We recently connected with Christie Maxwell and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Christie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I knew I wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path, specifically that of an actor, in 8th grade after attending “The Idiots Guide to High School”, by Alan Haehnel, which was performed by the drama club of my future high school.

My 8th-grade class was invited to attend this specific theatrical production to provide a comical taste of what the next four years of our lives were to look like. As the curtains of the cafeteria stage opened, many of my peers remained unamused and tuned the performance out, as would be expected by angsty teenagers who were “too cool for school”. But, I was deeply engrossed by the performance of the actors. They shined! Every single one of them. They were so carefree as they banted off one another. Their exuberance was so catching. It stirred a deep longing within my soul. As a shy child, I desperately wanted that verve those performers had. I wanted their freedom to laugh and play without fear of judgment. And, that’s when a little voice popped in my head saying, “You are going to do that, and you are going to like it”.

Following the inspiration of that inner voice, I immediately joined that drama club upon entering high school. I performed the role of Rosaline from “Love’s Labour’s Lost” in “An Evening with Shakespeare”. The acting bug had bit. My mind was dead set on developing my craft to turn it into my profession.

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 started to break into the film industry after graduating from Northern Arizona University, as well as finishing a magical year-long internship at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida through the Disney College Program. Upon arriving home, I knew that if I wanted to take my acting career to the next level, I was going to have to get my foot in the door of the film industry somehow. This would become a personal challenge since I am the only one in my family pursuing a career in entertainment. I know theater. I love theater! But, I knew nothing about filmmaking at the time, or how to go about becoming a film actress. Therefore, I turned to the internet and stumbled upon “Friends in Film”, an online production assistant training program taught by Emmy-award winning Janet Urban. It sounds crazy, right? How does being a production assistant help me to achieve my dream of being a film actress? Well, this program taught me how to not just get on a film set, but also how to play the game of filmmaking, so to speak. I learned how to work both behind and in front of the camera. I can network with producers, directors, casting directors, and other talent and essential crew while on the job. I am honing my ability to run an acting business by taking this route, in addition to widening my filmmaking skillset by being a Production Assistant, a 1st Assistant Director, a Production Coordinator, a Scriptwriter, and a Producer. This is a huge advantage! No longer do I have to wait for work to come to me, I can generate work for myself, and for peers who I have met along the journey.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I would say one of the most rewarding aspects of being an actor, for me, is that I get to play for a living in order to touch the hearts, minds and souls of people watching. I get to play! My profession consists of continuing to cultivate the imagination we have as kids, but so sadly lose as we age and mature. I get to bring to life tangible beings whom we can empathize with, sympathize with; thus, allowing us to garner a better understanding of the human condition. Learning how to use this power of imagination to more effectively communicate through verbalization and body language is like having a superpower!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One thing I know non-creatives struggle to understand about the journey of an artist is the reality of living without security, stability or consistency, especially when it comes to finances. It wasn’t until I read Robert T. Kiyosaki’s “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” and “Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant” that I better understood how to put into words this specific struggle.

Essentially, creatives are operating in Robert’s “S-Quadrant” mindset. We are the self-employed folks who want autonomy over our livelihoods and work. Don’t get me wrong, money is still important to a self-employed person. Money is very, very important! However, our perspective of how to obtain money will differ from non-creatives. A creative’s need to create and thrive in our artistry overrides the fear and discomfort that comes from not having a typical, secure 9-to-5 job. Our biggest fear stems from the “What if…” questions. What if my art is good enough? What if I can make it? What opportunities will I miss by not trying? What will I regret by not trying? What if…? Many non-creatives, or folks who actually are creative but chose not to pursue making their creative endeavors their life-long profession, fall within Robert’s “E-Quadrant” mindset. They are the “Employees”, the folks who need structure, financial security and safety. Not knowing where their next paycheck will come from is a major fear that causes them to remain in their sound, cushy jobs – which isn’t a bad thing, if that is your thing. You know what I mean?

In summary, it comes down to differing mindsets and priorities. Therefore, to all who find themselves nodding their heads to the phrase, “I am looking for a safe, secure job with good pay and excellent benefits” (Kiyosaki 25), please don’t disparage your family and/or friends who want to build their own business through their creative endeavors. It is who they are and who they will always be. Creatives create.

Kiyosaki, Robert T. Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant: Rich Dad’s Guide to Financial Freedom. Warner Books, 2000.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/christiemaxwell
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christie.m.maxwell/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christina.maxwell.908/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christie-maxwell-63632b2a0/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@christie.maxwell
• Other: IMDb Link: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4569958/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 Vanaril (Released on Amazon Prime) https://www.amazon.com/placeholder_title-John-Doe/dp/B0B8TK9V3K/ref=sr_1_6?crid=SOUED011MVOH&keywords=vanaril&qid=1674887132&sprefix=vanail%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-6

Image Credits
Headshots by Byron Medina