We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Keshawn Lee Kinslow a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Keshawn Lee, 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?

Me as actor is something I think that the art form specifically grabbed me by the collar and said “you’re going to do this”. I often think about me having a start at this or at least an interest at a younger age, but like they say it finds you when you need it most.
One thing I can say since I was a kid I’ve always leaned into any avenue of creative expression. I come from a family of musicians. My grandfather was a bass guitarist father was a drummer and uncle was a piano player, music was the first thing that opened my eyes. I spent my early teenage years up until now still finding my voice with music. From there I started designing clothes by meshing fabrics together on whatever I could get my hands on. Next came photography and then acting, Which I give credit to my uncle who lives vicariously through me. He sat me down week after week when I was about 19 years old and said look, your talented, got a good look, people love being around you, and you have a strong work ethic, this is something that could propel you into a whole new world. I denied it the first few times hearing, mostly cause I didn’t understand it. But he insisted and coincidentally the last time he spoke of it a director reached out personally and said “I want you for this movie” and from there my not only my opportunities grown but my love for this intimate and beautiful art of storytelling has also.

Keshawn Lee, 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?

I’m an award winning actor based in Nashville, Tennessee. I’d like to think of myself as a thespian but what I find to be a more suitable analogy for the legacy I want to leave behind is a painter. I create this invoking series of events that culminate a story of what ever is translated through emotions. What I feel is the most important about what I do is that I relate to the specific. Not every circumstance is copy and paste, cut and dry but you definitely know the feeling, so whatever plot is being told there is always a relationship between actor and audience. I don’t think anything separates me personally from any of my peers, maybe decision making when performing, but it’s all mental. I feel comfortable in what I can do in with what’s in front of me and knowing that it’s a strong choice, but even then it’s only as it relates to understanding.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

It’s a lot no’s. That’s what makes any of this possible, is hearing a no. Whether it be a role that you feel you were born to do, or a script you wanted to pitch, you will hear a no more than not. It teaches you that what’s for you is what’s for you but it’s solely up to you to make your no’s into know’s. Knowledge. Learning yourself. Your craft. And knowing that you being the best version of yourself at every moment is the only thing you’re in control of.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Plain and simple. Lend an eye, go to the movies, support your local theater.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actkeshawn?igsh=MWU0ejAwdm41NnpiaQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
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• Other: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm12128388/?ref_=ttfc_fcr_cst_4