We recently connected with Cory Novak and have shared our conversation below.
Cory , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
As an actor, we all experience periods of drought – no work, no auditions, a silent phone, or a lack of audition tape requests. There are moments when I’m not thrilled with my status as an artist, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s just a job. It’s perfectly normal not to be content with every single moment in one’s career. I make an effort to uncover joy and positivity even during my darkest times.
One of the most significant challenges for artists and creatives is observing those around us leading more stable lives. In the world of acting, you can’t always predict when the next paycheck will arrive, and you might find yourself picking up extra bartending or waiting shifts just to cover the rent. While everyone else enjoys the nightlife with friends and family, we often find ourselves working late hours.
Admittedly, there are moments when I wonder what it would be like to have a regular job, but I know I wouldn’t excel at it. I’ve explored other options, but I always return to this path because it’s where I find my greatest happiness.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I kind of stumbled into this whole industry by accident. You know, it’s not one of those stories where I got spotted on the streets of my little hometown, Hannibal, Missouri. I actually signed up for an acting and improv class to step out of my comfort zone and become a better communicator in public. But after my first class, I just got hooked on it, like, big time. Acting and improv have seriously changed my life for the better.
I’ve gotta say, one of the things that’s making me really proud at the moment is my spontaneous decision to dive into the world of YouTube. You see, in acting, it’s not always easy to get that on-set experience unless you’re in a classroom or at an audition. So, I’ve been keeping up with my YouTube channel, hoping to build a cool community of people while also putting my acting and filmmaking skills out there for the public to see.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Looking ahead, my big dream is to kickstart my own production company and help fellow storytellers make their visions come alive. Back in my college days, I dabbled in filmmaking, and I’m all about putting those skills to good use.
I’m not just about showcasing my own stuff; I want to create a space where all kinds of voices and tales can shine. So, I’m thinking of starting my own production company, where we can cook up some cool projects and bring fresh storytelling to the world. It’s a mix of my love for acting and my filmmaking background, and it’s all about making a vibrant platform for creativity to thrive.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Lifting up artists in our society is all about creating a more encouraging and empathetic vibe. It’s like being a friend, not a critic, and not dissing anyone for chasing their passions and dreams. See, for many folks, openly picking a career in the arts can be a real rollercoaster, with the fear of people giving them a hard time just because it’s not the usual 9-to-5 gig.
We, as artists, totally get that our paths come with their share of ups and downs, especially when it comes to money. But, it’s during those vulnerable moments that society’s backing can have a massive impact. It’s not just about our artistic journey but also about keeping our heads and hearts in good shape.
Support from society can take many forms. One big thing is being vocal about your love and respect for what artists do. It’s like pumping up their confidence and pushing them to chase their dreams with all they’ve got. It’s also about understanding that artists bring some real flavor to our cultural mix. They bring in new angles and stories that spice up our society and get us thinking.
What’s even cooler is that showing support isn’t just words; it’s action, too. By showing up at their shows, performances, or screenings, you’re not just cheering them on, but you’re also giving them a helping hand with the bills. Plus, it creates a sense of community and togetherness, making artists feel like they’re a vital part of our whole scene.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.corynovak.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coryjosephnovak/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Cory-Novak-100083923039107/?paipv=0&eav=AfZL1hgk64wvzWao0_FhvZbll6RfsPHBY2DjjMwuHBYjlqI3B4cogmryOJY6m9Imjmw&_rdr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxa_Ff8npCgw7ZSh02ZU1wA?view_as=subscriber