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

Hi Mataya, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Although I’ve always been a creative person, whether that be making movies and writing scripts for my friends or playing pretend at every chance I got, the first thing I remember wanting to be was an opera singer, followed by an astrophysicist, and then a forensic anthropologist–pretty much every career available, at some point or another. Drastically different, I know. I would find myself watching a movie and being completely enthralled with the career of the lead character for a period of time. So it’s safe to say my mind was changing all the time. It wasn’t until I was in high school that I realized I didn’t actually want to be a doctor or a paleontologist, I just wanted to play one on screen. Even though the thought of following my passion was constantly playing through my head, it scared me to death. Leaving my hometown and moving to another country to pursue an improbability seemed beyond my reach. So when I graduated high school I enrolled at my local university for a bachelor’s degree in Archeology. I somehow managed to convince myself that digging in the dust for ancient artifacts was my path and although I found it fascinating, it wasn’t for me. I remember waking up one day, two weeks before classes started, and just knowing something was wrong—within a matter of four hours I had replanned my life. I dropped out of my program, committed to a gap year of serving in a restaurant, and was applying for drama school. Now here I am today, with my associates degree in film, TV and theater. Since graduating I’ve been blessed with bookings and able to stay busy–I haven’t had much time to even think about what could have been. When I do reflect on my decision to turn my life around, I know I made the right choice. I’m a big believer in the idea that ‘everything happens for a reason.’ I know that if I had let my fears control me and stayed in my archeology program, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I’m sure I would have found joy in it, since I did find it very interesting, but I think a part of me would have been missing the passion I have for my creative pursuits.

Mataya, 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 grew up in a smaller city in Alberta, Canada, where it’s common for people to live in the same place their whole lives. The thought of following my passion was terrifying, but I knew that if I did anything else I wouldn’t be truly fulfilled. So I saved some money, and with the support of those around me I took the biggest risk of my life. Now that I’ve graduated from college with an associates degree, I’m just starting my professional acting journey. I’m incredibly grateful to be booked, busy and working as much as I can. This industry is incredibly demanding, but with hard work and perseverance anything is possible. My ultimate goal is that my art has the power to move people. I want to remind people of their humanity and tell the stories that are often hidden away. I want to give voices to fictional and non-fictional characters that have something that needs to be said. Storytelling is vital to society as a collective. I cannot imagine a life without art; I want to use my art to imitate life, and have life imitate it. I’ve come a long way on a personal level since leaving my hometown. I’ve shown myself that bravery is possible in the face of the unknown. Even though it’s scary and I often feel like I have no clue what I’m doing, I know I’m in the right place at the right time. And if things go bad? I can always try again until I figure it out. I’m most proud of how I’ve allowed myself to grow and build my art and my success on my own terms. I wish I could show my ten year old self what she’s doing now and see how it inspires her, and I hope to inspire others and to continue doing the same for myself everyday.

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

Most people fear change, but I love it. I get to learn new things with every job I do and every character I play, which is such a gift. I also get the privilege of working with other creatives and collaborate to create beautiful art. Putting myself in another character’s shoes is the greatest lesson in empathy and understanding. I learned to listen to other opinions and allow space for conversation. I’m constantly surrounded by other people’s voices and views, including the characters I play– allowing my perspective to change with my characters’ and colleagues, I can now look at situations in a different light. I’d say the people I’ve met, both metaphorically through characters or through real-life collaboration, have taught me lessons that I don’t think you get otherwise. That is the most rewarding part of being an artist, for me.

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

As I mentioned, art is vital to human kind. I think the best way to show support for creative industries is to be as involved as possible. I adore big blockbuster films as much as anybody, and hope to one day be in my own Hollywood movie, but support starts with independent films. To build and uplift artists so we can continue to see larger projects, we have to support the smaller artists. Buying a ticket to an independent smaller budget film or seeing a local theater production can help give the creatives involved a platform and a voice so that they can continue making their art. Most artists you see on the big screen had to start somewhere, and sometimes that start line is small. In short, this next generation of artists will only survive if we support each other— big and small— it doesn’t matter on what level, art has the power to change the world.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @matayabritton

Image Credits

Paul Smith Photography