Dylan Depaul
We’re stoked to have our friend Dylan Depaul with us for this week’s Dreamos Round Table! Dylan’s a visual storyteller pursuing his dreams out of San Antonio, Texas.
Dylan has a passion for capturing digital/film images that connect stories to an experience. No matter the project, he pushes the limits of creativity to reach others at an emotional level. His past work experiences have dramatically increased his passion for creativity in the church, the music industry, and the development of others.
Dylan’s heartbeat is simple - To fully know Jesus and to make Jesus fully known. We know you’ll be encouraged and inspired as you hear more from his heart, story, and pursuit.
What dream are you currently turning into reality?
All I know is God gave me these creative gifts, and I want to use them to glorify Him in every single way. I want my work to showcase Him, for Him to get all the glory, and for me to be only known for simply that.
Down the road it would be incredible to build churches, develop other creatives, and be part of movements for the Kingdom. I just have this passion for people to come to know God.
When did you first realize you discovered your dream?
It might’ve been when I gave my life to Jesus, or when I hosted a Bible study that grew to over 200 people in less than a year. Or, maybe it was when I picked up a camera to photograph and run social media for our college ministry. It might’ve even been when I photographed my first concert (MOSAIC MSC), or even the time I spent in Minneapolis.
Needless to say, I’m not exactly sure. God just continues to give me new creative visions every single day. The more time I spend with Him, the more I discover how deeply I want to be in a relationship with Him, and to tell the world about Him.
How does your faith go hand in hand with pursuing your dream?
It’s simple - This isn’t for myself, and it isn’t for any other reason other than for Him. All this gifting, talent, and creativity I have isn’t from me, it’s all from Him. If He’s not in it, I don’t want it. God is my source in all of it, and He will always be recognized for it.
What’s one or two practical steps you take to keep moving forward?
1. Don’t compare yourself to anyone around you - Everyone's on their own journey. The only person you can compare yourself to is simply yourself.
2. Ask questions - Lots of questions. Reach out to people who are doing what you’d like to do one day, and see if they would ever mentor or guide you.
3. Your work doesn’t define who you are, it’s not your identity.
What would you share with someone who’s going after their dream?
One day you’re going to be 30 years old. You can either be doing your dream career at 30, or you can continue to do what you’re doing right now. Either way, 30 is coming - So, what are you gonna do about it?
Also, I’d rather God exalt me in my obedience than being exalted in my disobedience. What does that mean exactly? Well, when you’re obedient, faithful, and in-step with the Father, you’re building on a solid foundation. So, when success comes, you’ll have a solid place to stand. If you do things without Him, or in disobedience, you might as well be building on sand.