We recently connected with Erika Wood and have shared our conversation below.
Erika , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
I hope my legacy is one that inspires the masses to own their authenticity, gifts and talents. All of our journey’s are paved with a unique imprint in choosing to make a positive impact in the world. Being that I am a creative & jovial soul, I am passionate about igniting a person’s confidence. During my photoshoots I can see how my direction and charisma puts a natural smile on my client’s faces! I believe it’s important to make sure that the time that we have together; whether on set or in a photoshoot… is filled with pure love! I want the good vibrations from my gifts and talents to be transferred to the next soul who needs it! I want people to remember me for being an authentic person who only want to elevate and encourage people’s passions by eliminating fear!
Erika , 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?
My career like so many others, was birthed from my childhood creativity. I always had this notion that I was going to be famous and successful growing up! I performed in church and school but during my teenage years societal pressures of college, adulthood and perfectionism turned into fear. That fear consumed me for most of my early adult life and caused high anxiety.
The next phase of my life was choosing to be unapologetic in really pushing towards my destiny. I began meditating and my childhood desires resurfaced; there was this tug on my soul to push for a career in Acting – so I took classes, studied, read and forced myself to face my fears by constantly auditioning and performing. First came Theatrical plays; which lead to TV and Film. Thankfully, I’ve been blessed enough to work on many projects such as; Nickelodeon, ABC, MTV, Disney Plus and more.
Presently, what has guided me to stay motivated in both the high and low seasons of my crafts are : discernment, discipline faith and consistency (these are a mighty potion when mastered.)
In 2018, Photography came into my life naturally. I suppose because I’d been so used to being Infront of a camera that getting behind one just meshed! I have a natural eye for exuding my client’s personalities in their headshot and lifestyle bookings.
If there’s any advice I could give it would be to stop sleeping on your fullest potential! Learn / relearn who you are because everything you need to be successful is within you. Additionally, do what you love and your passions will take you further than you could have ever imagined!
Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?
NFTs are apart of the future and are innovative ways to stay relevant within our technological world!
Have you ever had to pivot?
I really wish more artists were transparent about their creative journey’s because the struggle is very real! I think the industry used to romanticize the love of the passion over a quality balance of life.
Realistically, most creatives only post on social media when they book a project…but what do you do during the 3 – 9 months that you haven’t auditioned or booked a project?
Look, the craft is a beautiful one but after a certain time in life, finding the comfort of paying your rent or mortgage is peaceful. So yes, I have a 9-5, Yes, I film , Yes I have clients and Yes my passions will continue take me far!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ImageryByErikaj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imagerybyerikaj/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/erikajwood https://linktr.ee/imagerybyerikaj
Image Credits
ERIKA J. WOOD OF IMAGERY BY ERIKA J.