We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jordan Orlando. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jordan below.

Hi Jordan, thanks for joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I have had many “regular” jobs in my life. Although none of those jobs made me happy, there are some days I wish my soul was not that of a creative. Sometimes I wish I had a fascination for programming, finance, engineering, or anything that might prove to be more stable and make more money. Regardless, I know I was born with an artist’s soul. My mother claims I learned to sing before I learned to speak and quickly held everyone captive with my inventive skits from a shockingly young age. The arts have always held my heart. I have worn many titles: musician, actor, dancer, painter, writer, reader, director, producer, and the list goes on. I have no doubt that list will continue to grow as I get older. I am not only happy, but proud to call myself an artist in any and every sense of the word.

Jordan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As I said earlier, I have been many things and explored many art forms. However, the art form that currently grips my heart tightest is writing. I am currently working on a book of poetry, but I also enjoy writing essays and fantasy. To pay the bills, I am a chocolatier. I spend my days using chocolate as my canvas while I listen to audiobooks. In the evenings, I write, often too late into the evening, and usually fall asleep to the comforting sound of my favorite cartoons playing in the background.

I am always working on multiple projects, while writing, reading, and watching everything I can in my spare time. Currently, I am producing a film for Rebuilt Minds (https://www.rebuiltminds.com/) and working towards a move to New York City in the new year. There, I intend to continue to work with film and theatre companies (including Rebuilt Minds) producing what I can, and finding anyone who will pay me to write until my heart is content.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

There is something that I think artists too often forget when they find success, and that is the friends they have left behind. My goal is not not only make a living as an artist, but make sure I can prop up anyone who shares that same dream. You never know what difference it might make in someone’s life to just keep reaching out a hand. All artists want to find their own forms of success, but I also wish to help others find it as well.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I truly believe everyone, artist or not, should read the book Untamed by Glennon Doyle. This book changed my life in so many ways. It is the story of a woman whose life crumbled in a way that so many can relate to, but found it in herself to keep going. She wrote her way through the pains of her life and still today continues to help others find their strength. I would not have found mine and started a good number of life changing projects without this book.