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Everyone can agree pursuing a career in the entertainment industry is incredibly challenging. It is perhaps the least meritocratic line of work on the planet. In so many other professional endeavors hard work, expertise, and kindness will eventually offer the opportunity to advance. That formula is less flexible when it comes to being an actor.

Still, I've tried to nudge my actor and artist friends to empower themselves in the few ways they can: 

-- by creating their own work and thus opportunities

-- building a community of like-minded artists

-- and defining success on your own terms.

Understandably, there are other hurdles to getting a serious look from industry movers and shakers. As Viola Davis recently noted in an award acceptance speech, "The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity. You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there.” 

I've had my own hurdles as an actor of color. This certainly doesn't make me unique as many of my talented and hardworking friends have to.

But, I've observed that each group that feels marginalized or underrepresented in the entertainment industry speaks up passionately for their own cause. And understandably so. We tend to talk about what we know and directly affects us. It's human nature.

But what if instead of an Asian American actor advocating solely for his own opportunities he spoke up equally loud for more female filmmakers? Or if female filmmakers voiced their concerns with how Arab Americans are so frequently misrepresented in film and media.

Can you imagine the influence we could have if we all stuck up for one another? The movement to make an "unfair" industry "equally unfair" would be less fragmented, easier to mobilize, and create unbreakable bonds in the process.

And if it could work in the entertainment industry the possibilities beyond a film set would be limitless.

Originality is Not What it Seems

I'm in the middle of reading a terrific book called, Originals by Adam Grant. The book is not only full of interesting anecdotes, studies, and inspirational figures but also does a great job of demystifying many of the socially accepted truths.

One in particular made a real impact on me. Grant offers insight into the minds of so-called geniuses and originals. His main point is that the greatest obstacle to being original is not generating ideas but selecting the right ones. And when you create more work you simply have more options. Here are a just a few examples:

-- Mozart composed more than 600 pieces before his death at 35
-- Beethoven produced more than 650
-- Bach wrote over 1,000
-- Picasso's body of work is comprised of over 12,000 drawings and that's not even counting his paintings, ceramics, or sculptures.

Part of being original involves diving in and creating work - LOTS of it. 

Get to it.

Crowded Theaters

I love crowded theaters. The other day I went to see a film on a rainy and cold afternoon. I thought for sure the inclement weather would discourage moviegoers.

When I arrived at the theater I was pleasantly surprised to discover scores of people waiting for the same film I planned to see. There wasn't an empty seat in the house and by the film's conclusion nobody wanted to leave. "They can't end it that way," I heard a gentlemen whisper a few rows behind me.

Crowded theaters are a reminder that storytelling still matters. It's the fabric of the human condition that weaves us all together. 

Keep listening, telling, and making them. Our sense of community depends on it.

Don't Waste Time Complaining

Everyone knows making a living as an artist is hard...very hard. I've discovered there are a few ways of approaching this realization:

A. You can complain.

B. You can move forward undaunted and create your own opportunities. 

I worked very hard as an actor, but also quietly, (and sometimes not so quietly) grumbled about the "injustice" of the industry and how unfair it was. Looking back, I wasted so much energy and time not turning my frustration into initiative.

We all know the arts is not a meritocracy - the best man or woman seldom wins on their merits alone. 

So what? Now What? 

Refuse to accept the status quo. Be bold. Be a mover. Be a shaker. Create your own content and thus opportunities. People will take notice.

And whatever you do, DON'T WASTE ANY MORE TIME.

Be Great Now

Yesterday, my brother and I returned from Denver where we spent the Thanksgiving holiday with our “baby brother,” Danny. 

It sounds familiar, but the time really did fly by. There were moments where I really appreciated the fleeting nature of this life, but the actual minutes as I listened to my brothers laugh and trade barbs. 'It doesn’t seem fair in a way that it all must end some day,' I thought.

Yet, if it weren’t for life’s all-too-brief makeup we might never dream, strive, or, dare. We are in some perverse way motivated by our own mortality. 

