We recently connected with Andersson Tejeda and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Andersson, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I started acting in the 7th grade in a performing arts class, which is where I got ‘bit by the bug.’ However, the program was cut the following year so my passion for it went dormant, until my senior year of high school. A friend had mentioned he wanted to start his own film production company and I immediately made sure to let him know that if he needs an actor to call on me. This allowed me to realize I should pursue film and theatre in college as well, where I met some wonderful professors, in both departments. There was a lot I learned from them, and I got a great start using what they taught me. However, and this is the most important part in my opinion, I continued to learn about and better hone my craft by being a forever student. Anytime I worked with someone new I did my best to pick up on something new. The best way to learn is by doing, and I have been doing a lot lately! The only way to speed up that process, is by doing doing doing, take every opportunity and use it to hone your skills. The most essential skill is a combination of keeping your ego in check and allowing those you are working with to teach you what they know and you just have to be a sponge. The biggest obstacle that stood in my way was a lack of willingness to dive in which pretty much just translates to fear, but it is so important to take that step and just go at what you really want to do! It might take some time to see results but it WILL be worth it.
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 back background and context?
I am primarily a bilingual Actor (I speak both Spanish and English!) who is looking to bring you top quality entertainment in two languages be it on stage or on screen. Aside from what was previously mentioned, it’s hard to say how I got into the industry really. I feel like I always had one foot in and one foot out, and once I made the decision to be in I was in. I provide quality story telling (whether that be through acting or writing) to the best of my ability primarily via films. What sets me apart from others I would say is my versatility, willingness, and my aspiration to inspire. I do what I do in the hopes that someone will see me and say, ‘hey I can do that too.’ What I am most proud of, is the fact that I started. For a lot of people that is the hardest thing to do and I am here to tell you now, DO IT. Worse case scenario is you learn a lot, best case you get what you want! It’s a win win. The main thing I want people to know about me is that if they ever want to chat and ask me anything further about my craft and creative endeavors I am open to it! Whether it’s for advice, feedback, or just a quick chat I will not turn you away!
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Create more resources for artists! Instead of building super stores or storage units lets get more art complexes going. Where we creatives can come together, learn about both the creative side and business side of being an artist, and collaborate. This would bring so much beauty to any place. Make it accessible and noticeable, not one of these guilt-programs that are kept hidden behind 20 different links on a website and then when you finally make it to where you should be you can’t get a hold of anyone. We need places where we can come together, work together, and create together.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative, to me, is knowing that I am part of a collective that not only appreciates art but is also working to keep the enjoyment of it alive. It’s sad that art programs in schools don’t get a whole lot of funding or get cut altogether, but they are going to have to do a lot more than that to keep us artists and creatives from thriving.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @AnderssonTee
- Facebook: Facebook.com/AnderssonTej
- Twitter: @AnderssonTej
Image Credits
Dionisio Burgos AKA Luminous Views Karl Domini