Meet Jessica Drayton

We were lucky to catch up with Jessica Drayton recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

I remind myself that I am in the room for a reason. By continually honing my craft, staying informed about industry trends, and sharing my knowledge, I build confidence in my abilities, which helps me assert my presence effectively. One of the best pieces of advice I was given in my career has been, “Even if you get hired because it’s a ‘black show’ show them why they should hired you for every show.” I may fit a specific metric, and demographic but that is not why I am being hired. I am hired because of my skill and creative outlook.

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?

Proactivity in Education: The worst thing someone can say is no, so I never let the fear of striking out keep me from playing the game. The lighting design community is incredibly open to mentoring up-and-coming professionals. It’s rare for someone to refuse an invitation to let you quietly observe during tech. By being proactive in my education and seeking out these opportunities, I’ve been able to learn from the best and open every door even ones I didn’t know I needed.

Preparation and Knowledge: Being prepared is essential. I make it a priority to research the designers and directors I’m collaborating with and to understand the entire team. I organize myself to be ready to answer any questions about the lighting rig. Knowledge is power, and being well-informed allows me to contribute meaningfully to discussions and decisions.

Giving Myself Grace: The work we do is challenging, and many of us grapple with imposter syndrome. As collaborators, we put our ideas and opinions on stage to be judged, and it’s important to remember that no one is perfect. Not everyone will love what we create, and that’s okay. I remind myself to be proud of my accomplishments, recognize the limitations of my situation, and understand that no single show should define my entire career. Everything opens and everything closes, and each experience is a valuable part of my growth.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I’ll be honest: I usually cry. Any emotion above a five tends to come out of my face, often when I’m alone at home. I’ve learned that it’s important to let those overwhelming feelings of anxiety and fear be felt, rather than bottling them up, which only causes more pain. So, I allow myself to experience those emotions.

After I’ve let it out, I shift into problem-solving mode. I ask myself, “What do I need to achieve?” and then I make a list. Creating a list is truly powerful; crossing off each completed task provides that much-needed hit of dopamine when I’m feeling overwhelmed.

Secondly, I remind myself that it’s okay to ask for help. If there’s someone or something that can assist with clarity or lighten my workload, I utilize those resources. Sometimes that means going to the director to discuss the limitations I’m facing or reaching out to the production manager about the resources I need. Other times, it’s as simple as calling a friend and offering them $50 to help with my magic sheet when I just don’t have the bandwidth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://DraytonDesignsLLC.com
• Instagram: @DraytonDesignsLLC

Image Credits

Photography: Mark Lyons