We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Allison Sharpe a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Allison, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
I was a serious tv/film/commercial LA actress for a straight decade, with 15 years of training before that. By believing and telling myself that I could be the best, I developed my self-esteem. By endlessly practicing, I had proof that I could do it. Endlessly training was proof that I was always working towards that winning prize: booking the job or getting the recognition that I needed to be “noticed”. I needed to incorporate structure and a nonstop schedule into my life (with some room for fun and relaxation, which is healthy and necessary). I needed to be constantly taking classes and putting myself out there. Exposure therapy. Taking care of my mental health at all times. Healthy, communicative, non-toxic relationships (which took some practice). I surrounding myself with like-minded individuals who were equally as passionate as I, with no negative vibes of competition or superficiality (which is difficult in this city.) Communication is the key to good friendships, so I avoid the non-communicative at all costs. I’ve told myself that I am beautiful, and I have made myself believe it. I have my questionable, dark moments for sure, but I have developed the strength to reach out and pull myself out of it. I have proof that I am talented (and I still do hate saying that because it sounds vain) but everybody should be encouraged to highlight the aspects about themselves that they love and are proud of- and, here I am, doing just that. Go ahead, own it! I’m a damn good actress and a damn good artist. These days, I am focusing more on my artwork, and my hard work is paying off. I am definitely up-and-coming. I just recently had a whole exhibit in a prestigious LA art gallery. And I have no plans on stopping soon.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I was born and raised in Reno, NV, but have lived in Los Angeles since 2011. I am an actress, voice over actress, a model, but most of all, I am an artist.
As an actress, I was more successful as a commercial actress. As an artist, I would define myself as a dark-artist.
My artwork showcases themes of identity, existentialism, and horror, reflecting my interests and passions. My artwork is a good mix of dark, whimsical, and surreal elements, with a strong emphasis, on line-art and pointillism, although I do love to oil paint and watercolor now and then. What I create is not for everyone. But I am good at what I do. It is a bit on the edgier side, but it is my passion. I have found love and passion in my dark little niche.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I spent 10 years as a serious LA actress. The advice that I have to give to my fellow actors/artists is…
1) To expect the worst, but hope for the best. Do the audition, and then let it go from your mind. Stop thinking about it. Let it go and move onto the next one. That way, if you book it, great! How exciting! But if you don’t, you won’t be disappointed. Let go of the audition after you submit it.
2) Don’t get caught up in the partying lifestyle. I am sober, and let me tell you, it has made a massive difference in my life- my life has gotten exponentially better (and much more fun) since I gave up alcohol. I am clearer and more creative than ever before. Remember, alcohol is a depressant. If you separate yourself from alcohol, you have so much more time and room for perfecting your craft.
3) As an independent artist, you must never stop creating. Just start drawing something- it may look like crap- but I promise, 99% of the time it will turn into something you’re proud of. I know that sounds difficult, to always be creating, because we’re not always creatively inspired… So surround yourself with the things that inspire you. Good TV shows and movies, galleries around town, good books… anything and everything that moves you emotionally. Are you sad? Turn that emotion into a drawing! Use it for a character for acting! And work your butt off submitting to galleries. I did that, and finally found a home at The Hive Gallery in downtown Los Angeles. I’ve been a part of their last five art shows and during their last show, I had my own exhibition. A 5‘ x 8‘ wall with all my own work. I even painted the wall blood red with black splatters (which is kind of my thing 😉 ) It was such an accomplishment and dream come true.
So in summary, for acting, always be in a class… ALWAYS… always be practicing and surrounding yourself with positive influences, and do your best to perfect your craft. Be punctual. But make sure you give yourself time to rest and reset. For art, never stop creating and submit your butt off to galleries. All the time. Eventually, you’ll be noticed. 😉
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Lines, Lines, lines, lines. I HATE memorizing lines, and it instigates my anxiety without fail. Onset, if I forget a line, it takes me out of my character, and I need a silent, isolated moment to calm myself, regroup, and become my character again. If I’ve got a thousand other commitments to do at home, like art deadlines, I will momentarily feel overwhelmed- but that doesn’t serve me or my mental state at all, so I quickly get over it, and get down to business. Immediately. But I would say that, yes, memorizing lines (especially if it’s a line-heavy role) overwhelms me the most. Extremely busy, overwhelming schedule? No problem. Memorizing a ton of lines, paired with my tendency towards anxiety, overwhelms me the most.
My advice? Just GET TO IT. Do NOT procrastinate! Have self-discipline! Start working on your tasks immediately. The sooner you start, the sooner you finish (and the more serenity you will be rewarded with.)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artbyallisonsharpe.com
- Instagram: www.theallisonsharpe.com
- Other: Art instagram: www.artbyallisonsharpe.com
Image Credits
My main photo was taken by www.instagram.com/stevemeierphotography. The others were taken by www.instagram.com/wsephotography, www.instagram.com/48thstreetphotography, and www.instagram.com/ishotthepilotphotography. The drawings were all drawn by me.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
