Classroom Conversations to Creative Freedom: An Entrepreneurial Journey
For Andy Emery ’17, the path to becoming a storyteller, filmmaker and entrepreneur didn’t begin with a camera – it began with a classroom. Long before he launched his own creative business, Andy was a communication studies student searching for a program that would elevate the way he connected with people. He found that, and much more, at TCU.
“I wanted a degree program that would allow me to elevate my client and partner communications, improve my ability to intentionally connect with people, develop my leadership skills and refine my interpersonal communication,” he says.
TCU ended up providing the perfect foundation.
A Classroom Lesson That Changed Everything
One of the most formative experiences Andy had at TCU took place in an unexpected
setting: a spring break trip to Russia for his intercultural communication class.
Though he considered himself primarily a still photographer at the time, he volunteered
to create the trip’s recap video.
That decision changed his trajectory.
“It really sparked a passion for storytelling and creating that I hadn’t been aware of previously.”
That moment marked the beginning of a journey that blended creativity with communication; a combination that would become central to both his professional identity and his entrepreneurial ambitions.
Learning to Listen, Empathize and Lead
Andy credits TCU with giving him the people skills that now define his professional approach. “My time at TCU taught me to slow down, listen, clarify, question and really empathize in a way I hadn’t before,” he says.
Those lessons influence every client conversation, interview and edit he makes. They
are, in many ways, the building blocks of his brand – proof that entrepreneurship
grows not just from technical skills, but from the ability to communicate intentionally
and connect meaningfully. He points to these lessons as key to understanding not just
storytelling, but the people at the heart of every project he undertakes.
Inspiring the Leap into Entrepreneurship
When Andy decided to start his own business, the choice was rooted in the confidence and clarity he developed at TCU.
“The motivation to take the leap really came from wanting the freedom and flexibility to pursue my passions while working with clients and partners that I believe in,” he says.
With a foundation in both communication theory and practical experience, Andy was equipped to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. TCU didn’t just teach him technical skills; it instilled the confidence to take risks, the resilience to persevere and the curiosity to continue learning along the way.
Coming Full Circle: Returning to TCU as a Creator
One of Andy’s proudest professional moments came when TCU invited him back to help create a series of alumni videos for the university’s sesquicentennial celebration.
“As an alumnus, it was particularly special getting to be a small part of such a big milestone for TCU and leaving my fingerprint on that historic moment.”
Since then, he’s continued to partner with TCU’s Marketing & Communication department, as well as colleges and other departments across campus – capturing stories, mentoring students and contributing to the university that helped shape him.
His recent project with the TCU American Marketing Association, where he produced video content while teaching students hands-on production skills, encapsulated everything TCU represents to him: collaboration, community and growth.
Creative Work That Reaches Students Around the World
Today, Andy’s creative work continues to strengthen the TCU community in a powerful way by helping attract new students from across the country and around the globe. Through films, digital content and storytelling that highlight the energy, values and possibilities of life at TCU, Andy plays a role in shaping the first impressions prospective students have of the university.
His videos do more than show the campus; they capture what it feels like to be a Horned Frog. The sense of belonging, the commitment to excellence, the support for bold ideas and the celebration of personal growth all come through in his work. For many future students, his projects become part of the spark that inspires them to imagine their own journeys at TCU.
In this way, his career has come full circle. The same storytelling skills he discovered and developed as a student are now helping the next generation take their first steps toward finding their own success, community and purpose at TCU.
Advice to Today’s Horned Frogs
Andy hopes his journey encourages current TCU students to take advantage of the opportunities and people around them.
“TCU is made up of some incredible people who genuinely want to see others succeed,” he says. “Don’t be afraid to ask for opportunities and learn from the people you’re surrounded by, not just your professors.”
He believes those relationships and moments of curiosity are what make TCU so special.
They build confidence, open doors and help students chase their passions with purpose.
For Andy, the university was not just a stop along the way. It was a launching pad
for a career grounded in creativity, connection and meaningful impact.
He also shares one final piece of advice for students pursuing creative work.
“The best advice I can give to anyone, but especially someone looking to build a career in a creative field, is work hard and be kind,” he says. “It has never been easier to learn new skills and develop your creative abilities, but the most important thing you bring to any shoot is your work ethic and attitude.”