And if we aren't we sure ought to be.

There Was More When I Did Less

Years ago, I implemented a few tiny measures into my life that have proven helpful in increasing productivity and heightening my sense of self-awareness.

First, I decided not to start the day with news. Getting rid of car chases, political squabbles, and natural disasters from dancing in my head allowed me to start the day with a sense of optimism.

I also decided to limit how often I checked my email, opting to login for the first time close to 10:30 am and not responding to every text message at the drop of a hat. By not beginning the day responding to the priorities of other people I was able to focus on projects of my own.

Finally, I understood the sense of urgency we often feel is largely self-imposed. When I slowed down I heard more, noticed more, and felt more. And paradoxically, all of this "more" started to happen when I did less.

Gratitude

One of the hardest humps for an artist to get over is not having the interest or following from others you hoped for. You feel as though you have so much to share with the world you might burst. 

If you can slightly alter the lens through which you view success and instead focus on gratitude you will gradually notice a shift in your life. Try having gratitude for:

-- having a voice
-- knowing what you want to do with your life
-- your talent
-- your creativity
-- your belief in what you do
-- your commitment to growth

And the remarkable potential your art has to change the world in some small way.

Listening

Yesterday, I arrived in Denver to visit my brother for Thanksgiving. I'd been to Denver several times before and always marveled at how desolate it seemed from the airport to the downtown area. It was refreshing to see that there wasn't a compulsion to fill every square inch with an apartment, or storefront.

My brother greeted me in the lobby of my hotel along with my other brother who'd also flown out just a few hours before. We decided to find a place to eat.

We strolled past iconic buildings, busy avenues, ballparks, and trendy shops and restaurants. My youngest brother beamed as he pointed out different places he'd visited, experiences he'd had, and what the city meant to him.

I realized during this exchange how important it is to really listen; to allow people the chance to speak on subjects they know a great deal about and are passionate to discuss. Nothing will make them happier to pass on something they know.

Flip Conventional Wisdom on its Head

Last night, I finally wrapped up an audiobook that seemed to never end. The book was recommended by someone I admire and so I decided to give it a go. It was an insightful but also somewhat dense book geared primarily towards marketers.

Still, one of the lessons that really made me think was the importance of flipping conventional wisdom on its head. In other words, you can't fall into the same mode of thinking as everyone else trying to do what you're doing. You also can't afford to get bogged down by what the naysayers think.

Instead, consider redefining the objective and the problem you're trying to solve. What is it you hope achieve through your art? Why is it important to you and what are different ways to get your voice heard?

As actors, writers, filmmakers, dancers, painters, and artists of all mediums we must think more broadly. Creativity will infuse your work, but also the ways you figure out how to deliver your message to the world.

There's Nothing Wrong with You

When I was a young actor in drama school there was NOTHING I could see myself doing other than telling stories the rest of my life. I was convinced I'd change the world over with a compelling monologue or screen performance.

As I got older, I began to feel a sense of doubt, a shift in what I valued. I still loved acting, but it occurred to me there were also passions, pursuits, and people worth my time that had nothing to do with a camera or stage.

Of course, at first this was alarming. I felt as though my heart and conscience had betrayed me. I'd spent years and years honing a craft, reading hundreds of plays and screenplays, and carved out a nice little identity as a "serious actor." What would happen to those efforts? That sense of being? If I wasn't an actor then who was I exactly?

What I discovered is that we are all many things. Being an actor didn't define me. I was also a son, a brother, a friend, a traveler, and citizen of the world. And I didn't have to abandon my love of acting just because it may not always be my sole focal point. 

As a result, I allowed other opportunities to come into my life, which infused my being with a deeper understanding of self and even made me a better actor.

Don't freak out if the things you want change over time. There's nothing wrong with you. Promise.

You're growing and allowing yourself to flow with the inevitable force known as change rather than resisting it and the possibilities it may bring.

Rest

"Renew thyself completely each day: do it again, and again, and forever again." Powerful words.

