We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Natalie Girard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Natalie, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I started acting and singing when I was about seven years old. I took singing lessons, joined a community theater, and eventually found acting classes. Getting into any kind of acting or singing class is a great way to build awareness and technique, but I’ve learned that this isn’t a process meant to be sped up. The more training and experience you have, the more tools you gain, but at the end of the day, what makes your work exciting to watch is you—bringing whoever you uniquely are at any point in life to the work. That’s what gives it a point of view.

The most essential skills, in my opinion, start with getting to know yourself really well. Understand your values, how you see the world, and at the same time, be pliable enough to step into someone else’s perspective. Another key skill is learning how to investigate what your character wants and the different ways they fight for it. And personally, I always try to look for the hope. Fear is the biggest obstacle—it can be really powerful, but the good news is, it can always be overcome. You just need to have a little more faith than fear.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve always known I was meant to be an actress and a singer—it’s been my calling for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Ohio, I was constantly looking for ways to perform, whether it was putting on skits for my family, singing in church, or community theater projects. I took every opportunity I could to explore my love for storytelling and music.

When it came time for college, I knew I wanted to study musical theater to combine my passions for acting and singing, so I pursued my degree at Wright State University. After graduating, I moved to New York City. I immersed myself in the industry, working in theater, TV, and film, and building my craft.

What sets me apart is who I am. I am me. No one else in the world gets to be me, just as I don’t get to be anyone else. We’re all beautifully unique, and I embrace that in my work. I bring a deep level of introspection, hope, and resilience to everything I do, and that drives me to work hard and keep evolving.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to grow and change. Who I was a year ago as an artist isn’t who I am today, and I love that. I’m always seeking new experiences, new perspectives, and new ways to push myself creatively. That willingness to step into the unknown and embrace transformation is something I carry into every performance and every project.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Absolutely. One of the biggest things non-creatives may struggle to understand about the journey of an artist is that success isn’t linear. There’s no clear-cut path. Unlike traditional careers where you might follow a set trajectory, being a creative requires constant reinvention, resilience, and trust in the unknown.

There are highs and lows, and sometimes, the lows last longer than you’d like to be honest. You can be incredibly talented, hardworking, and dedicated, yet still face rejection and moments where you wonder if you should keep going. Every experience, whether it’s a win or temporary step back, adds to your artistry and shapes the kind of storyteller you become.

Another thing that might be hard to grasp is just how much vulnerability goes into this work. When you’re an actor, singer, or any kind of creative, your work is personal. You’re not just showing up to do a job, you’re putting your heart, emotions, and lived experiences into your craft. That can be exhilarating,
but also exhausting because it requires a level of openness that most careers don’t demand.

The best insight I can offer is if you know someone pursuing a creative path, support them. Believe in them, show up for their work, or even just acknowledge the courage it takes to pursue a passion. Creativity isn’t just about talent, it’s about endurance, and having a strong support system makes all the difference.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the ability to process my real life through my work. Whenever I feel stuck, I can immerse myself in my art, and more often than not, I come out with a new perspective or a clearer mind, ready to take the next step.

And, of course, people. I get to connect, understand, and collaborate with others in such a meaningful way. I love people—learning about them, sharing stories, and creating something together. I hope my art always reflects that.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @natgirard
• Twitter: @natgirard