Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Paulina Vela. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Paulina, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I’ve known I wanted to be an actor since I was a child. I was constantly playing pretend with my sister and family, turning everyday moments into little productions. Even after my sister grew out of it, I didn’t. I felt a strong pull to keep going and began to dream about pursuing acting professionally.
Paulina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My passion for acting led me to start taking acting classes and eventually perform in theatre during college, where I was able to deepen my craft and gain real performance experience. During that time, I also acted in short films, which allowed me to explore on-camera work and further develop my versatility as a performer.
After graduating, I moved to Austin, Texas to take the next step in my career while balancing a full-time job.
While in Austin, I trained at Carol Hickey Acting Studio, where I continued developing my skills and understanding of the industry. During that time, I signed with an agent in Texas, began auditioning regularly, and booked commercial work, which gave me valuable on-camera experience.
I am very proud of myself for never giving up, because even though I am still working towards having a more sustainable acting career, I never give up. That’s what I hope to pass along to other aspiring actors.. you are a working actor every time you are acting. Whether it’s a play, a short film, or commercial. Don’t give up.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Acting is where I feel most alive. There’s something deeply cathartic about stepping into someone else’s shoes and experiencing life through a completely different lens.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
I believe there needs to be greater access to resources and a stronger respect for the creative arts. Too often, artistic work isn’t taken as seriously, and unless you’re in the top tier, it can be difficult to sustain a career. With my background in graphic design, I’ve experienced firsthand how creative work is undervalued, with many people hesitant to fairly compensate it. That mindset needs to shift.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_hola_soy_paulina
