Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christopher Magallanes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Christopher, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I didn’t. It still manifests itself any time I undertake a new project with new people. Even if I’m working with my friends or people less experienced than me, at some point I always start worrying if they think I’m right for the task. “I’m not smart enough. They probably know more than me. I’m wrong. They see right through me. What am I doing here?” However, it comes in waves, and it passes. I just lock in when I need to and relax when I can. I like to make sure that all of my collaborators are comfortable and having a good time. If people walk away saying, I’d work with him again,” then it’s a win in my book.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hello! My name is Christopher John Magallanes, I’m an actor, screenwriter, playwright, director, and educator. I like to write stories about people I know. I want to represent the people I grew up with, put their characters on big stages in front of thousands of people. I want Latinos to see themselves represented in a litany of ways. As rockers, punkers, skaters, anime fans, heroes, villains, fairies, mythological beings, and beyond. I just want other Latino kids to watch my stories and think, “Hell yeah, I’m just like that guy.”
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three greatest qualities that have helped me get to this point in my artistic career have been curiosity, independence, and friendship. Always be curious, do not fear independence, and hold your friends closely. Aside from that, my greatest advice is to get out of there and live life. Is there a bar in your neighborhood that you want to check out but never have? What’s stopping you? Do you dream about seeing the Grand Canyon? Go see it! I work a lot, so I know that sometimes it feels like there’s no time to just breathe and take in the world, but there is. You just have to make it. It feeds your soul. And if it feeds your soul, it will feed your art. Having said that, please be safe and economically responsible. And read books!
