We were lucky to catch up with Joshua T. Shipman recently and have shared our conversation below.
Joshua T. , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
I am EXTREMELY happier being a screen artist and creative. Of course there were times where I wasn’t sure about the financial stability of this industry and I would worry, but I quickly snapped out of the thought of going back to a regular job lol. I looked back on the time where I worked front-desk at a resort (I’ll keep the name private lol). The job wasn’t hard, but I wasn’t really valued for my hard work. The guests loved me, but it seemed like I wasn’t as “great” as my co-workers. I felt like I was running in place…I refused to ever feel stuck like that again. I started to get visions of creating income by doing things that were hand-in-hand with my craft. After you’ve experienced the freedom of not having someone constantly breathing down your back causing anxiety, it’s difficult to go back to the “9-5.” During the pandemic my mind was all over the place thinking of ways to start my own business that doesn’t take me away from my craft. Long story short, it worked! I now have a business helping new actors or those interested in getting into the entertainment and modeling industry.
Joshua T. , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a small town kid who grew up using every creative and imaginative bone in my body while playing with my siblings. We created worlds in which our toys interacted in ways that get kids paid millions of dollars now. Wish we had YouTube and cell phones back then smh lol. I knew that I was given the gift of acting based off my creativity and imagination. I watched plenty of movies with my family and would always brag to them about how I’m going to be a well know actor one day. True story. I started my calling in high school theatre after breaking out of my shyness. Fast forwarding to community college where I continued learned about theatre and putting on skits for small audiences. Skipping ahead to university level theatre at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. I learned so much more than just performing. So many tools were added to my toolbox as an aspiring actor. Not to mention having amazing theatre and acting teachers and mentors such as Holden Hansen. They believed in my talent and encouraged me to pursue the craft on a professional level. My Mass Communications/Broadcasting path also gave way to learning film, that’s when I knew I was on the right track. After graduation I hit the ground running, working background on many popular tv shows and movies absorbing as much as I possibly could. And I got paid so that was a win win situation! I started to understand the importance of networking because that’s where I met a lot of independent film makers. That was the key to me getting the opportunity to take it up a notch as an actor. After escaping lots of scams and making my way into many independent films, my theatre background and sheer determination and belief in myself, I submitted to an agency and was signed on the first attempt! BMG Talent in Atlanta noticed greatness and hunger and welcomed me with open arms. After 100s of auditions and 1000s of no’s I’ve been a part of many major regional and national commercial, film and tv projects. The most important thing is to NEVER give up no matter how hard things seem to be. I started a business consulting newcomers to the industry because I want people to avoid the unnecessary obstacles I faced on my journey. I teach actors how to avoid scams, why networking (organically) is important, the right materials needed to submit to an agency and the business of acting. I even coach a lil lol. I’m proud of the fact that my teaching and coaching is coming from over 10+ years of trial and error. Being on the ground and in the trenches of this industry. Hearing rejection after rejection, driving 5 hours just to audition for 15-30 minutes…the list goes on. I give my clients pure knowledge and experience of DOING and never giving up. Oh yea, my company name is From Local to Global, Consulting. I’m from a small town and my motto is no matter how rural your town or place of birth is, your mindset is what takes you places.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is that I’m living my dreams. I’m actually taking the gift God gave me with and living my life out through that. No, it was not an easy task, still isn’t lol. I wouldn’t trade it for anything else. I appreciate the hard work that comes with it because nothing in the world worth having comes easy. You learn to appreciate it that much more when it’s not given to you.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
My journey as a creative is SCARY! And I mean that wholeheartedly. It’s not a safe 9-5 and sometimes desperation to make money can scare away opportunities in this industry…they smell desperation miles away. You have to be a dedicated, self-motivated individual who’s willing to put in many hours of work with no guarantee of a reward. You have to learn the word sacrifice and what it truly means to your success as a creative artist. You’re not guaranteed a life of fame and riches. If you’re wanting to pursue this industry for that reason…quit…now.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Joshua.T.shipman
- Facebook: Joshua T. Shipman
- Linkedin: Joshua T. Shipman
- Youtube: Action Model 87
Image Credits
Headshot by Ron Fallica