Money and the arts

***I recently found a saved blog from April 2019 when I still lived in Los Angeles:

As I sit here at my temp job making the money I need to fund my career, I would be happy working on my scripts and sitting at the beach. Let’s talk about money people! As of this month, I’ve lived in Los Angeles for exactly 3 years. I did have a month and a half when I went back east but I was probably sent back to the city of Angels for a callback for a major show. Unfortunately, I didn’t get it but it started an avalanche of events that kept me in LA for the remaining year. with that being said, LA isn’t that bad. Okay, there is alot of people here and the rent is ridiculous. Also, A lot of those people are annoying and can be somewhat fake. That’s not everyone here.

Life in LA has been such an adventure. I admit there have been some ridiculous stories during my three years here, but I would never trade it for anything in the world. Los Angeles is a weird mix of city, country, and all of that in between. So much is going on! However, to get around, you need money! Money for everything: lively neighborhoods, events, socializing, etc.

Fast forward to October 2024, and I’m sitting in My New York City Studio apt writing this. So, what happened?

A lot happened between April of 2019 to September of that same year when I moved back to NY. I was lonely and missed the East Coast. I don’t regret moving to LA but I also don’t regret moving back to NY when I did.

Okay… Let’s talk about the money and the arts..

As I pointed out above , you need money for alot of things in LA. The same is true of for NY, even though they are two very different metropolitan cities.

I’m an actress and the basic for begin a working is actor can be very costly.

There are headshots, websites for work, equipment for self-tape, etc. That’s just the basics. I also do voice-over and have separate equipment for that. I’ve turned one of my tiny closets in my apt into a sound booth.

All form of artwork takes time and money. Would I rather be doing something else? Nope! I love this life! Do I have ups and downs? Yes, but doesn’t everyone?? I wouldn’t discourage anyone from doing it. I wish that artist got paid more, that’s all. Creative is so important yet the pay can sometimes be so low and hard to live off.

All this to say… Live your dream regardless of what the world says! After all, It is your life!! xoxo