Meet Alabama Blonde

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alabama Blonde a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alabama, 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.
As Eleanor Roosevelt famously said “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” And I believe it to be true. It’s also reminding yourself to not compare your beginning to someone’s middle. We are all at different stages in our career, we are all going through different shit in our creative and personal lives. So comparisons against other people in the room are so unfair. Something I have had to become very aware of in my career is, describing any of my successes as being ‘lucky’. Never, ever, ever, put anything you’ve achieved down to pure luck. It is not luck that got you here, it is not luck that I got here: I am incredibly hard working – and You are hard-working and endlessly capable. It’s easier said then done – but just don’t allow yourself to ever question it. New situations tend to stoke old fears; and I have to check myself. But ultimately. I absolutely love what I do, and being IN those creative spaces means more to me than any false feeling of inadequacy or insecurities. I just love my job too much to ever let them hang around for too long. And you know, end of the day, someone chose you FOR whatever job it is that you’re on. You have to respect that & honor that.

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 many things haha. Namely a Casting Director. I am the Casting Director for Schön Magazine as well as in the independent film space. I Love story telling and I love actors. I have trained in the Meisner Technique for about 20 years at this point & have done a lot of coaching and career mentoring. The vulnerability and bravery that it’s to be an actor is something I respect, and I love being a part of their journey and process. The is nothing like unearthing really incredible talent. I cast two feature last year, one is called “RATS!” written & directed by Maxwell Nalevansky & Carl Fry, and “An Island” written & directed by GG Hawkins. It’s safe to safe we unearthed some real gems for these films. I am really excited for people to meet them.

I also work as a Costume Designer in Film & Music. As far as my work in film goes, it really carries on my love of storytelling and bringing characters to life through the way they dress. Getting dressed is such a phenomenally personal process which we all undergo every day in a very private way. So much is revealed in how one dresses themselves, and I love putting those pieces of a character together. When an actor steps into their wardrobe & feel like they are stepping into their character, that collaboration & that discovery is what it’s all about.

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 not being afraid to try things. Like, if things aren’t working, try something else. Don’t be so stubborn about an idea – or attached to an idea – that you limit yourself from discovery something better.

Stay calm. I feel like one of my greatest strengths is that I stay calm under pressure. I feel like the minute you give too much gas to what appears to be a problem, you start a fire. Everything is solvable – especially when you are not a heart surgeon! If you remain calm, I swear you leave more space to find a solution. Especially in wardrobe. that’s why we carry double sided tape, sharpies and safety pins… and spray paint & gorilla glue can work wonders as well.

Say yes and figure out later. Any job that I have ever got – which ended up being the most pivotal moments of my career… they were the jobs I was always way under qualified for. I somehow got myself the job & I gave it everything I had, I figured it out, probably googled a bunch tips & tricks. But yet, I have been relentless.

Fourth (bonus) skill – humor. You much have a sense of humor. Respect the work, but don’t take yourself to seriously. We are here for a short time. Humor is key.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
I have got to say – before I read Rick Rubin’s gorgeous The Creative Act… (which simply MUST be read by all) – The War of Art is a book that I found when I really needed it. And I have read it more then once. It is very too the point, it doesn’t allow space for any excuses & it really made me clearly see that if I didn’t take myself seriously as an artist, why should anyone. The follow up book ‘Turning Pro’ took all those ideas to the next level. It really made me face the resistance that I was coming up against – and face where it was coming from. Ultimately the only way out – is through.

But quickl,y in regards to ‘The Creative Act’, I must say I loved this idea of process being about removing obstacles & complexities, rather then a process of ‘adding’. This idea that by stripping away unnecessary elements, you allow the essence of an idea to shine. I think I am guilty of adding. So that really struck a chord with me.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
1. Charli XCX
2. Head from Korn
3. Tayla Parx / Photographer Justin Ayers
4. Royal & the Serpent / Photographer Gianni Gallant
5. Gia Woods / Photographer Dylan Perlot
6. A7X
7. The Last Stop In Yuma County (Film)
8. Scissorhands: The Musical Tribute

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