Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marycarmen Portillo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marycarmen , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Being an artist is undeniably challenging when it comes to income. It’s essential to take care of ourselves. Sadly, money is required for expenses such as food, housing, gym subscriptions. However, we, artists, refuse to take on a job that doesn’t align with our passion, because it could totally become a burden, draining your energy and creativity among other mental issues.

Many artists often question if a “normal” job with stable income would be easier, but for me, sacrificing my mental health is not an option. It’s incredibly tough to engage in conventional work like sitting at a desk, childcare, teaching, driving, or serving when my heart isn’t in it. I prioritize my mental peace above all else. While financial stability is important, I’ve realized that any secondary job I consider must offer maximum flexibility. Additionally, I understand the importance of invest in opportunities that enable me to focus on my art.

I continually come back to the same truth: I will not settle for anything less than my passion. We are here to seek happiness, and I find fulfillment in delivering messages through my art. If that means living an unconventional life, I embrace it fully. Loving something means accepting the white, black and gray that come with it. I am determined to find a way to make this work. So far, I believe I’ve identified a path that allows me to earn enough to sustain a good life without compromising my passion or exhausting myself.

Marycarmen , 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’ve danced since I was 7 years old and have tried all kinds of dance: Polynesian, Arabic, ballet, jazz, tap, Latin, modern, hip-hop—you name it. When I turned 18, I wanted to complement my contemporary dance training since it’s more expressive and emotionally explosive than other styles. So, I started acting. It completely changed me because it revealed a side of me that I was missing; it gave me purpose. Ever since then, I have searched for and created my own opportunities to convey messages to people. I never stopped, but sadly in Mexico, the arts and theater are not as supported as they are in other countries, So, when an opportunity presented itself for me to come to the U.S., I took it.

It hasn’t been easy, I must say—acting in another language and adapting to a new culture. I started from the very bottom and the very start. But my passion and self-discipline have kept me going. I’ve been finding acting jobs that have taken me to LA, Ventura, and even New York.

Something that has helped me is knowing what types of projects I want to be in and being able to say no or step back when something doesn’t resonate with me. In every project I’m involved in, I believe in the power of the story, my cast members, and my crew, and I give my 120%, always trying to serve others, myself, the play, and the audience.

I’m really proud of my journey. I’ve taken on so many dancing, acting, and crew jobs, regardless of my circumstances. This gives me confidence in myself. I feel like I am living proof that if you want something, you can achieve it.

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

I believe being an artist is the most human job. To be an artist, you need to be connected with yourself. Being an artist reveals countless possibilities in life. It requires constant work on yourself, focusing on forgiveness, improvement, and becoming a better version of yourself. As an artist, you learn to love every single aspect of yourself, little by little.

Additionally, it provides you with the opportunity to help others. By sharing your experiences, emotions, and stories, you can connect with others on a deeper level—discussing the little things that are often difficult to talk about, or even things you didn’t realize were within you. You get to share a part of yourself, sometimes without even knowing you’re doing it. I believe this is one of the greatest gifts to society.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn that it’s okay not to smile sometimes. This may sound simple or even unimportant, but I was told when I was a child that I always had to smile and show politeness, bringing comfort to others through my smile. Even when things were falling apart, even when I was being hurt or taken advantage of, I believed it. As a committed person, I took that message deeply to heart. I wore that smile like a mask. No matter what, even if I was in danger, I would always be smiling.

However, acting and dancing are about shedding those layers and masks, revealing your genuine self, your struggles, and flaws to the audience. It was so hard not to smile while I acted because I thought it was part of who I was. Then I realized that my personality wasn’t defined by a smile. I understood my value and strength in my tears, my clenched jaws when I disagreed with how I was being treated, and in any other reaction I had. I started to validate and show respect for my own emotions and experiences.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marycarmen_portillo/?hl=es
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marycarmenportillo20/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@marycarmenportillo9234

Image Credits

David Flores Rubio

Adriano Demiarte

Alexandro Carbajal

Cristina Lopez