We were lucky to catch up with Victoria Myssik recently and have shared our conversation below.

Victoria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

Before becoming an artist, I worked in advertising as an Account Manager. You wouldn’t believe how helpful management skills are in artistic world. Being an actor means you are your own company, therefore you have to be your own: administrator, CFO, creative director, account manager, etc. You have to stay on top of things! Most acting jobs on acting platforms are posted from Monday through Friday, so you have to make sure to self-submit yourself on time. Find 15-20 minutes a day to be one of the first to apply for the role.
Keep your budget for: a) classes you’d like to take; b) creative inspirations (museums, film premieres, trips that can inspire your creative self) ; c) any office supplies you might need throughout the month for printing sides, notebook for writing ideas, etc.
Once you sign with a manager and/or talent agent, you have to be super responsive. They usually expect you to reply within 2 hours of receiving an audition request and, of course, submit your self-tape on time.
Management, self-discipline, great communication, are one of the key elements of being an artist!

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.

Originally born and raised in Almaty, Kazakhstan, absolutely gorgeous country and culture that had a huge impact on me as a person and an artist. I acted in local TV shows and independent films, but at some point decided to go big. So, in 2019 I relocated to United States, got my MFA in Acting from Louisiana State University and now am teaching acting at the Actor’s Studio of Orange County. Being an immigrant with Russian being a mother language, I thought my accent would stand on the way of receiving auditions. But when I moved to Los Angeles, the best roles I received were for immigrants as myself or characters with similar native language. Embracing who you truly are will become your golden ticket in this industry!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Working legally in United States is definitely a story of resilience. As an artist I obtain O-1 visa, it is a nonimmigrant visa for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who have a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and have been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements. It is better than lottery (as it gives your more chances), but it for sure is more stressful. You must prepare hundreds of documents stating why you are extraordinary and that your work is distinguished. The process takes months of preparation, and if you do not do expedited processing with USCIS, waiting for the decision can take from 3 to 10 months.
The moment when I received my approval for the working visa, was the most liberating.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

If you are an artist, you have to know basic things that will help you stay saint on this difficult journey: a) take classes. By improving your craft you are increasing your chances on booking “that” role;
b) have artist friends in your circle. Your family and non-acting friends will support you, but they won’t ever know exactly what you are going through. Having in your corner someone who is going through the same journey, will ease the blow (and those will be many);
c) live your life! The more life experience you have, the better actor you’ll become. Plus, having your life outside of acting, helps you enjoying life and keep going

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevictoriamyssik/

Image Credits
Jamaal Murray – Headshot Off Hollywood, Madam Champagne, The Guardian – film credits