We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tristan Green a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tristan , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
Yes, I have reached a point of being able to earn a full time living from creating things and doing what I love..(which was not an easy feat).
It took a few years, a lot of nights staying up riddled with what felt like insurmountable doubt, had to sleep in a closet for a while, a lot of no’s and a lot of people telling me I was stubborn and naive.
But I reached a level of just.. spiteful consistency that allowed me to get good enough at creating things, and playing the game of the film industry that has put me in a much better spot now.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am first and foremost an actor above all else. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do and the lens through which I navigate through my life.
I earn a living creating content on social media through sites such as Tiktok, Instagram, Youtube.
Initially I wanted to use social media as a launchpad into the film industry but I found a love for creating things and making people laugh. I primarily make sketch comedy, humorous storytelling videos about the acting industry and lifestyle content. I would describe myself as an ambitious, aspiring thespian, that people like to watch be very goofy on the internet.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I mentioned it earlier, but for about 6-8 months I slept in a little tiny storage closet in my best friends apartment.
I had just been kicked out of my parents house, and was living off of the fumes of hopes and dreams since I was 15, so having just turned 18 I didn’t have any money saved up.
I could have easily just gotten a regular job, saved up and gotten a place. But I was stubborn.. really stubborn. And I just knew that social media would eventually yield benefit. I refused to compromise on my dream and do what felt like giving in to the rat race, so I swallowed my pride, slept in that closet, ate strictly taco bell and fast food, and kept creating. And now I can afford my own place, own car, all of my bills and then some with the same Tiktok videos people once called me naive for banking on.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Collaboration. The film industry in specific is the most collaborative thing a person can do.
It combines every art form. Performing arts, music, cinematography, wardrobe, editing, etc. It takes a village and each role is important even if it’s small, or un-seen.
I’ve also met some of my lifelong friends from being on a movie set. Nothing brings people closer than playing make believe for 12 hours a day. There’s a level of vulnerability and understanding that creatives on sets share that usually by-pass the awkward stages of getting to know someone and immediately builds close connections.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tiktok.com/@tristangreen_
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tristann.g_?igsh=MWEyZ2I4YndidzZ4Yw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tristangreen5?si=0dpWtxgjIDsqW6BK
- Other: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm14948882/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