Every artist will feel burnout at what time or another. In those moments of stepping away from our craft, our thoughts, and ourselves we replenish not only our creative capacities but the soul that fuels them.

Remember to value the importance of rest. 

Don't Turn Back

Early this morning I ventured off to explore a national park about 30 miles from my home. Over the years I had countless opportunities to explore this remarkable monument but the notion that I had all the time in the world had influenced my faulty thinking. 

It was absolutely pouring during the drive. In fact, I missed my first turn off because I couldn't make out the sign through the deluge of water pounding on my windshield. But not once did I consider turning back. It was something that had to be done.

When I finally arrived I found a nearly empty parking lot. I made my towards the trail and soon discovered I had the entire forest to myself. The heavy rain gave way to more of a Scottish drizzle as I trudged through the mud and chose trails at random.

The morning offered some much needed introspection, solitude, and quiet. As I continued on the path I realized that most people do not make the extra effort, or the extra mile that will potentially usher in remarkable experiences. I once heard someone say, "There's less traffic up ahead." 

Be the one who makes that little extra push and refuses to turn back. 

Nobody Lives Forever

I can think of no greater motivator to go out and do the things you dream of doing than being in touch with your mortality. Nobody lives forever. 

It may be a painfully obvious fact, but I'd argue one most people don't consider enough, or aren't in touch with.

To really understand life's fickle and short nature (and not in some ominous way) can positively add a bounce to your step and inspire you to begin now rather than later.

Protect Your Enthusiasm

In Greek, the word "enthusiasm" means to be filled with God. You don't you have to be religious, or even particularly spiritual to appreciate the notion of living with vigor, passion -- a sense of zeal.

But beware. Regardless of what path you embark on you will undoubtedly come across "enthusiasm bandits" -- people committed to stealing your spirit. They may even do so inadvertently or without knowing.

The trick is to protect your enthusiasm. You can do so by sharing your greatest dreams and aspirations with a community of like-minded folks who will support you. You needn't say a word to those who will scoff, snicker, or criticize. 

Another approach you can integrate is to regularly check in with your, "why." If your reasoning for pursuing your creative ambitions is so strong and embedded in the the DNA that makes you who you are, it will be more difficult to be ruffled when someone doesn't support your dream.

Protect your spirit as best you can. You'll need it.

Invest

Yesterday afternoon, I interviewed an old friend for the, To the Prospective Artist: Lessons from an Unknown Actor podcast. 

https://soundcloud.com/hy9btjy0cxsu/to-the-prospective-artist-interview-with-a-young-actor-reynaldo-piniella

I'd known Reynaldo since he was just a kid at 19 years old. Yet, he always exuded a poise that was not common among most of his colleagues. I certainly didn't possess it when I was his age.

I wanted listeners to gather insights and apply the lessons he'd learned during his journey as an actor over the past 8 years. What I realized while listening to Reynaldo's wise insights and discoveries was he got to where he is by investing in his education. 

He spoke about how building community, pursuing hobbies outside of acting, and traveling had played important roles in his development as a person and not surprisingly as a more compelling storyteller. The student had truly become the teacher. 

Invest in your education then pass on what you know.

Not Enough to Just Know

There's a famous adage that goes, "Knowledge is power." The more I think about it, I believe knowledge is only potential power. It should lead to more than wisdom, but to action.

For years I read, listened to, or watched any resource I could get my hands on to improve my craftsmanship as an actor and my overall productivity. 

Gradual improvements occurred only when I implemented what I learned rather than tucked it away as merely theory.

If you want to get to the next level of whatever your creative endeavors may be, it's not enough to know. You've got to apply it.

Plenty of Talent

Last night I went to see a friend perform a few songs in an old bar in an equally old hotel on the corner of a quiet street.

I arrived on time without much fanfare and was immediately greeted by my friend's boyfriend and the doorman. One said hello and embraced me with a hug, while the other promptly asked for $8.

