We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Noelle Ramsay Actress a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Noelle Ramsay, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Simply by always being creative. Something that is still alive is something that is still present. A teacher of mind once told our class to do one thing every day for our art. Big or small. Acting related or not. So, I bought a red pocket-size journal and every day I document one thing. I find that I ask myself each morning,“What am I going to do today to write in my journal?” Keeping creativity alive can be difficult because it is a choice. Your choice. No one is holding you accountable, so you have to hold you accountable. That’s one way I do so.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I do what I have to do in order to do what I want to do. I want to act but I also have to eat. In order to eat, I work at a bakery: Magnolia Bakery in New York City. Yes, the Sex and the City bakery. Because the bakery is very popular, we have many costumers from all around the world. I get to engage with people of different backgrounds and cultures, and when I’m lucky I get to exchange more words than just, “What size Banana Pudding?” It’s great to be in front of so many unique individuals because I am reminded of who’s out there. Reminded of who needs to be represented. I try to store that away and use any relevant information when creating a character for my films. I have a few independent short films set to release in, say, 2024. Each production is so different. They have each allowed me to exercise different muscles under different circumstances. I anticipate the release of the films, and in the meantime I will do everything I can to get on another set whilst scoopin’ some puddin’.
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?
Three qualities. Hmmm.
One: Identifying Priorities. I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I had a goal. I wrote it down and made a plan. Naturally, every step in my life afterwards lead me down a path and towards that goal. If you know what you want, you’ll do what you need to to get it.
Two: Solidifying my Circle. It is so important to surround yourself with like-minded people. It is the easiest way to gain motivation. It’s a reminder that this stuff is possible.
Three: (Healthy) Obsession. I am absolutely in love with this art. I pour my heart and soul into it every chance I get. It is the only thing I want to do in life. This love is something I was born with, something I nurture, and something I plan on keeping until my last days.
I’m not sure if I’m one who can tell others how to improve. It is individual. Dare to fail. Ask too many questions. Wait, wait again, and wait some more.
That’s what I’d say.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Over the past year I’ve properly moved to New York. I pay bills now. I cook now. I make my own decisions now. My biggest area of growth has been learning about being a person in this world. No one is now responsible for me. And that is terrifying. Terrifying and so awesome. I’m messing up so much. I’m buying too many books off of older guys on sidewalks. I’m “treating myself” more than I probably need to. I’m walking 70 blocks back to my apartment just because. I’m talking to loads of strangers. Strangers that I will never see again. I’m doing nothing for hours. I’m traveling up and down the northeast by train. I’m questioning everything. I’m crying so much more. I’m watching friends perform on stages. I’m making so many coffees at work and I don’t like coffee. I’m grieving. I’m understanding patience. I’m practicing gratitude. I’m learning to live.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.noelleramsay.com
- Instagram: @noelleramsay
Image Credits
@rearnakedfilm @vibe_ography @actinghumanshow
