We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Pattie Crawford a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Pattie , appreciate you joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
I wouldn’t say that I work every single, solitary day, as I would like to, however, this is primarily my focus, and I’ve accumulated enough professional, creative work, credits, and accomplishments, to earn the title of SAG ELIGIBLE actress. I AM a professional artist–its my life.
What’s also adventurous about this life, is not being one dimensional. I keep things fresh by staying open to pursuing multiple opportunities, as a singer-songwriter; voiceover artist; narrator; model; and EMCEE. It’s important for me not to limit myself, and to maintain a multifaceted persona.
The other aspect of this arena is building relationships, and networking. For me, these elements are extremely vital, and imperative to continue working, and allowing people to see what I’m capable of, and perhaps bring me back, on future projects.
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 background and context?
Hello! I’m actress, Pattie E Crawford, AKA as DIANARA Golden, Recording Artist.. I’ve been working in the creative arts for over 30 years, and performing in the areas of theater; film;TV; narration; hosting (EMCEEING) ; voiceover artistry; fashion modeling.
Most of the films that I have co-starred/starred/held supporting roles in, have garnered over 10 million views! I have received a BEST ACTRESS AWARD for an indie film I starred in–EBONY JUSTICE–where I landed the title role, and portrayed a bounty hunter,who matches by the beat of her own drum. This was such an “out of the box” role for me, as this character was rough around the edges; abrasive; and completely fearless– but I loved these elements about her! I am so proud of that project! The shooting schedule was quite unconventional, but we adjusted. The film also won BEST MYSTERY SHORT, so that was an added bonus. Yet, I’m continuing to press on-CONSTANTLY seeking opportunities for myself with no agent, at THIS time but, I’m sure that will change, as I am setting my sights on booking a series, as well as landing music opportunities.
In terms of my music, I’m primarily a jazz/blues singer-songwriter, with a variety of original songs in my arsenal, written by me, as well as collaborative works with songwriter, Christopher Santangelo; Sheila O’Bannon; and Chas Coberly. Other genres I have performed include gospel; folk, and R&B.
If anyone reading this is interested in working with, or representing me, they can reach out at DianaraGoldenEntertainment@gmail.com
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
When I met my birth family, back in 2008, my birth mother revealed that she had breast cancer, back in 2005. The one driving factor, for me, in terms of finding these folks, was NOT being in the dark, in regards to my medical history.
So, when I was diagnosed in 2019, although it was shocking, and scary–I sort of had this in the back of my mind, although, perhaps I should’ve found out what preventative measures could’ve been set in place for me. I regret not doing that.
However, after I had a good cry, and “Woe is me” moment, I was ready to go full speed ahead, armed with faith, not fear, and so much love, and support, from my Mother, and my rock–Mary Robinson, who, along with my father, Wendell Robinson, Sr., adopted me, as a baby. In addition to having friends, and family by my side, I also joined support groups,, Gildas Club, and Kentucky African Americans Against Cancer. “Community”, as they say, is STRONGER than cancer!
Today, I am in remission, and doing well. I know I’ve been so blessed, and want everyone who may be dealing with ANY sort of medical issues to know that you MUST be your own advocate, and don’t ever give up on GOD ……..because GOD WILL NOT give up on YOU!! Love yourself, and give yourself grace, and mercy, in the midst of ANY obstacle that life may present you with.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
The industry I chose……..and sometimes I wonder what in the world was I thinking?? LOL!!! …….is not very kind, and it has felt like an uphill battle to get to where I’m going, and I have many more rivers to cross, and even more mountains to climb! I think society needs to accept that creativity, and the ART of entertaining is a damn JOB–like anything else!
When I write a song;;show up to sing at an event; model a line of clothing; perform in a film, etc…….THAT is my TIME; EFFORT; ENERGY! It is my job, and it’s SERIOUS business, so folks have to stop expecting artists to just GIVE UP their time, and talents, for free! It’s beyond insulting, and disrespectful. So, THIS mentality needs to CHANGE!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://youtube.com/@dianaragoldenentertainment?si=y7_L0FcrFo1iEggG
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Pattie.Crawford
- Facebook: Facebook.com/DIANARAMUSIC.COM
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianara-golden-a08841110?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_android
- Youtube: DianaraMusic.com
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dianara3121?_r=1&_t=ZP-96aH8O1yV83
Image Credits
Craw Leevin Photography, CDS Images, & Dee Gold Creatives