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

Alright, RQ thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. 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?

Wheww. Do I have three hours of your time? This is a complicated question because happiness is a fleeting, impermanent feeling. Am I happy when I am creating and acting when I can? Absolutely. During the other times when I’m not able to create and act? Not as much. Every artist is different, and I think one of the pieces of advice I would give my younger artist self would be to build a fulfilling life outside of your creative pursuit, that way you aren’t reliant on your art to make you happy.

Do I wonder what it would be like to have a regular job? All the time. A “regular” job (could) provide more financial stability, career stability, hell, just stability all around. I think when I was younger that wasn’t something I cared for nor wanted, and the excitement of an acting career that is 99% feast or famine was enticing. At this stage of my life and acting career, a regular job would be beneficial. I think the best combo would be to have a financially stable job that you actually enjoy while being able to pursue your acting career.

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 am Ryan. I am an actor and educator, currently at home in sunny California for the summer but working as an English teacher in Spain during the year. I got into acting on crutches. Seriously. I tore my ACL and MCL (goodbye professional basketball career) and needed something to do and signed up for an acting class and loved it ever since. Admittedly, I always pursued acting because it felt good to me. I had so much joy doing it and I wanted that to last forever. And then I realized that art and my acting provided real joy to people, something I didn’t think was possible. I am most proud of the work that helps people forget their lives for that moment, to be engrossed in the story that I am helping to tell. That is how I want to be remembered for my art.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Actors that last longer than say, 3 years in the industry aren’t doing this for money or fame. Most of us love the art and love storytelling. We aren’t all narcissists.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I bet my 2nd-grade drawings could’ve made millions had I known how to scan it to a JPEG.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @r.q.tran

Image Credits

Rachel Stella