We were lucky to catch up with Andre Forrest recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Andre thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you 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?

I’ve been very fortunate in that, for the over 10 years I’ve lived here in LA, I’ve been able to create and earn full time by doing the things I love. Whether that be with my Acting, Choreographing/Dancing, and or my Photography. I’ve always been a firm believer and advocate for going after what you truly enjoy doing. I know it’s not always the easiest route, there have been many tough times and challenges along the way but it’s all been worth it. I would rather work through those tough times and be truly happy at my core than just do something just for money when there is no passion or enjoyment behind it. One thing I’ve found is that over time, due to me constantly following my passions, is that I’ve grown both in my understanding of them and grown my communities within each respective category of things I do and that has then led to more opportunities and collaborations with more amazing creatives. Ultimately I feel that’s what it’s all about.

Andre, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

For me it’s always been about what makes me smile. I began acting with just a few friends and a camera in highschool and that passion just grew and I followed it. Similarly, in high school I began my journey as a photographer with just a small point and shoot camera taking photos at a friends party or just simply walking down the street. Dance came a bit later only after being in the U.S. Army for 4 years then attending Kent State University in Kent, Ohio did I begin dancing, but its been a pretty integral part of my life ever since. I think for me and anyone I get the chance to work with always ends up being a very pleasurable experience because for me its all coming from a place of passion and care and I think that really radiates to those around me. Because of that I’ve gotten really great opportunities and met really amazing people. So If I had to say one thing for sure, its that I truly enjoy what I do and because of that I will always have an extra layer of care and quality to any work I put out.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Well for me growing up with a military father came with its own challenges, in particular when it came to being a creative. My dad always wanted for me to join the Army. I wasn’t interested. I was interested in the arts, any art, drawing, painting, ceramics, etc., anything that would allow me my creative freedom. The military seemed like the opposite at the time. Especially because by the end of my junior year I had fully decided that I wanted to become an actor. But after graduating high school and having a few oddball jobs here and there I found that a great way to get me out of Ohio and something that would actually look pretty good on my resume was having been in the military. So I decided to join the Army and by some luck I was able to join as a Military Photographer. To my benefit I was still able to be creative. Also, my first national commercial and Co-star roles both ended up being because I was a veteran. You could say it all worked out. But the journey continues.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Honestly, I just want to always keep doing the things I love and enjoy and hopefully be able to make a difference and inspire others to follow their passions and dreams. Due to me having such a variety of creative avenues of course I have goals in each one; What actor doesn’t want to see themselves on the big screen or see themselves on a major TV show, What dancer wouldn’t love to be in a top artists music video or production, and What photographer doesn’t want to have their work published and seen by the masses? Of course I want these things too but, in a lot of ways I have accomplished each one to a certain degree. I have been fortunate enough to have booked several national commercials and Co-star roles, I have been able to choreograph music videos and dance pieces for a few really incredible artists and showcases, and Ive been fortunate enough to have had my photography published several times in print and also in online publications. So I’d say as long as everyday Im trying to learn more and grow in some new way, I will continue pushing towards the things I love.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://andreforrest81.wixsite.com/andreforrestphoto
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/TheAndreForrest