Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelly Quinn. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kelly , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Deciding to make a complete career shift and focus during the pandemic was a big life shift. After a decade long career in Law Enforcement, my husband asked me what was something that I had always wanted to explore or do and I said “Acting.” His wonderful and supportive response was, “So why don’t you?” I had a list of reasons: too old, not model thin, limited experience, not classically trained, etc. Who would want a 35 year mom? He didn’t let me off the hook that easy and encouraged me to just start taking some classes.
I started taking in person and online classes and quickly felt that I was an imposter. What was I doing? Then I realized that I had overcome the same feeling being one of the few women in my previous field. Women were seen as as lesser than the men in both the police world and somewhat in my time with the FBI. You had to be twice as good to get the same recognition. So, as a police officer, I become a Field Training Officer and a Defensive Tactics Instructor. I did extra training with firearms so no one would look down on me an our annual qualification time. I also did 2 different advanced driving courses, one as a police officer and one during my time with the FBI. I had already proved to myself and everyone that I was legitimate so why was I hesitating with Acting?
Because acting is a completely different world. So many things are subjective and not measured in a quantitative way. I realized that I had to shirk the imposter mindset and realize that I had the same right to be in any audition as anyone else. My previous life experience qualified me in completely different ways and gave me confidence. I knew what I had overcome to do those things and power through the previous hurdles. Now, I had to continue to believe in myself and not doubt the new skills I was learning as an actor.
My first role in a short film lead to an award for best actress. I felt that maybe I was onto something and it spurred me on! It was a small local award and nothing huge but it was validation. Now, I am in a new market in Chicago, coming for LA but enjoying it and growing as an actor and a human. I wouldn’t say I have completely overcome “Imposter Syndrome” but I am aware of when I am succumbing to it. When I feel it, I lean on my life experiences, family and wonderful support of fellow artists to remember that I am right where I belong.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am an actor and have also served as a law enforcement consultant for Film. I love being an actor. I actually started very young, around 5, modeling and acting in California but it became too difficult for my family. I didn’t delve back into it deeply until 2020. As soon as I started again, I knew that I had found my passion. I love being part of a story and exploring a character’s life. I also find acting cathartic and so freeing. You are exploring all these parts of yourself that often are overlooked in the day to day life. I have two young girls and am currently pregnant with my 3rd child. I also still work a regular job. Acting and being with fellow artists fulfills that part of myself that I pushed to the side for so long. My overall goal is to be able to be a working actor full time. I think there are so many stories out there to tell and I want to be a part of as many as I can.
Right now, I am a part of a 4 month in-studio Conservatory in Chicago and feel like I am growing so much in my craft. It has been intense but rewarding already. I’m also excited to have finally gotten my SAG eligibility and so enjoyed starting off the year with a new short film entitled “Blowback.”
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?
I think that to be an artist in any capacity you have to be incredibly brave. It is an amazing act of courage to take a piece of yourself and expose it to the world. It’s terrifying but the more you can be comfortable in being vulnerable and having the bravery to put yourself out there, the more you can do.
I think another important skill and necessity, really, is resilience. You will get knocked down. You will FAIL but you have to get back up. Learn what the mistakes were, how can you move on from them? You will not be liked by everyone. All sorts of people will try to invalidate you, critics, friends and family. Don’t take it in. Find your tribe, your support network and give your own self grace. Keep going and don’t ever give up.
Finally, I think curiosity and empathy have also been essential for me. The curiosity to be open to new experiences, viewpoints, methods of being. I find that being truly curious, with no preconceptions attached, often leads to becoming more empathetic. As an actor, you cannot judge the character. You have to be able to put yourself into the world of the other and find how you can connect it within yourself. There are so many different types of people and ways of living and being. Learn! Never stop being curious to learn more about any topic! As soon as you stop being curious and trying to further educate yourself, I believe you lose a little of your ability to connect with others. Never stop being curious.
If you are just starting out as an actor/artist I think it is so important, and I know that I already said it, to find YOUR people. You cannot exist in a vacuum. It is much easier to be resilient when you have at least one person in your corner. And please, don’t ever give up! The world only has one “you” and we need to see you! No one else can be “you.”
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am looking to build my connections! I want to be apart of bringing stories to life! If I can help in any way, consulting, as an actor, helping with production, I want to connect. I’m in the Chicago area now but I can absolutely travel! I want to connect with fellow actors, directors, writers to continue growing and making art. If someone wants to reach out they can reach DM me on my Instagram: @kellyquinn315 or by email: kmquinn315@gmail.com. My website is still a work in progress but will be up and running by the end of the year!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @kellyquinn315
Image Credits
Stasi Photography (@stasiphoto on Instagram), Ian Mclaren (@ianmclarenphoto on Instagram), Pryde Pierce (@prydepiercefilms on Instagram) Wake Up movie (@officialwakeupmovie on Instagram)
