We recently connected with Ariel Carrillo and have shared our conversation below.

Ariel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?

So far there hasn’t been too many problems faced, but I’ve definitely had a few negative experiences when I first stepped into this industry. I’ve been scammed out of my money thinking I was hiring a reputable agent to manage me when in reality he was just a con artist trying to get money out of me. I’ve also been put in uncomfortable situations where I didn’t speak up for myself. When it comes down to it, these issues stem from me being too trusting of people. I’m the type of person who is going to always think and expect the best out of people, but I’ve learned that not everyone has the best intentions. I had to start moving differently. I had to start weeding out the bad photographers from the good, the real from the fake by taking my time to carefully review and thoroughly research into whoever is booking me. I also take my husband to most of my shoots with new bookings for that extra security. I speak up if I feel uncomfortable and relay my expectations and where I stand prior to the shoot. Since implementing safer practices, the only issue I run into these days is finding the time to balance my home life, professional career, and creative career.

Ariel, 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?

Heyyy to all of the new readers! I am a Jack of all trades and have my hands in a little bit of everything these days. No matter what I’m working on, I will always give my all and make sure to execute the vision I am tasked with. I get the best of both the corporate world and the creative world. I am a full time certified paralegal, published model, and content creator.

My modeling career has taken me in all sorts of journeys. I have been hired to model clothes for various boutiques, I’ve hosted various social events, and I’ve been featured in many different music videos and magazine publications. As of recently, my modeling has led me to cosplaying. I just had my first guest appearance as a cosplayer at Mesa, Arizona’s first Uwu Convention. I love how modeling has opened up the doors for so many completely different experiences and opportunities. I’m always jumping from one interest to the next, but modeling has always stuck around because it’s never the same experience which is so exciting!

In regards to the content creating aspect, I work with different brands to help promote or market whatever it is they have going on. I’ve worked with various hair companies, beauty supply companies, and clothing boutiques to provide a face for their brand and/or to create short clips for companies to use on their websites.

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

I think the hardest part of being a creative is getting your name, voice, work, etc. out there. Social media provides so many resources and has seemed to be the tool that has helped me get most of my job opportunities, but there’s still so much competition that comes with it. It’s definitely hard at times to stand out in the social media crowd of millions. Supporting a creative is as simple as sharing a piece of their work with others.

I think when most people are scrolling the feed the first thought isn’t “oh let me share this to help the creative or artist” it’s more like “oh this is cool” and the content gets liked and forgotten about. Before I started modeling and everything that came with it I didn’t realize how helpful certain acts would be to entrepreneurs and other individuals trying to run a business. Now, if I am following an artist who just dropped a song, I’m going to listen to the song and repost it. If I’m following a business owner who launched a product, I’m going to repost the product and if I like it I’m going to buy it to show my support.

For me personally, I hate asking people for anything, but sometimes I have to let my ego go and get my hustle on. The simple act of reposting a photo will get my work out to a new audience who would potentially love what I bring to the table. The people who recognize and appreciate my work will support and engage with my content which will help my content catch the eye of more brands or individuals who are willing to hire me for various projects. At the end of the day, closed mouths don’t get fed.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the excitement and happiness each project brings from start to finish. Recieving an email stating my photos are published in a magazine after spending so much time preparing for and shooting the content is such an amazing feeling. Having companies message me asking to work with me or be a face for their company is exciting. Hosting social events, meeting different people, starring in music videos all bring me a sense of joy and excitement. Cosplaying in my favorite superhero outfit or Disney character for a shoot or event is just so magical to me. Words just can’t describe how my soul feels after every project.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Prissy_Ariel
• Instagram: Instagram.com/_officialprissyariel
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ariel.m.carrillo
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCfKUzH5mt6Mr_VY6xGcfmBw
• Other: Tiktok https://vm.tiktok.com/ZTdGBD3gK/

Image Credits
Trace G Productions Terell- FaroFocal Upstage Photography Matt Conrads