I watched all three acts that night in a cramped little room that reminded me of the many black box theaters I  once performed in, nestled between nondescript bars and corner markets in the East Village.

Each musician was unique, talented, and a real joy to listen to. I was glad I'd made the trek even if it was 8:00 pm on a Sunday night.

During one of the performances, it dawned on me that at a certain point there's little distinction between many of those who supposedly "make it," in the entertainment industry.

I would have had no qualms about stumbling across any one of their songs on the radio, or playing in a coffee shop. They were great.

Still, these musicians would likely argue they hadn't yet reached the success they hoped for.

I suppose once can take great solace in knowing that talent in this world is not in short supply.

Letter to a Young Actor

Hey Ross,

Really great speaking with you today my friend. Always good catching up. I just wanted to reiterate how important I think it is to enjoy the moment you're in. Of course, it's always important to do as much, but looking back when I was your age just a few years removed from grad school, I now realize what a remarkable time it was despite what seemed at the time to be insurmountable odds.

When I first graduated from Columbia University almost 7 years ago now, I had the great fortune of being courted by top agents like Abrams and William Morris. I was being called in by all the big casting directors and auditioning for major roles on TV and some interesting pilots. It was an exciting time. 

I was also going through a great deal of personal challenges. I had just left a program that I was in love with and ended a relationship with a girl I loved even more. It took me a long time to get my footing. Still, I kept busy and often didn't even have time to consider the whirlwind I was on.

Despite often carrying a heavy heart and an equally burdensome sense of self-doubt, I forced myself to interact with the world. I stayed as productive as I could trying new things, meeting new folks, and stretching myself. I wrote even if poorly. I got involved with tiny theater companies even if I wouldn't want to be caught dead on some of the stages. I read incessantly about everything from acting to science, to politics, to history. It was a very introspective time and when I look back on it, an incredibly important turning point in my own personal development.

I started to make new friends and move away from some of the ones I had maybe used as a crutch in graduate school. I picked myself up and began dating again, sometimes with people I had nothing in common with but still felt it important. I was hungry for exploration in every conceivable corner of New York, the world, and even my mind; wherever and whenever I could find it responsibly was what motivated me.  

Soon, it became far less about acting then it did about living fully, honestly, openly, and inquisitively. It became about asking more questions of the world and subsequently myself, while being okay with not getting the answer I wanted to hear or often any at all.

When I look back on that time I cannot help but smile. It was a remarkable time. It was profoundly painful, confusing, funny, joyous, difficult, victorious, frustrating, beautiful, sad, and dare I say glorious. Half the time I didn't even know what I was doing even when I was convinced that I did. 

My point is the world is unpredictable and often particularly fragile to the temperament of an artist. We take things more personally, we refuse to wear our heart anywhere but on our sleeves, and we want for whatever crazy reason to share our lives on stage, in front of the camera, and through our voices. None of this is normal. 

But what is normal and universal is the human condition. Nurture it with as many valuable experiences as possible. Don't be afraid to fail big because you will. Don't be afraid to have your heart broken because you will. Don't be afraid to feel like nothing you're doing is working because it often won't. Don't be afraid to not know. In fact, embrace it. I once heard it said, "Knowing everything is the enemy of the human spirit." And to completely contradict all of that advice, don't be afraid to be afraid.

I encourage you to challenge yourself as an actor, but far more importantly in ways that will slowly inch you towards the man you dream of becoming despite it being impossible. It is the pursuit of that goal which is the entire point. Put yourself out there as much as possible. I think the greatest tragedy would be to look back and not say, "I wish I became a movie star, or a Broadway star, or even famous." No, I think the greatest tragedy would actually be looking back and saying, "Damn, I wish I enjoyed all of that a little more. I wish I had more fun."   

In the words of Robert DeNiro, one of my heroes, "Be brave, but not reckless." Be young, be free, be life. I believe in you brother and wish you great luck now and beyond.

Best,

Nick

Excerpt from the book, To the Prospective Artist: Lessons from an Unknown Actor