We were lucky to catch up with Susan Campanaro recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Susan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

I have been an artist for the past 3o years in New York City. There is not one job that I have that is not creative. I have found that the key to making money as an artist is to not compromise, I will not work a job that does not develop me by using my talents. I found that being fearless and saying yes to what serves me as a person is how I will find a way to make money.

I was lucky that right our of college I gravitated to clubs that I could work and make money and work on my craft. Maybe in the beginning I was waitressing but it was a t a jazz club where I also sang. Than a Piano Bar where I developed my style. Than created events and shows that I could make money from ticket sales. Then helping others devise their style because of the mentorship I received growing up as an entertainer in New York City.

As I built my career I also went out of the city and performed in Asia, Italy, Colorado, Florida, California and now in Britain. I am continually finding new arenas to tackle with my creativity.

Susan, 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 have created an alter ego, Lavinia Draper. Through this character I have developed a One Woman Musical entitled DOING TIME WITH LAVINIA. I am now taking this musical to the United Kingdom and making a name for myself as an artist in London and greater Britain. I work with a company www.wholelottacomedy.com

In Denver,Colorado, I work with a Master party chef Chocolatina Q Dessert (the Pie Queen of Denver) thepiequeen.co
We are very successful and our performances sell out each time I book a week in the Mile High City. I am most proud of the fact that I can sell Chocolatina’s delicious pies in minutes, My record is 32 pies in 20 minutes.

I work exclusively in New York City at the legendary Stonewall Inn and I promote parties and events as Lavinia Draper. I have shot 2 film projects there, COMIING HOME a music video that can be seen on my YOUTUBE channel LAVINIA DRAPER
Also LAVINIA! a 30 minute film produced by Virtual Arts Productions. I hosted there floats in the Gay Pride Parade.

My Musical is composed by LYNN PORTAS emusiapp.com and we won Best Musical and Best Composer in the 2022 United Solo Festival on Theater Row.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal for Lavinia and Chocolatina Q Dessert is to open out own Dessert Piano Bar in Denver, Colorado.

My goal for my musical DOING TIME WITH LAVINIA is to win awards at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with Wholelottacomedy.com and then be produced on the West End of London. Come to NYC and have a huge off Broadway Hit that runs for a long time.

My goal as a director and content creator is to continue to inspire young artist to further their dreams

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

The joy is in the journey. I know that people are wrapped up in money or future tripping about finance but as a creative artist you learn to budget money and know that what is really important is the art and the fun of life.

Maybe I ride my bike and you have a SUV but the choice is lifestyle. What kind of a life do you want to live, I want to live a simple creative life where I have freedom to crow and enjoy my life without financial worry.

I release Fear of Financial insecurity because I know I will be okay, I just keep moving forward and I say yes to my life as an artist and see where it takes me. Life is for the living and that is how I live. Each day like a carnival, But it was a choice. We all choose how we are going to love and you can decide to change that idea whenever you want. We have free will,

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @mslavinianyc @susancampanaro
• Facebook: @mslavinianyc @susancampnaro
• Twitter: @mslavinianyc
• Youtube: LaviniaDraper
• Other: TikTok @mslavinianyc

Image Credits
Billy Hess Photography (headshot of Susan) Denver Pridefest (Lavinia Draper and Chocolatina)