What is the best thing that I love about my work?

The best thing about my work is that I get to turn imagination into something visible and real. I work with generative AI, and it often feels like directing a shoot that doesn’t physically exist , yet still has to feel authentic. I like the moment when a concept suddenly clicks and becomes believable. My work sits at the intersection of technology and storytelling, and that tension keeps me sharp. I refine ideas until they feel right, not just impressive. It’s not only about images; it’s about meaning. For me, creativity is both craft and strategy. That balance matters.

What is my idea of happiness?

Happiness is being at peace with my choices. Waking up and looking forward to the day. And knowing my family is healthy and doing well. If that foundation is solid, I can handle everything else.

What is my greatest fear?

My greatest fear is not living up to what I’m capable of. Not because of failure, but because of hesitation. I don’t want to look back and realize I played it safe when I could have pushed further. I’m less afraid of hard work or setbacks than I am of drifting. Staying sharp and intentional matters to me. Losing that would worry me.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

I can be too hard on myself. I move quickly from one goal to the next and rarely pause to acknowledge progress. That pressure keeps me sharp, but it can also make it difficult to feel satisfied. I sometimes overanalyze instead of simply acting. I expect a lot from myself. I’m still learning how to balance ambition with patience.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?

I admire people like Jonathan Ive for his discipline and obsession with detail. Christopher Nolan, for building complex ideas with precision and control. And Rick Rubin, for understanding the essence of creativity without overcomplicating it. They all operate differently, but they share something I respect: clarity of vision and high standards.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

I dislike waiting for renders. It’s necessary, but it breaks my momentum. I work best when I’m in flow — building, refining, moving forward. A loading bar reminds me that even in a fast world, some things still take time.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

I was happiest when I realized I wasn’t just experimenting anymore — I was directing. There was a moment where the process clicked. I understood the tools well enough to shape the outcome rather than react to it. That shift gave me confidence. It wasn’t loud or dramatic. It was quite clear. That’s when I felt most in control of my craft.

If I could, what would I change about myself?

I would overthink less and act a bit sooner. I naturally analyze situations from different angles before making a move. That helps me make strong decisions, but sometimes speed matters too. I’d like to trust my instincts sooner rather than refine them endlessly. I’m working on shortening that gap between thinking and doing.

What is my greatest achievement in work?

My greatest achievement is building a role that didn’t have a template and teaching myself how to do it. There wasn’t anyone to ask or a clear path to follow. I had to figure it out step by step. That process shaped me more than any single project.

Where would I most like to live?

I’m already where I want to be. Amsterdam keeps me close to my friends and family. That stability matters. Everything else can be built from there.​

What is my most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession is my family. Not in a dramatic way — just the fact that they’re there. That kind of constancy isn’t something I take for granted.

What is my most marked characteristic?

I have a tendency to hyperfocus. When I’m into something, I go deep and stay there until it makes sense. It’s a strength, but it can also make me forget the rest of the world for a while.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

The Amsterdamse Bos. It’s one of the few places in the city where things slow down. I like having space to think without distraction.

What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city?

Mezzave for sandwiches — mainly the chicken. It just hits. Good bread, strong flavors, no nonsense. Toscanini for dinner. It makes you forget you’re in Amsterdam for a moment.

That’s why I go.

What books influenced my life and how?

I recently read The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, and the idea of being selective about where you put your energy stayed with me. Not everything deserves attention. That mindset makes sense to me.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?

I’d play Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. It’s my mom’s favorite song. If it’s the last day, that’s the feeling I’d want around me.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

I’d say Mike Ross from Suits. Not because of the drama, but because he’s self-taught and operates in a world that didn’t fully make space for him. He had to prove himself through ability, not credentials. That idea resonates with me.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

My dad. He moved to the Netherlands when he was eight years old, didn’t have much, and later became an entrepreneur. He built his own path through work and persistence. I respect that resilience. It shaped how I think about responsibility and opportunity.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?

Interstellar. It’s not just about space. It’s about time, sacrifice, and doing something bigger than yourself. It stays with you. It makes you think about what really matters.

What role play stories in my life and work?

I create stories through images. Even a single frame needs context. That way of thinking influences how I approach both work and life.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ mean to me?

It means you’re responsible for your direction. Life isn’t scripted, and there’s no editor fixing your mistakes. You choose, you act, you deal with the consequences. That’s the story.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

My mom, my grandma, and my girlfriend. They’re behind the scenes. Not in what I build, but in the person who builds it.

Which people or companies would I like to work with?

I’m open to working with anyone who wants to push AI seriously. Every project has its own complexity. Challenge me.​

What project am I looking forward to work on?

Not a specific project, but pushing further into AI video. I’m interested in experimenting with the latest video models, such as Kling 3.0 and Seedance 2.0.

Where can you see me or my work?

You can see my work at AI for Detail — www.aifordetail.ai.

I also share projects and updates on Instagram (@ai_fordetail) and on LinkedIn (Noah Makmel).

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

It means passion isn’t temporary. If it’s real, it stays with you for your whole life.

How can you contact me?

Send me an email, noah@aifordetail.ai

Send me a dm on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-makmel-223229b0/