Interview: Nicole C.

Today we’re joined by Nicole C. Nicole is a wonderful young up and coming artist who does a lot of acting. She also professionally models. For acting, Nicole does a number of theater arts: musicals, plays, one acts, and improv. She’s clearly a very passionate artist, as you’ll soon read. My thanks to her for taking the time to participate in this interview.

WORK

Please, tell us about your art.

I am a part of my theater group in my high school, this is my 7th year being in theater, I’ve been in countless productions including, Musicals, Full plays, One acts and Improv Shows. I recently won an award from my County event for directing a short skit. I am working with a talent agency that has allowed me to book modeling gigs and auditions in LA/Hollywood

What inspires you?

When I’m on stage I get to be someone else, I become this character that gives people the opportunity to feel things they may not feel in their day-to-day lives. When an audience member comes up to you after a show and tells you that they were laughing so hard they were in tears or that they cried because something touched them, a warm feeling bubbles into your stomach just to know that you did something amazing, that not everyone can do. It’s the relief of looking around after a long day of building sets and arguing with cast members about props and saying, we did good. That is inspiring.

What got you interested in your field?  Have you always wanted to be an artist?

I was placed in drama at a young age because I was shy and scared; I was stuck in my shell. I didn’t want to be in front of people until I realized I liked talking to a crowd knowing someone out there is understanding what I’m saying. Drama got me out of my shell and boosted my confidence.

Do you have any kind of special or unique signature, symbol, or feature you include in your work that you’d be willing to reveal?

Before a show, I always pray. Not even as a religious Dear God don’t let me screw up kinda way, more so of, please, to the good spirits around, aid us in this journey and help us out.

What advice would you give young aspiring artists?

I would tell them it’s okay to be scared, that fear is there for a reason- to push you forward and help you feel calmer and more accomplished afterwards.

ASEXUALITY

Where on the spectrum do you identify?

I am a panromantic Demisexual.

Have you encountered any kind of ace prejudice or ignorance in your field?  If so, how do you handle it?

I have not

What’s the most common misconception about asexuality that you’ve encountered?

That we aren’t real, it’s all an act, or we have trust issues

What advice would you give to any asexual individuals out there who might be struggling with their orientation?

Who cares? You date who you want to date not whom other people want you to. If you’re scared talk to someone, be open with yourself, explore if necessary. You are valid and real and wonderful. You will be okay.

Finally, where can people find out more about your work?

My Instagram at raincloudingg or Tumblr at raincloudingg.

Thank you, Nicole, for participating in this interview and this project. It’s very much appreciated.

Interview: CV Addams

Today we’re joined by CV Addams.  CV is a phenomenally talented and versatile artist, who I met at Indy PopCon (one of my favorite parts of conventions is meeting fellow ace artists).  They’re a dedicated cosplayer, an actor, and an aspiring writer.  They’re currently working on a webcomic with their girlfriend.  Their cosplays are absolutely amazing and their passion for art really shines through in this interview.  My thanks to them for taking the time to participate in this interview.

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WORK

Please, tell us about your art.

My main artistic expressions are acting, cosplaying, and writing. I have been cosplaying for almost eight years now and it has lead me to meet most of the friends that I have now, helped further my passion for acting, and introduced me to many new communities. Writing has been an excellent way for me to keep my brain excited and the creative gears turning, I especially enjoy writing fantasy or sci-fi! Oh boy, I have so many started stories on my computer that I hope to finish!

My art is all about expression or enjoying myself, if it isn’t fun for me then I won’t do it. That, for me, is the way to produce the best art!

What inspires you?

Two things: enjoyment and recognition. I will admit, I do share my art for the recognition for it. But, I wouldn’t do any of it if it weren’t fun for me!

What got you interested in your field?  Have you always wanted to be an artist?

I got interested because I discovered a cosplay YouTube channel called “Parle Productions” that cosplayed from a video game that I really enjoyed playing. They inspired me to begin cosplaying myself! Acting has always been a part of my life since I have family who was in theater and the independent film industry for many years while I was growing up. Writing has always been a way for me to escape, to venture into new worlds and meet new people! … Well, create them.

I have loved acting and performing as long as I can remember! I was performing when I was 5 years old in the family room of my grandma’s home dancing to Britney Spears for them. When I was closer to 7 I was in tap dancing. I have been on the stage and acting for quite a while, I’m hoping to get back into theater within the next year! I have been writing for ten years and cosplaying for about 8. Artistic expression has always been very dear to me.

Do you have any kind of special or unique signature, symbol, or feature you include in our work that you’d be willing to reveal?

Not exactly, no.

What advice would you give young aspiring artists?

Keep at it! Practice, practice, practice! Don’t beat yourself up or down about it, you will get better the more you do it! ❤

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ASEXUALITY

Where on the spectrum do you identify?

I identify as demisexual biromantic.

Have you encountered any kind of ace prejudice or ignorance in your field?  If so, how do you handle it?

Not from fellow artists, no. But in general: yes.

What’s the most common misconception about asexuality that you’ve encountered?

“You haven’t found the right person”. Or that I’m now practicing celibacy? No?

What advice would you give to any asexual individuals out there who might be struggling with their orientation?

You are valid. It is a real thing that MANY people experience, thousands of people even. You are not alone. ❤

Finally, where can people find out more about your work?

I have a blog where I post photos and gifs of my cosplay, posts about my writing, and reblog a lot of things. I shall soon be creating a blog strictly for my cosplays, writing, and acting, which I shall have a link on this blog for when it is created! I am always up for answering any questions and making new friends, so do please send me messages! http://www.witchyrobobabe.tumblr.com/

I also have a YouTube channel which at the moment it’s mostly just vlogs and videos with my girlfriend (we are both actually asexual artists), but soon we shall be posting cosplay videos, short acting skits, and videos about our writing! We do also discuss mental health/LGBT related themes so there shall be content about asexuality! http://www.youtube.com/c/casperaddams/

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Thank you, CV, for participating in this interview and this project.  It’s very much appreciated.