We recently connected with Claire Capek and have shared our conversation below.
Claire, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
Acting and modeling is all about persistence in the face of constant rejection. It is just a part of the industry, and because of it you tend to grow a thick skin. There are also a lot of stereotypes about actors and models, and you just have to learn to not take any negativism to heart. This industry has to be a passion of yours without worrying so much about the opinions of others.
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?
I’m a professional actress and model and I’ve been in this industry for 13 years. It has been my passion and career for as long as I can remember. This type of industry gives people the creative freedom to be who they want, yet make a business out of it. A reason I love being in this business is it allows me to be confident and express myself in a creative but positive outlet. I love learning to be flexible and understanding the goal of each job, and be willing to step out of my comfort zone each and every time. I also love being able to see the people I work with get to explore their creativity with passion to make something beautiful, whether that’s an outstanding cover page of the biggest magazine, or seeing a stunning motion picture come to life.
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?
My three qualities/skills start with perseverance. Despite all the rejection or downfall that I’ve been through during this career, I know I cannot take it to heart, and I must move forward. If you let every opinion or critique someone gives you hit you hard and knock you over, it would be impossible to move forward with a positive outlook.
My next quality is self confidence. Not in a cocky way, but in the way that I know what I’m worth. I’m aware enough to know that I have what it takes to make it, and if I get told I am not right for a role it has nothing to do with what I am capable of, but maybe because they are going for a different look or style. My experience and efforts are what I need to focus on, and I am confident that I have what it takes.
My third quality is humility. I understand there will always be someone out there that’s better than me, however that’s even more of a reason to work harder, so I can be a successful and confident person. In this industry there is a constant feeling that everyone is better than you, yet it should not tear you down, but instead make you want to achieve more, so you also can feel accomplished when you are done with your work.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
My biggest area of growth this past year is realizing that waiting for your time to come is not a bad thing. As a child it was hard to understand that if you had to wait for a role or a job it was not negative. As an adult, I have come to the understanding that sometimes waiting is a good alternative to getting something that is not right and meant for you. I’m so happy where I am with my career, and I know it’s ok to wait for that perfect opportunity to come through with my name on it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @clairecapek
- Facebook: @clairecapek
- Other: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm8698098?ref_=tt_nv_usr_profile
Image Credits
Images by Shea Anne Photography, Alex Hutchinson, Jacqulyn Hamilton, Agnieszkam Photography
