was definitely a process—it didn’t just happen overnight. After high school, I put everything I had into freelancing. I made it a priority to build my portfolio using the small jobs I had already done. Even if the projects weren’t flashy, I made sure they showed my creativity and style.
Networking was also a big part of it. I joined online creative forums, shared my work on social media, and reached out to people who inspired me. One of the turning points came when I worked on a video for a local startup. They loved the video, and it ended up getting shared quite a bit. Someone at Facebook saw it and reached out to me directly, asking if I’d be interested in working on a project with them.
I was blown away. That project was a huge deal for me, and I put everything I had into it. After that, things really started to snowball. The work I did for Facebook led to other opportunities, including with Reddit and some other big names. Every project built on the last, and it just kept growing from there.
Interviewer:
Was there a specific project or moment when you thought, “I’ve made it”?
Dylan:
I don’t think there’s ever been a single moment when I thought, “This is it, I’ve made it.” But there have definitely been turning points. One that stands out was when a nonprofit hired me to create a video showcasing the impact of their work. It was a completely different kind of project for me—more meaningful and emotional than anything I’d done before.
I wanted to tell a story that really connected with people, so I focused on the individual stories of the people the nonprofit was helping. When the video launched, the response was overwhelming. It went viral, and people were not just reaching out to the nonprofit but also contacting me about my work.
That project opened a lot of doors for me and helped me realize that storytelling was my biggest strength. It wasn’t just about creating flashy visuals or edits—it was about making people feel something. That was a big shift in how I approached my work.
Interviewer:
You mentioned not going to university to focus on freelancing. Did you ever have doubts about that decision?
Dylan:
Oh, absolutely. There were definitely moments when I second-guessed myself. Watching my friends go off to college, I sometimes wondered if I was making a huge mistake. But I always believed that if I kept working hard and improving my skills, I could make it work.
Freelancing is a tough road, especially when you’re just starting out and trying to prove yourself. There were slow months, challenging clients, and plenty of late nights. But I learned so much through experience—how to manage clients, meet deadlines, and solve problems creatively.
Looking back, I don’t regret it at all. I’ve learned so much by doing, and I think that hands-on experience has been more valuable for me than any classroom could have been.
Interviewer:
What advice would you give to young people who want to follow a similar path?
Dylan:
First, start now. You don’t need fancy equipment or a formal education to get started. Use whatever tools you have, and focus on improving your skills one project at a time.
Second, don’t underestimate the power of small gigs. Every project, no matter how small, is a chance to learn, grow, and build your portfolio. The little jobs I did early on led to bigger opportunities later, even if they didn’t seem important at the time.
And finally, stay consistent and don’t give up. There will be tough days, but if you’re passionate and persistent, you’ll find a way to make it work. Be willing to adapt, keep learning, and always strive to improve.
Interviewer:
What’s next for you?
Dylan:
Right now, I’m focused on growing my freelance business and taking on bigger, more challenging projects. I’m also really interested in mentoring younger creatives who are just starting out. I know how hard it can be in the beginning, so I’d love to give back and help others find their way.
In the long term, I want to work on projects that have a real impact. Whether it’s a campaign that inspires people or a story that raises awareness, I want my work to make a difference.
Interviewer:
What’s the one thing you want our audience to take away from your story?
Dylan:
I’d say this: You don’t need a traditional path to succeed. If you’re passionate, willing to work hard, and open to learning, you can create your own opportunities. Start small, stay consistent, and don’t let fear or doubt hold you back.
Interviewer:
Dylan, thank you so much for sharing your story with us. It’s been a pleasure, and I’m sure our audience is leaving inspired. Best of luck with all your future projects!
Conclusion
Dylan Kartono’s journey proves that passion, creativity, and persistence can turn a hobby into a thriving career. If you’re considering taking the leap into freelancing or pursuing your passion, let Dylan’s story be a reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all path to success. Start small, stay focused, and embrace the process of learning and growing. The possibilities are endless.
Feel inspired? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!