We were lucky to catch up with Ayana Bey recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ayana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I am happy as an artist/creative. I feel like it’s my God given purpose to be a creative. The arts fills me with so much joy and I in turn hope to do that for other people with the things I create and the works I get to be apart of. I have been in the arts and entertainment industry for 17 years and have thought about getting a “regular job” many times. I have never got a “regular job because things have always turned around just when I thought I had to go in that direction. Has it always been easy financially, no, but the piecing together of income has been worth it to me because I am in control of my own time. There have been times when my artistic endeavors have supported me fully like working as an entertainer on cruise ships or when I was booking voice over constantly and getting renewal checks but unfortunately because of the nature of our industry it doesn’t always support me. So much is already out of our control that when things like pandemics, strikes, and world chaos happens we find ourselves even more worried about funds as creatives. Lately I have been trying to zoom out, see the bigger picture and remember what money really is, it’s just a green coupon. Yes do we all need money, absolutely, but it’s a made up concept that I think we as creatives need to remember. Our worth is not in these made up green coupons it’s in the art we make and figuring out how to stay in that mindset because I think that contributes to our happiness as artists. Money is paper that has been given value long before we were born, and yes to live in this society we need to have it, but how can you disconnect from it more. That’s what I have been asking myself lately.

Ayana, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a New Jersey native of Guyanese heritage with a flare for the dramatics. An actor by trade, voice over artist, and podcaster who loves to travel (been to 27 countries) and likes to take cooking classes in each country I visit. A plant mom, who is also an event planner for family and friends, and I enjoy a good wine tasting and sound bath.

I started my career in musical theatre traveling to regional theaters in the US, international theaters, and working on cruise ships. I was on that path for 11 years before the pandemic hit and changed my trajectory for the better. I became a full time voice over artist and podcaster. My podcast is called The Artist Pivot and is a bi-weekly show that talks to artists and creatives about how they pivot in their careers and lessons they have learned along the way.

Right now I balance being an actor, voice over artist, podcaster, mentor, and co-chair to an artist career guidance program in NYC.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Society can stop devaluing the arts and the artists who make the art. From my perspective we need to change the narrative around what art means in society. I feel a lot of people think it’s frivolous and their is no point but what they don’t realize is creatives and artists keep the world running and contribute to the health and well-being of society. We live in a world that doesn’t value people in general and want “workers” and those who just want to follow the heard. The best way to support artists and creatives it to see their work, buy their work, share their work, and donate to organizations that keep the arts alive when you can. Society can support by changing its mindset about the arts and those people who are vulnerable enough to express themselves and put it out in the world.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is to see the joy that it’s brings people. When someone leaves the theatre and is inspired and happy then I have done my job. I think being an artist is also a very freeing experience. You are expressing yourself and no one can tell you whether it’s right or wrong. A while back I went to the Black Girl Art Show and saw a piece from an artist that I really liked. It put such a smile on my face and brought me joy. I didn’t buy it initially but circled back to the table and bought it. The friend I was with said I am so happy you went back because I even felt the joy that that piece brought you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ayanabey.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayanambey/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayana-major-bey/

Image Credits

Headshot Photography: Ambe J Photography