A conversation with Carli and Carolyn.
Last week you had the joy of meeting the wonderful Caitlin! (Or if you haven’t stopped by yet, hit the link bottom right of your screen to read “The Apple Doesn’t fall far from the Tree”!) This week Carolyn and Carli sat down to answer some fun little q’s to dive a litter deeper into their thoughts and experience.
1. What do you wish you knew when you started out in the arts?
Carli: I wish I had known when I started taking dancing and singing seriously, that it’s really not all that serious!! 🤪 Yes, we 100% have to set the goals, build the habits and put in the work and consistency to “make it” in this industry. But so often we often we forget that we do it because of the JOY it brings us!!
Carolyn: It seems silly and maybe too literal, but I wish I knew the importance, or significance, of having a great headshot. It’s still a catch 22 with so many young artists I talk to, that they can’t afford a professional headshot when they’re starting out, but at the same time, they need one to work. Small unplanned plug, that’s why I started offering more affordable actor headshots as part of my role with the Production company (cheeky link), because it’s an ongoing issue and we care that artists are limited by their finances!
2. What is one piece of advice you have for someone new to the arts (or struggling in their arts career!)?
Carli: That mistake you made; the stumble that happened in the combo, the voice break in rehearsal; it’s all part of the PROCESS. Laugh & shake it off because progression isn’t and never will be linear. Go and romanticise that “scary” or “boring” technique class and always remind yourself why you started. Take the time after each class/audition to reflect, process and be kind to yourself, and know that there is no such thing as perfection (how boring if we were all perfect!)
Carolyn: It was always said to me that the best artists draw from their life experience - so don’t spend all your time training - but go and live a full life; travel, walk, play, LAUGH every day, multiple times, and you’ll find an ease or a freedom in what you create. It will also help you understand who you are as a person, and instead of thinking of your career just as a career, it will remind you what you’re passionate about creating, which will help you navigate your creative choices. Also just CREATE! There is something so powerful and freeing (and sometimes necessary!) about making your own work.
3. If you could tell your 16 year old self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Carli: OWN who you are NOW and what you bring to the table even as you continue to strive for more!
Carolyn: Trust your gut. Follow your instincts. And ask for help when you need it. Okay that’s three pieces of advice, sorry.
Well, we hope you have a fantastic weekend and enjoy this Melbourne SUN! Don’t forget to connect with us on socials - and we’ll chat soon! x
