Meet Madison Burks

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Madison Burks a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Madison, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I get my work ethic from the women in my family. Their dedication, independence, and toughness has always inspired me. My mother has always worked tirelessly to commit to her career while ensuring her daughters could participate in various activities. My grandmothers took on the big role of being pastors, breaking barriers by not just as women but black women. Lastly, my aunt, a single mother of three girls, has pursued and been able to balance her passions skillfully. They have truly taught me the importance of working hard, and their influence motivates me to strive for excellence in every field.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m an actress who began my journey at seven, performing in stage plays and later on-camera work, which has became my passion. It always exciting to have the opportunity to explore different characters and push my creative boundary. Last year, I showcased my skills in the (W)NBA x Google Pixel commercial, and this year I was able take part in an Uber Teens advertisement. Last summer was especially memorable as my team and I danced down Main Street in a Disneyland parade. I’m always looking for new projects that challenge me as an artist, so stay tuned for exciting updates as I continue to grow in this field!

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?

As an emerging Black actress, the qualities that have been most crucial in my journey are resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of identity. Resilience helps me navigate the frequent rejections and challenges of the industry, while adaptability allows me to embrace diverse roles and evolving trends. A strong sense of identity enables me to bring authenticity to my performances and stay true to myself. For beginners, I suggest seeing setbacks as chances to grow, staying open to new experiences, and using your unique perspective to improve your craft.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

My biggest area of growth in the past 12 months has been my patience. Towards the end of last year and early on in my acting journey, I would get frustrated and super impatient when I wouldn’t book roles. This would lead me to doubt myself and increase my anxiety, making my journey feel very challenging. However, through my experience, I’ve learned that patience is crucial in this industry. So, by embracing the slow pace that comes with this career, I have been able to have a more positive outlook, stay focused, and truly appreciate how far I have come so far.

Image Credits

Headshots- @headshotsbyjordan