Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Armando Ortuño. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Armando, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
I was always a strong believer of the saying “If you can see yourself doing it, then you can do it”. The reason why I bring this quote up is because I know many of us growing up or even as children we tend to get overwhelmed with where we’re going in our lives. We can get so caught up in the moment that we will eventually get stressed out and ultimately come to a stage where we panic and are afraid to make any decisions because of risks. I learned in my personal life that the more you do, the more wisdom you get out of it. The more experience you get, the more knowledge you take in. In this, you get more comfortable with your intuition and feel more relaxed when challenges arise because you don’t get afraid of making a choice. I don’t think it’s ever too late for anyone to go through a career change, job switch, buying a new car, buying a new home, making a business, and even bigger chasing after you ultimate dream.
One method I used that helped me develop my confidence in taking risk was being able to prepare for the unexpected the best I was able to do. This meant studying as much until I probably didn’t get rest, making bigger decisions that won’t help me temporarily but in the longevity of my career, being determined to find the right job, and even as simple as fixing the battery in my car. It may sound funny but it all starts with the small things, and these may not sound risky but it all comes down to your decision making skills as well. The stronger your decisions are in life the confident you will have in yourself to make “risky” decisions.
Lastly, I would like to share some of the regiments I followed that allowed me to be strong in risk taking. When I would be at home I would try to engage a lot in confidence building exercises that required you to trust yourself. I would read many motivational books and hear podcast that talked about how powerful the mind is and what we can achieve in our life. I also based every decision I ever had in my life on my career which was acting. In other words, if the option I was choosing did not benefit my acting, I personally did not want it even if it meant to struggle temporarily. I had a vision for the long run. That was my risk. Another way I was able to overcome my fear in risk taking was being able to write down in a journal what was hindering me. I wrote every possibility that I knew was holding me back, gradually I checked them off one by one.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Throughout my career, I have pursued a passion for acting, honing my skills and seeking opportunities to showcase my talent. I have dedicated myself to the craft, investing countless hours in training, rehearsals, and performances. From an early age, I discovered my love for the stage and the power of storytelling. I participated in school plays and acting classes, which fueled my desire to pursue acting professionally.
To further develop my skills, I enrolled in acting classes and workshops, studying various techniques and styles. Known for my learned versatility, I was able to bring diverse range of characters to life, captivating audiences with compelling performances. My teachers and mentors have taught me to demonstrated a keen ability to inhabit roles with authenticity, drawing upon my training and natural talent to deliver memorable and impactful portrayals.
In the face of inevitable challenges, I remained resolute. Rejections and setbacks became stepping stones, fueling my desire to improve and learn. This determination not only propelled me through auditions but also fueled the resilience to weather the uncertainties of the entertainment industry. This determination allowed me to book films, commercials, and even TV work. The unpredictable nature of the acting profession demands an unyielding resolve to stay the course. I peppered with instances where determination became the compass, guiding me through periods of self-doubt and fostering a mindset that views challenges as opportunities for growth. It was the only thing I was able to hold onto.
Notably, I was able to leverage my determination to not only excel as an actor but also to expand my horizons. Venturing into producing and directing in the near by future. I personally was not confined to mastering a single facet of the industry but to extend to embracing new challenges and pushing boundaries.
The life of an actor is a testament to the demanding and often arduous nature of the entertainment industry. Behind the glitz and glamour of the red carpet lies a landscape where success is forged through a crucible of hard work, perseverance, and unyielding dedication. The life of an actor on set is synonymous with long, unpredictable hours. Whether filming in extreme weather conditions, enduring multiple retakes, or working through physically demanding scenes, the commitment to the craft often extends far beyond the typical 9-to-5 workday.
Lastly, as I continue to tread the boards and grace screens through film festivals and TV, the tale of pursuing a dream in acting stands not just as a personal triumph but as an inspiration to aspiring actors. Through the highs and lows, I will always try my best to exemplify that the pursuit of a dream is not just about reaching the destination but savoring every step of the journey—where passion, perseverance, and a love for the craft illuminate the path to a fulfilling and enduring career in the limelight.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
In my journey and I believe in everyones journey has to have a foundation of skills in order to advance. The entertainment industry can be challenging and unpredictable, with auditions, rejections, and a competitive landscape. Resilience is crucial to withstand setbacks and continue pursuing your goals. Develop a mindset that views challenges as opportunities for growth. Surround yourself with a support system of peers and mentors who can offer guidance and encouragement. Understand that rejection is a part of the process and use it as a chance to learn and improve.
Acting is a craft that requires ongoing learning and skill refinement. Therefore I believe it is essential to study, network, and to take advantage of workshops, acting classes, and opportunities to collaborate with other creative individuals. Stay curious and open to exploring different acting techniques and styles. Embrace feedback as a tool for improvement and actively seek ways to expand your skill set.
Ultimately I recommend on working on emotional intelligence. Successful actors often possess a high level of emotional intelligence, allowing them to understand and convey a wide range of emotions authentically. Empathy is crucial for connecting with characters and audiences on a deeper level. Work on developing your emotional intelligence by observing and understanding various emotions in real-life situations. Practice putting yourself in others’ shoes to enhance your ability to empathize. Engage in activities that broaden your emotional experiences and expressions.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
I tend to identify the most critical tasks and focus on completing them first. Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. When I have time I usually create a to-do list and organize tasks based on their urgency and importance. Sometimes when there is so much going on wether in my career or life or in general, I like to take breaks to practice mindfulness. Give yourself permission to take short breaks when needed. Stepping away from a task, even for a few minutes, can help clear your mind and improve focus when you return. Consider activities like stretching, deep breathing, or a brief walk. Engage in mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. These techniques can help calm the mind and reduce feelings of stress as it does for me.
I always tend to set goals and If I can be honest, sometimes my goals are not realistic. I can occasionally set my goals to high where I know I might not be able to reach them so the most important thing to do is to be truthful to yourself on your goals and expectations. Evaluate your expectations and ensure they are realistic. It’s okay to adjust your goals and timelines based on your current workload and capacity. Avoid overcommitting and recognize your limits. I also believe doing some physical exercise can help benefit the mind and body when it becomes overwhelmed. I usually like running for a few miles and end it with a nice stretch. Ensure you are taking care of your physical well-being. Get enough sleep, maintain a balanced diet, and engage in regular physical activity. These factors can significantly impact your ability to handle stress.
I would also like to say that sitting back and reflecting is important as well. Making sure we see what’s happening and slowing things down in our mind to process what is happening. Take a step back and reflect on your workload and commitments. Consider if there are any tasks or responsibilities that can be postponed, delegated, or eliminated. Reevaluate your priorities as needed to take care of what’s needed first.
Contact Info:
- Website: imdb.me/armandoortuno
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armandoortuno/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thearmandoortuno
- Other: https://sdvoyager.com/interview/daily-inspiration-meet-armando-ortuno/ https://catrinamovie.com/portfolio/armandoortuno/ https://linktr.ee/armandoortuno
Image Credits
Sean Kara Photography Jess Choragwicki Photography
