Episode 49: The Life Of A Full-time Artist ft. Actor, Director, & Writer Yolonda Ross

The life of a working creative can be difficult, but yet deeply fulfilling. In this episode we chat with writer, actor, and director Yolonda Ross – best known for her work in Stranger Inside, Antwone Fisher, and most recently as Ms. Green on the NETFLIX series The Get Down. Yolonda discusses her career journey as an actress and the successes and challenges she’s faced along the way. She talks moving to New York from Nebraska to pursue fashion and eventually falling into acting, navigating her first auditions, and struggling to find her place in an industry that is not always so kind to people who “don’t fit the mold.” Yolonda’s insight into the world of acting not always talked about is great for creatives who want to know how to put their work out there and need some encouragement and motivation to continue to pursue what they love. Yolonda chats how to stand out in the age of social media, the importance of relationship-building, creative ways to make money, how she booked her top roles to date, getting ahead, unplugging, being a woman of color in film, and letting go of fears. Enjoy!  

LISTEN NOW:

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE ON ITUNES | SOUNDCLOUD | GOOGLE PLAY

IN THIS PODCAST WE DISCUSS:
– How she “fell” into acting after moving to NY from Nebraska to pursue fashion
– The audition process
– Music’s impact/effect on her artistic process
– The first few years as an actor
– The difficulties of being a non-celeb “lead” actor
– Why actors make great directors
– How to stand out as an actor in the age of social media
– Getting chosen by Denzel Washington to be in Antwone Fisher
 Not fitting the mold 
– Why making it in acting is 98% relationships & 2% talent
– Why theater is often an untapped resource for aspiring actors
– Creative ways to make money as a working actor
– Landing the Ms. Green role on Netflix’s The Get Down
– How to accept your gifts, stay focused & let go of fears
– Working with no guarantees
– Being a woman of color in acting
– The importance of unplugging

yolonda ross

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHARE:

“I want to be able to bring the characters to life that mean something, that show something, that make people feel something…stories that people can love learn from.”

YOLONDA ROSS’ KEYS TO SUCCESS:
1. Confidence in self
2. Have realistic goals. Make sure they are defined, attainable, and make sense
3. Keep peace within yourself

FIND YOLONDA ROSS ONLINE:
Instagram: @yolondaross_creator
Twitter: @yolondaross
Website: www.yolondaross.com

JOIN THE #DREAMSINDRIVE COMMUNITY: www.dreamsindrive.com/JOIN

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
How To Nurture Your Gifts & Find Your Light ft. Levantay
The Hustle Is Sold Separately ft. Ebony Swank
Don’t Dumb Down Your Greatness ft. Anthony Frasier
How to Embrace Your Talents & Live In Your Purpose ft. Ron Dawson

About Rana Campbell

Rana Campbell is the host of the Dreams In Drive Podcast and owner and founder of Dreams In Drive LLC. She is a marketing/branding expert that loves helping creatives & lifestyle entrepreneurs build brands that SHINE in the business world.