We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessica Herrera. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jessica below.
Jessica , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I believe I knew I wanted to pursue an artistic career as a teenager, probably 13 years old. As cliche as it sounds, I grew up singing in church and local community events. In doing so, I recognized how it made me feel to perform and sing something that I resonated with—and how others resonated with it as well. That feeling I speak of is not only the exhilaration of performing but also being able to connect with people through music.
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 believe I’ve always been a creative from the start. I’ve always loved being able to draw, paint, sing and write poems and songs as a kid. I started singing publicly as a kid. I moved to Alabama for about thirteen years and that is when I started to dive more into the film and commercial side of things.
I continue to write songs and audition for my next role, all while raising my two children and hoping I can inspire them to be their true selves and express their own unique creativity and minds.
I am most proud of my ability to keep going even when the odds are against me. There have been many times I’ve wanted to give up, sometimes because of life changing circumstances but I keep telling myself my work whether small or big, whether at home with my kids or in my career, will pay off eventually in a positive way.
What I want to be remembered and known for in my career is simply the ability to be authentic and my true self. Regardless if it’s a song I’m singing or one I’m writing, or in general when it’s comes to conversations, I genuinely always want to be authentic.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I believe the ultimate mission and goal that drives me to continue is the inner voice and deep knowing that there is something more, beyond what I’ve achieved up until now. Music touches the hearts and souls of people and to play a small or large part in bringing love hope and joy to someone through this art is a blessing in and of itself.
In general, Being able to do what you love and to make a decent living from it is a tremendous gift.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
Everyone’s creative journey as artists is so different and can be quite complex. Artists usually dig deep within themselves to be able to pour something out from their heart, mind and soul.
For me personally, inspiration and imagination doesn’t always flow if I’m sitting at a desk all day or doing the mundane tasks of life that are necessary, sometimes it comes from taking long drives alone listening to music, being in nature of all kinds, going to museums, maybe watching inspirational documentaries or reading encouraging books, or just being in the presence of other artistic individuals. Sometimes it’s just listening to my daughters’ points of view or thoughts in our conversations.
This can sometimes look “unproductive” to non-creatives. Overall, everyone’s approach to access their creative flow is different and should be accepted.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imjessicaherrera?igsh=MWNrMWVjeGhycWJzYw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/iAkq9yfmtQzdSp4a/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@itsjessicaherrera?feature=shared
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@imjessicaherrera23?_t=8qF9hmTzrwc&_r=1
Image Credits
Jessica Herrera
Jared Sorenson