We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ny’Ea Reynolds. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ny’Ea below.
Hi Ny’Ea, thanks for joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
It’s been a little over a year since I became a full-time creative and I can honestly say that I haven’t made a huge living off my work yet. I get booked for gigs from time to time (ex. commercials, voiceovers and production related work) but it’s not always consistent. I’m still in the early phases of my career and I’m learning to navigate the ups and downs that come with being a creative. I used to want to rush the process but I know that great things take time, which is why I’m taking MY time. But I can also say I do believe I made the right choice to follow my heart and pursue my passions. I feel like anyone who’s taking a leap of faith, especially in their career, will experience some hardship in the beginning. I have no doubt in my mind that the connections I’m making, and the meaningful projects that I get to take part in right now, are already elevating me to the next phase of success and I’m excited for what the future holds.
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’m a multi-faceted creative in the film and production industry. I grew up in the Metro Detroit area and fell in love with the arts early on. By the age of twelve, I’d already written, produced, directed and acted in my first stage play at my church. In high school I went on to join Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, which is where my professional training began. Finally, I attended Central Michigan University to study Broadcast Cinematic Arts and Theatre, and earned my Bachelor’s Degree in 2019. I primarily work in the greater Detroit area, as well as Cleveland, but am willing to travel. My services include directing/creative directing (for stage, commercial/film, and photography), acting (commercial, film, & voiceover) as well as writing (stage & screen). Additionally, I offer personalized voiceover coaching sessions for those looking to break into the VO industry! The one thing I want people to know about my work is that I provide excellence and dedication in all that I do, because it isn’t simply just about myself. My career is a way to create space and room for other amazing artists to emerge and grow as well. Check out my website under the “Services” tab, if you’re interested in taking VO coaching sessions with me: nyeareynolds.com
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My career is becoming more purposeful because I stopped making it about myself and started making it about the people I can impact along the way. The work that I’m creating is so much bigger than me…it has to be or else, what does it really mean in the end? I want to show people that you don’t always have to follow the masses to make it in this industry. We all have unique perspectives and if what we’re seeing doesn’t match the type of art we want to create, then we need to trail blaze a new path. One of my many goals is to encourage new talent especially, to not be afraid of using their voice. Sometimes, we believe this idea that when we’re in front of the camera we’re just supposed to be seen and not truly heard. Or that people can just exploit our gifts, if they offer us the right amount of money. I know how easy it is to get swept up in the entertainment industry, but it’s so important that we as creatives continue to stay true to ourselves and our worth. This is a major part of why I am excited to transition into more directing and production. I want to enter new rooms and be an advocate for those who desire to remain grounded in the beauty of their uniqueness.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Share our work, pay us what we’re worth, and encourage us. It’s not easy putting ourselves out here all the time because we are literally expressing our emotions through our work. Some days we feel like we’re on top of the world, and other days we feel like calling it quits altogether. As long as artists have a healthy community of friends, family & mentors to support along the way, it makes the journey beautiful, even if it isn’t always perfect. This is no fairytale that we’re living in, this is real life. Artists have to make a living, just like other professionals in their industry, so listen to us, love us and most importantly, value us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nyeareynolds.com/
- Instagram: @nyea.lynnae and @ny.e.a_ (business page)
- Linkedin: Ny’Ea Reynolds
Image Credits
Productions Plus Sam Sefton