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

Kris, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

When I was 9 years old I started playing snare drum and had no intention of making it a lucrative career. I was enjoying what I was doing and I was good at it. Fast forward through years of education, music production, performing, producing records, touring, mentoring, leadership programs, reading, writing, directing music videos, commercials, and documentaries—it’s been a creatively eclectic career for me. I have always been creative and artistic when I started playing drums at a young age. I saw the world differently. I heard things differently. I realized that the possibilities of what I could be were endless. I just wanted to play. In my creative process for any medium I enjoy, I tune everyone and everything out. The distractions, the expectations, the responsibility, the pressure to make something meaningful and great. I just—play. I become curious the way I was as a child with no motives or end goal. I play around and explore whatever I want.

Through the art of letting go, I have come up with some of the best ideas, music, concepts, stories, and projects. As I write this, I operate two creative companies in Austin, TX. Kind Motion Pictures is my full service film production company and my other company is Resonate which is a motivational percussion company. Both feed my artistry and allow me to bring others into the process and into the family of creating art to elevate human compassion

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I grew up with two sisters and a single mom. My mother worked hard to provide us with a life that she never had. When you have immigrant parents, you are taught work ethic and integrity at a young age. My mom worked to provide so that I could pursue the life I wanted. I was introduced to determination and grit early on.

I studied Music Production Technology and Jazz Performance at The Hartt School of Music, Dance, & Theatre. While I was producing records, I enjoyed having a relationship with the talent and coaching them through their journey of art. I realized that I was gifted in bringing the best out of people by what I said and how I could relate as an artist. I graduated Cum Laude and went on to work for several organizations that revolved around the arts for youth. There, I learned the responsibility I held to instill hope and encouragement for individuals and got to see the results of hard work and a safe environment where people could thrive.

I had the opportunity to audition for an Off-Broadway show, STOMP, in New York City and jumped at the chance. Through rigorous rounds of auditions and eliminations, I made it. There, I met my husband who is also a performer and filmmaker. I went on to tour the world as a performer for the next 6 years. New York City will show you exactly who you are and what you are capable of. I learned how to communicate more effectively, how to perform better, to understand the dynamics between individuals, and grew incredibly confident in who I was. While I was traveling the world, I concurrently started my two companies knowing that creative control was something I wanted where I could contribute my entire being to my work. I have always been a leader. So it was not surprising when I stepped into the role of Director for film. My husband and I own and operate both companies out of Austin and have met some incredible people who have become lifelong friends.

Living in New York City, I saw the culture of the industry and I wanted to change that. Every project is different and comes with its discoveries and challenges which only makes me better as a leader, a director, and a creative. The vision to move to Austin was always there. Now, we have property which allows us to have a film and music studio where people can gather and create dope work. 

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Clients, agencies, and companies have the power to hire and make a difference. The authentic individuals and organizations who support small businesses, minorities, and women are the ones I want to work with. They do not fool me or fuel me. I have and will continue to create works of art that I am proud of—never compromising my work’s integrity.

There are more resources and support for women now than there has ever been, but it still isn’t where it needs to be. I would like to see more of a platform for talented women to have an equal chance and not be added to a roster for status quo.

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

The freedom to make absolutely anything I want and decide what I want the message and outcome to be.

Contact Info:

• Website: krisleedrums.com
• Instagram: @kris.saad
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krisleedrums