We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Palenque Doddington. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Palenque below.

Palenque, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

New York has such a culture for working non-stop, but is also an epicenter for creatives to let them showcase what they do. Many believe these two go hand in hand. However, what I have come to learn and understand is that artists just as much, if not more than others need a balanced life. Graduation has felt like stepping into a whirlwind of possibilities, but is also a scary and bleak experience. Finally being able to live in New York as a person, and not a student has allowed me to grow into myself so much more than I thought it would.
I have experienced watching my friends entering into the corporate world with routines and schedules and have found the impacts of this on their life to be fascinating. One of my roommates works non stop, while the other studied Political Science and now eight months later has just gone into the jewelry industry, which she is truly enjoying. Learning that not everything has to happen straight away, has been a major lesson that I have taken from many mentors and teachers. They have taught me that it is good. It is okay to have time off. Take a break. Being excited about your career is what can fulfill you. I want to be an artist and creative for my entire life, which is difficult, and tiring, and hard. So, in order to be able to have a 50, 60 or 70 year career, one must take care of themselves. This alignment of being an artist, having a balanced life and being happy sync up for me, and I hope that this doesn’t fade.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I recently graduated from NYU Tisch, where I completed my conservatory training at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, Playwrights Horizons Theatre School, and Stonestreet Screen Acting Studios.
My journey in art has been a winding road, but one I’ve navigated with curiosity. I’ve always had a knack for seeking out what truly resonates with me and refusing to settle for anything less. It’s led me through many universities and even a community college, each of which were a building block towards where I am today.
Picture me, traversing the streets of Los Angeles, commuting many hours just to attend those crucial Statistics and English courses to be able to transfer colleges. It wasn’t the easiest route, but it was mine. Just after the height of the pandemic, I uprooted myself from my homeland of New Zealand to chase my dreams in the heart of New York City. The uncertainty was palpable, leaving behind loved ones without a clear path back. But for me, there was no other option. No looking back, only forward.
Curiosity has guided me throughout this journey. Whether it’s delving into the depths of human connection or exploring the nuances of my craft, I’ve always been fueled by an insatiable thirst to understand and create. And yes, it’s been daunting. I’ve also found it challenging. But through it all, I’ve embraced the unknown, trusting that each obstacle was simply a stepping stone toward growth.
Today, I stand proud of the path I’ve forged, not just for myself but for the stories I’m yet to tell through my art. My brand isn’t just about the pieces I create; it’s about the journey, the resilience, and the unyielding passion that drives me forward.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Unlearning the metaphor of “Tall Poppy Syndrome” was a pivotal lesson for me, steeped in both personal growth and humility. Growing up in New Zealand, the notion that standing out could invite criticism became deeply ingrained in me. This seems counterintuitive working in the arts, but many creatives are much more introverted that one may suspect. This means that many New Zealanders learn to keep a lower profile, and can be hesitant to reveal one’s true self or showcase their talents. One can imagine that coming to America, this has been a complete culture shift.
This cultural transition has forced me to reassess my instincts. I was forced to grapple with questions of identity and authenticity. Over time, I learned to embrace the balance between honoring my true self and navigating societal expectations, but I’m not sure ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’ will ever truly leave me, and I am okay with that.
Today, as I reflect on my journey, I’m grateful for the growth that New York has nurtured within me. It’s not just a city; it’s become my home—a place where I’ve discovered the courage to be authentic and the resilience to embrace change. While I may not recognize the person I was a year ago, I embrace this evolution as a testament to my journey of self-discovery. And for that, I’ll forever be grateful.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, being an artist is about being part of a supportive community where everyone shares in each other’s journey and creativity. Despite the stereotype of drama school being competitive, I’ve found it to be a place of individual growth and genuine curiosity about others. Artists have a unique depth of understanding about themselves, which allows them to connect with others on a profound level through their work. Seeing people connect with art and potentially discover new aspects of themselves is incredibly fulfilling for me.

Contact Info:

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