I’ve always considered myself a storyteller first. That path really started at Syracuse University, where I studied under professor Micere Mugo. She challenged me to tell my own story through a narrative lens, and that idea stuck with me.
From there, I began my career in post as a runner at Mad River Post, then spent over a decade at Spot Welders before moving on to serve as a senior editor at No6. Each stop along the way taught me something new about adaptability, collaboration and the importance of elevating voices that often go unheard.
My background shaped me as much as my training. I’m a military brat. I grew up moving every few years, from Guam to Illinois to Japan. That constant change taught me how to see the same story told differently depending on where I stood, and it’s probably why storytelling feels like second nature to me now.
When I step into an edit room, I see it as a space where ideas can flow freely, and the process matters just as much as the final cut. Beyond editing, I also work as a writer, director and griot - a West African storyteller who carries forward oral traditions and histories, all of which deepen my connection to the craft and the communities I serve.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to edit for some incredible brands: ESPN, Verizon, Samsung, Beats by Dre, Champs Sports, Mastercard and Ulta, among others. Those collaborations reflect my range as an editor, but more importantly, they’ve given me opportunities to shape work that resonates across audiences and platforms. What excites me about joining Bandit is the people-focused culture and the sense of craft at the heart of the company. It feels like coming back to what made me love editing in the first place: storytelling with meaning and a sense of fun.
For anyone just starting out, my advice is always the same: make the most of the tools available today. Technology has made the creative process more accessible than ever, and you shouldn’t be afraid to lean into new platforms or even AI. But don’t get it twisted, no program can make you a storyteller. That has to come from you. Study constantly. Watch everything you can, break it down, talk with peers and pay attention to why something works.
We’re all remixing ideas that have come before us. The difference is in how you flip it in finding your own voice and style. For me, that mindset comes from hip-hop culture, but I’ve seen it serve anyone willing to put in the work. Tools will always evolve, but originality -- our unique flavor - is what cuts through the noise.
Dahkil Hausif is currently editor at Bandit Editorial (https://www.banditedit.com) in New York City.