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

Hi Rita , thanks for 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?

It was a difficult decision to let go of my full-time state job to become a full-time creative. I was apprehensive and frankly, uncertain if I’d be able to survive. I had bills and financial obligations. But as Dwyane Wade has been quoted saying: My belief is bigger than my doubt. I believed in my ambition, skill set, and God-given favor to “make it”. I also had a plan-, unapologetically market myself and my services. I figured out early on that people don’t know what they need until you tell them. I appreciate the process and don’t wish to speed it up. I believe everything is happening at the pace and in the manner that it should.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Rita Brent, affectionately known as Rita B. at home in Mississippi. I am what many consider a multi-hyphenate artist. I am a musician who began playing drum set at the age of 8 in Baptist churches alongside my mother, who’s a singer-pianist. We participated in many talent shows in my youth. She prepped me well for the entertainment industry. I later joined the Army National Guard Band where I remained for 9 years and became a sergeant. I am still a performing music artist and songwriter. I began doing standup comedy on a whim in 2013. That career has blossomed into something beautiful: personal growth, worldwide outreach, and a purpose I didn’t intend to pursue. Lately I’ve been doing some comedy writing (EMMYs, Academy of Country Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards, Musicares). I am most proud of my ability to be flexible and adapt to new career opportunities. This industry is changing fast. One has to be able to network and know how to do multiple jobs to stay relevant and active as a creative. I have found that vulnerability and transparency are my superpowers. Telling the truth is the best thing you can do to get where you want to get.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In my view, the best thing society can do to support artists is see and treat us as human. It becomes so uncomfortable to be put on a pedestal you didn’t ask to be put on. Additionally, let artists create at our own pace. Being faced with constant pressure to produce could compromise the quality of the art. Be grateful when artists decide to share themselves and have the discernment to fall back and give grace and space when needed.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I learned early in my creative journey about grant money… money you are given to complete a project and don’t have to return it. It is not a loan. Many of us need seed money to fund projects. I encourage artists to seek grant money first and use resources in existence to help us. There’s no shame in that.

Contact Info:

• Website: ritabrent.com
• Instagram: @ritabrentcomedy
• Facebook: Rita Brent Comedy
• Twitter: @ritabrentcomedy
• Youtube: Rita Brent Comedy