We were lucky to catch up with Drey Nelson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Drey, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Growing up as a military brat, I had three things that always brought me joy. They were basketball, music, and film. I always knew I wanted to get into the performing arts, I just didn’t know when I would be ready to go full force with it. The passion has always been there, but basketball was my life. The game took precedence over everything. When I wasn’t in the driveway, a park, or the court, my days were spent watching films like, “A Bronx Tale”, “Casino”, “Scarface”, “The Godfather,” “New Jack City”, and “Goodfellas”.

When I got injured, and realized the sweat was going to dry eventually, that’s when I transitioned from being a fan of the culture to a student of the culture. I needed something that made me feel like I existed.

I began studying the likes of Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, Don Cheadle, Brad Pitt, Denzel Washington,
Giancarlo Esposito, Will Smith, and Morgan Freeman 9to name a few) I wanted to make that kind of impact, whether it was on a theatrical stage or in front of a camera. I then developed the ambition to tell stories like Martin Scorsese, Oliver Stone, and James Cameron. I love performing. I love acting. I love writing. It’s very therapeutic, and a great escape from reality.

Drey, 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?

Some might say that I’m a jack of all trades. But I say that I’m just really passionate about the things I do. I’m a huge introvert. I try not to say much and keep a very small circle. For me, acting provides a healthy outlet for self-expression and creativity. It’s a way of exploring the human experience and indulging in other human conditions in a profound way.

It’s a demanding art form that requires a lot of vulnerability. You are constantly learning, growing, and evolving. The process of becoming someone else, learning from their experiences, and expanding their understanding of the world is some of the best education I’ve ever received, Yes, it’s very challenging, but I see it as a form of self-mastery, and it’s incredibly rewarding.

One reason why I started writing my own productions, was to avoid being type-casted. I figured if I wrote a character for myself, I wouldn’t have to wait by the phone just to be told to play the same character over and over again. The beautiful part of storytelling is the ability to share powerful narratives, evoke emotions, and connect with the audience on a deep level. You never know who your character may resonate with. So, I want to be as intentional as I can with a character to create a cohesive and impactful performance. I believe what sets me apart id my refusal to settle for complacency.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I used to be obsessed with proving people wrong, but now I just want to prove myself right.

Looking and begging for acceptance is draining. Anytime you don’t feel validated by other people, you quickly assume you are not good enough. That way of thinking is an easy road map to depression and self-destruction. I understand the feeling of wanting others to notice you, but none of that matters if you don’t notice yourself first. Any gift or talent you may possess is a gift from God, but we have a way of only making the most of our gift to please people, or to get a few likes on our profile.

Yes, acceptance provides you with a sense of safety, belonging, and purpose, The temporary feeling of validation goes a long way in today’s society. But when there is a lack of that validation, is it really worth completely altering who and what you are for the betterment of someone else’s opinion about you? Seeking validation can become addictive. You’re on cloud nine when it’s present, but when it’s not, you’re disappointed and life sucks. You’re basically stating that your worth is based on the opinions of others. That’s no way to live.

That’s why for every job I wasn’t approved for, I created one for myself.

Over the years, I’ve learned to become comfortable with disapproval. I’ve learned to face conflict and welcome it instead of avoiding it. As frustrating as it gets, it leads to healthy levels of consciousness and love for self.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Having a lane of my own. I don’t wait by the phone for someone to offer me a role anymore.
If there’s a story I want to tell or be a part of, I just write it. I create the narrative, time period, tone, characters, everything.
For me, being an actor is an exploration of the human soul. It’s not just about getting words on paper, memorizing and reciting them. Becoming someone else – that’s the goal. I’ve been able to learn more about myself while getting to know a character. It’s the most rewarding and most challenging form of personal growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14260775/
• Instagram: @prostatus
• Facebook: Drey Nelson
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drey-nelson-6316702b9
• Twitter: @itsprostatus
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1YO9pkalWDHFoaQWlOZZ0w