We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nathalia Coppa. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nathalia below.
Nathalia, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Even though I’ve always had an instinct for creating, I had to try out many different things before I felt confident in my creative expression. Growing up I did a little bit of everything like painting, dancing, singing, and playing different instruments. This gave me the room to find different ways to express myself creatively and to get closer to what I really loved doing.
I think an essential skill when it comes to learning is understanding what works for you. There are so many different approaches, and finding your confidence in your work often comes from using techniques that make sense to you. It’s easier said than done. I often find myself wanting to know what is the “right” way to create. Unfortunately, there is no answer. I’m learning that it comes from taking the time to explore, play, try new things and determine what lights you up. With that, I think sometimes my biggest obstacle was and is myself. Once I realized there is no right or wrong answer, that I can take the things I’ve learned from all of the different teachers I’ve had and put them together, I started to approach my creativity with so much more freedom and so much more of myself. And that has lead me to creating work that I feel proud of and that accurately reflects who I am.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a performer and an entrepreneur! It all really started with dance classes when I was three years old, and over the years evolved into so many different things. I was never really sure what area I loved the most. I was always an artist, but I started to take things seriously when I graduated from high school. I decided to study performing arts in college because it allowed me to do a little bit of everything. I explored musical theatre, acting for stage and screen, writing, and so much more. Since graduating from college I’ve found myself spending most of my time in the film and television world, but I have so much love for the stage, and for pretty much every aspect of the entertainment industry. I don’t plan on limiting myself to just one thing.
Any time I look back on where I was a few years ago I feel extremely proud of all I’ve accomplished. Setting out to pursue a creative career can be daunting, and I’m so glad I jumped right in and have persisted ever since!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I think I’ve always viewed my art as a way for me to connect with others. I was an incredibly shy child, and performing always brought me out of my shell and allowed me to find community. It’s been so rewarding to not only see myself grow out of that shell but also be able to connect with so many different people through art.
I’m driven by my desire to tell stories, connect with others, and make a positive impact. Getting to see that happen is what keeps me going and reminds me why I started this journey in the first place.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
A book that completely changed my mindset is Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide by John Cleese. I read this book at a time where I felt stuck and incredibly frustrated with how things were going, and this book showed me a new perspective on that feeling. It helped me realize where the creativity lives within me and how uncomfortable it often is. But allowing yourself to sit in that discomfort is where the magic happens.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathcoppa/
Image Credits
Becca Murray Joanna DeGeneres