Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cooper Foster. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Cooper, appreciate you joining 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 absolutely happier being a creative. I’ve always been involved in the arts in some way since I was a child. It started with dance, then theater at the East Bay Center of Performing Arts in Richmond, CA. Theater and writing have been a constant and such a beautiful outlet for me.

There are times when I do wish I were a “normal” person who only had to worry about a “normal” life. The drive to create is too strong, though…I tried to want that life, but it was not for me.

Being an Actor is a strange life choice. There is no stability…EVER…even when you are at the top of the game. Listen, George Clooney didn’t do Nespresso commercials because he loves coffee; he did it because he was smart about this business. It’s a constant hustle. It gets exhausting juggling day jobs, auditions, classes, self-produced stuff, theater shows, and being a human on top of that.

You also have to make time for life outside of all of that so that you can nurture relationships with friends, family, and just other humans in general.

It’s difficult, but it’s worth it for me because I truly love it. When I get auditions for things that excite me, or book roles and get to spend time making something and getting paid for it, it’s incredible. It feels unreal to do something that you’ve always dreamed of. I have a lot of gratitude for this life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an Actor, Writer, Voice Artist, and sketch comedy performer. I started doing sketch and improv about 15 years ago and never stopped. I’ve done theater most of my life and have never lost the passion for it. I am based in Los Angeles but am originally from the San Francisco Bay Area.

I moved to LA almost 9 years ago to pursue acting full-time in a serious way. I am so proud that I finally took that leap of faith. It was a difficult decision for me to leave San Francisco because I love it so much; it will always be my favorite place. I could’ve stayed in SF forever, but I would’ve had a lot of regret if I had never tried to pursue this. Just putting myself out there and trying to do this is such a source of pride for me.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, the goal is to make a living solely from creative pursuits.

For those of us who aren’t lucky enough to be born into a wealthy family, we gotta hustle to pay the bills and still have the energy to be creative. It’s hard for sure, but I can’t imagine a life without making art. I wish I could solely focus on making stuff…that’s the dream, right? To be able to fully fund your life doing what you love.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to learn that there is no actual timeline for what I deem success to be. I can’t say “I’ll give this 1 year, and if nothing happens I’m out!” That’s just not how this works. You have to be patient, put in the work, find joy in your life and your art and just go with the flow. At the end of the day, you are not in charge of who hires you for what.

You truly have to just love what you do and not compare yourself to other people’s journeys. Enjoy where you are at this moment and keep creating. Give yourself grace and reflect on how far you have come. Write down your accomplishments, and you will be surprised by how far you have come since you started.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: this_is_coop
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@this_is_coop