We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carson Breen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Carson, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents have been the most supportive, loving, and influential people in my life for as long as I can remember. One of the most impactful decisions they made was choosing to homeschool my brother and me from kindergarten all the way through high school. They always offered us the option to switch to public school, but I truly thrived in the flexibility and self-directed learning that homeschooling allowed. It gave me the chance to explore challenges in a unique way and helped foster a deep sense of independence and discipline.

Homeschooling two kids for 12 years is no small task—it requires immense time, dedication, and patience. But my parents never wavered in their commitment. Their willingness to invest so much into our education is something I’m deeply grateful for, and it laid the foundation for many of the opportunities I’ve had.

One of the clearest examples of their unwavering support came when I decided I wanted to pursue gymnastics more seriously. I had been training in Florida, but it became clear that the best opportunities and coaches were in California. I asked my parents if they would consider moving our entire family across the country so I could train at the top gyms in the LA area. It was a huge ask—but without hesitation, they said yes. They uprooted their lives so I could chase mine.

Because of the flexibility homeschooling provided, I was able to begin my acrobatic gymnastics career at 14 and dedicate up to 40 hours a week to training. That foundation eventually led me to compete at the highest levels, including representing the U.S. on both the national and world teams.

Looking back, my parents didn’t just teach me academics—they modeled sacrifice, belief, and what it means to support someone wholeheartedly. Their choices gave me the chance to follow my passion, and their example continues to inspire how I show up in my life and career today.

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.

Hi! I’m Carson — a multi-passionate creative with roots in elite acrobatic gymnastics and a deep love for performance and visual storytelling.

After spending nearly a decade training and competing in acrobatic gymnastics — including time on the U.S. national and world teams — movement became my first form of artistic expression. The discipline, creativity, and connection to my body that I developed through the sport naturally led me toward a future in performance. I wasn’t sure exactly where that path would take me, but I stayed open — and that openness has led to some incredible experiences.

Today, I work as a live performer in the Southern California theme park industry. I’m currently a dinosaur puppeteer at Universal Studios Hollywood and a scare actor during Halloween Horror Nights, as well as a parade performer at Disneyland. Performing at such iconic venues, especially Disneyland with its rich entertainment legacy, has been a dream come true and continues to push me as an artist and athlete.

Alongside my work in entertainment, I also run Carson’s Capture Co., a photography brand focused on portrait, lifestyle, and editorial work. My photography is all about capturing energy, emotion, and the in-between moments that often tell the most powerful stories. Whether I’m photographing an individual, a small business, or a creative collaboration, my goal is to create images that feel alive and reflect the true essence of my subject.

What sets me apart is the blend of physical storytelling, visual artistry, and real-world discipline I bring from my athletic background. I thrive in movement and thrive in stillness — and I love that my work spans both worlds. I’m proud to have carved a path that honors all sides of who I am and excited that my career is constantly evolving.

One of the things I believe in most — and what I hope to reflect through my work — is that you don’t have to limit yourself to just one path. You can be more than one thing, explore new creative directions, and still be grounded in purpose. Thanks to my parents’ support, I never felt pressured to “figure it all out” right away — instead, I’ve learned to follow curiosity, work hard, and let the journey unfold.

Whether you’re here to see me perform, collaborate on a shoot, or just follow along — I’m so glad you’re here. I can’t wait to keep building, creating, and connecting with more amazing people along the way.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is seeing all the hard work, time, and dedication come to life. There’s something truly magical about that moment when everything you’ve been working toward finally clicks into place. In my world, that moment often happens when I step onto a stage after months of training and preparation — the lights hit my face, the crowd’s energy fills the room, and suddenly, it all becomes real.

It’s in those moments that I feel the power of creativity — not just as expression, but as connection. That rush of energy, that sense of purpose, and the realization that you’re bringing something to life that once only lived in your imagination… it’s a dream come true every single time.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One thing I think non-creatives often struggle to understand is the reality of living with so much uncertainty. The creative journey — especially in the entertainment world — rarely follows a straight path. When I first stepped into this industry, no one handed me a roadmap. There were no promises about consistent work, no set schedules, and no guarantees. It’s not a lifestyle that works for everyone, and that’s okay.

But what keeps you going is passion — the kind that fuels you through long stretches of unknowns — and an unshakable belief in your dream. It might sound cliché, but if you stay focused, keep showing up, and put in the work, things do start to fall into place. That level of faith in yourself and your path is something many people outside the creative world don’t always relate to — but for artists, it’s everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.carsoncapturesco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carson.breen/ https://www.instagram.com/carsoncapturesco/

Image Credits

everycharacter.com by Jodykatin