Next Up in Our 30 Faces of YES: Gavin Seal
When Gavin first connected with YES in 2019, he was at a pivotal turning point. After years of pursuing his craft, he faced systemic barriers and limited access to arts funding. This made continuing along a traditional creative path feel unsustainable. Mid-career and seeking stability, he reached out to YES in search of a way to apply his skills more broadly—without losing sight of his creative identity.
Through YES’ coaching and workshops, Gavin gained clarity, confidence, and a new perspective on his professional experience. With guided support, he learned how to translate his creative strengths into in-demand skills, navigate new industries, and make strategic career choices that offered both financial security and long-term growth.
Today, his journey has come full circle. Armed with business acumen and renewed confidence, Gavin is a full-time filmmaker, award winner, business owner, and Canadian Screen Awards contender. Returning to YES as a speaker and mentor, he now shares hard-earned insights with other artists. As he helps “artrepreneurs” navigate systemic challenges and build sustainable careers on their own terms, he proves one thing—sometimes the detour is what makes the dream possible.
Interview with Gavin
What brought you to YES, and what were you hoping to achieve at that time?
I’d given up on filmmaking and wanted to get a job in an industry where my skills would be appreciated.
Can you tell me about some of the challenges or goals you faced when you first connected with YES? Was there a particular moment or obstacle that felt especially significant?
There were age regulations in the Quebec arts funding system, and I became too old to be eligible.
How did YES support you in overcoming those challenges or moving forward in your career, business, or artistic journey?
YES helped me identify my transferable skills, adapt my resume to other industries, and identify high salary opportunities.
Were there any tools, workshops, or insights from YES that made a lasting difference?
The one-on-one coaching.
Where are you now in your journey, and what achievements or milestones are you most proud of?
Since YES helped me land 6-figure jobs at Mattel and Shopify, I’ve returned to being a full-time filmmaker, won awards, I’m in competition for the Canadian Oscars (Canadian Screen Awards) and have built my own business.
Looking back, is there a particular moment or success that stands out as a turning point?
Getting laid off from Shopify was the best thing that ever happened to me. Thanks to YES, I found a job when I needed one, and thanks to EI, I was able to get back to pursuing my dreams. Turns out that what I needed most to succeed as an artist was business acumen, which I gained from those corporate jobs.
At what stage were you in your career, business, or artistic journey when you connected with YES?
Mid-career, emerging filmmaker (industry speak).
Which YES services, workshops, or coaching did you participate in?
I made use of all YES services, including both workshops and the coaching program.
Do you have any full-circle moments to share—such as returning as a speaker, mentor, or volunteer?
It’s been a pleasure and honor to return to YES as a speaker and mentor, and to teach other artrepreneurs how to overcome systemic barriers in the government funding system through innovative business modelling uniquely for artists.
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