We recently connected with Jamie K. Brown and have shared our conversation below.
Jamie K. , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Purpose was presented to me in countless shapes until I recognized it for myself. Learning from observation, I took up music and dance from my family. With the help of a second-hand Shel Silverstein book, I taught myself how how to read. From childhood illness, I built courage and found myself writing poetry. I then released trauma and anxieties by studying guitar, and making friends in the school black box. Trying on many “passion hand-me-downs” throughout the years, I grew to love music, film, theater, and mixed-media art. Finding myself delivered back to the hobbies and activities that raised me. At times it seemed I had a hand in everything, but I struggled to find something that truly clicked. As a tinker-er and inventor, I pulled and pushed at what I’d learned from my three older siblings or the influences of those around me until I’d discovered my own unique way of communicating. By distilling the works and fragments I’ve witnessed into moments of learning, I incite new media that captures a fresh perspective and provides understanding to previously unexplainable feelings or situations.
Magnetized to wild individualism and guided by a potent sense of self, I continue to seek undiscovered paths for art and action with foundations in classic literature and film. I see myself as an archivist of thought and culture, naming and breaking down the building blocks behind our behavior while exploring where we might find ourselves if given the room for imagination. It took a few choice opportunities to see with clarity that there are endless possibilities in pursuing dreams for a living. But, through this I’ve learned that my purpose is to try and at times to teach, by breaking down expectations from society and within myself for a more open-minded and open-ended approach to process. Today I enjoy the possibilities that passion can provide; acting for stage and screen, reading stories for my favorite “listening library”, writing from my favorite authors local haunt, and building out a band with good friends while learning to produce music.
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?
Professionally I’m a union actor and narrator, representing one voice in the niche community of black trans people on screen and in voice performance. My credits include projects from Amazon Prime, HBO, Warner Discovery, and Penguin Random House Audio. However, this year has been my big return to the theater. After taking in a few magnificent shows at The Geffen Playhouse, I was inspired to apply for a theater production Observership through Center Theater Group. Two weeks later, I found myself at the first table read for Writer/Director Robert O’Hara’s adaptation of Hamlet, following the production to Opening Night with a focus on regional level theatermaking and the power of artistic voice. I then spent a month with The Hollywood Fringe, working front of house while learning to self produce plays. Next season, I aim to put up my first show with the support of my partner and growing community. For now, I have two more audiobooks on the horizon bringing my working total to 24, check out my website to learn more!
I’ve always got something in the works whether it’s improv class, navigating musical representation while releasing my next single, starting up LA’s latest Acoustic Alt Band, or selling prints and paintings at the local trading post. As a multi-media artist with passions in film, theatermaking, and DIY music, I very much enjoy an analogue approach and working with adaptation. Diving straight in to see where curiosity takes me, or grabbing a few classic references and growing something out of homage with a modern vision, consistently building upon what came before.
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?
Qualities I find most impactful on my journey have been persistence, the willingness to shift perspective or adapt, and the ability to read instinct and intention with an open-mind. I thrive in creative problem solving and hands-on world building. Discovering in what simple way can we bring pieces together for the betterment of story or community.
My advice, don’t get stuck in the research phase, and slowly but surely fill your well. I spent a lot of time behind my screen taking in more than enough to build a solid foundation. Strike a balance between learning, practice, and patience. Don’t set limitations, set healthy creative and personal boundaries. Watch, learn, do, and teach. Give to yourself by trying, by leaving expectation behind and leaning into excitement. Whatever you love, try making or taking part in any small way that you can. Stay curious as each step excites another, and don’t stop because it looks or sounds a bit different than what you wanted. That’s what breaks are for and the are necessary! So is trying again. Setting out to be a master wont serve you as well as continuing through as an apprentice. Keep journals and speak kindly to yourself, Make room to dream and want, and thank yourself down the line when things keep working out because you gave yourself a minute here and there to engage.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I’ve grown the most through community resources and observation. The relief and a wealth of knowledge I’ve found from the Central Library downtown is immeasurable. Learning about great authors like Octavia Butler and James Baldwin one-book-at-a-time. Finding similarities in their journeys and seeing myself in the impact they leave behind. Finding space to aspire. My biggest supporters have been my brilliant partner Emily and her family who have supported me through many of life’s challenges. The unquestionable love and faith from my parents and siblings who have shown me unrelenting joy and endless laughter. And last but never least, my found family in the queer community and emo-theater kids who saw to it that my inner child was healed enough to voice his mind. Success is easily won when you take full stock in the life around you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jamiekb.com
- Instagram: @Jamiek.brown
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiekb/
- Other: Spotify @MisfitTrees
Image Credits
Emily Hill
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
