We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rashida Bolden a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rashida, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Does a creative ever really overcome imposter syndrome? For me, the battle is fought and won in waves. With each success of a completed painting or the wrap of a tv show or movie I feel like I’ve finally done it. Like I’ve proved to myself and my peers I was successful and I belong in that space. But, then the niggling thoughts and feelings of will I sell this painting? Will anyone watch this show? Will the art community and my audience love the work as much as I do? Will viewers and actors alike look at this and think “Yes, she did a wonderful job!”. And after all of that, I have to somehow find the courage to do it all again.
To be honest, I try embrace imposter syndrome. In the moment there will of course be anxiety, doubt and a frenzy of chaotic emotions. But, that’s what drives my creativity. I get to challenge myself over and over. Expand my skills and reinvent my artistry. I think the uncertainty of belonging and acceptance that comes with imposter syndrome is ultimately what keeps my creative works fresh!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Rashida Bolden is a professional Make-Up Artist working as a Department Head in Film & Television. Her recent work can be viewed on platforms such as Showtime, Hulu, Netflix, Disney+ and more. Rashida is also a member of the Academy of Television & Sciences and served has served as a jury member Emmy Awards. Her most recent film and tv releases are BREATHE on Prime (Jennifer Hudson, Mila Jovavich, Common & Sam Worthington) and FANTASMAS on HBO (Julio Torres, Emma Stone, Steve Buscemi, Ziwe & more).
Alongside of a career in make-up, Rashida also creates contemporary art. She often fuses the worlds of fluid art with portraiture, mosaics and stained glass. Her approach to creating fine art is always multi-faceted with layers of inspiration that come from music, scents and nostalgic moments in life. Currently, Rashida has art installed at the bustling NYC wine bar & restaurant VERO Social (2nd Ave, btw 60th & 61st ST).
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
A few qualities that have always impacted my approach to artistry are embracing my eccentricities, seizing sentimentality in whole and the ability to augment fantasies of the mind and bring them to life. I see color with all of my senses, especially with scents. As a young child I was fascinated by perfumes. At the age of 4 or 5 I started collecting the almost empty perfume bottles from the women in my family and from there my interest in the combination and layering of scents grew. However, for me the fragrance was never singular – a spectrum colors was always present as well. I experience scent combinations as having various levels of light, tone and hue. And when layered they embody texture and fluidity. A perfume in its totality (base, heart and top notes) will often become the nucleus of my paintings. The memories of those innocent times as a child will be the inspiration of how I structure the composition of a piece and sometimes the catalyst for transforming a fluid painting into a portrait or structural piece of art. I adore pulling from past experiences to find inspiration for art as well as leaning into seeing color combinations in everything I hear, smell and touch to inspire my palettes. Coupling those elements with my dreamy fantastical thoughts of my definitions of beauty round out a piece of art that comes alive.
I think it benefits every new artist starting their journey to lean into those parts of themselves that they see as odd or write off as weird. Cultivating that individuality is what will set you apart. And in every avenue of my journey, wether it be in the art community or as a production make-up artist – drawing from your individual well of creativity and pouring that into your work will set you on a path of success.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
I think one of my biggest challenges I face is reminding myself that I cannot compare my creative thoughts, the work I produce or my journey to anyone else. I oftentimes have to stop my mind from cycling through thoughts of “is this the right path?” “Am I pacing myself to slow or should I not move so fast?” Or even “Why am I not doing what XYZ is doing? Am I making the right choice?” It’s a constant reminder to stay grounded and authentic to myself. And I know it’s easier said than done, but creative and artistic projects can be so personal. Comparing yourself and your work to others can erase the individuals vulnerability that’s poured into a work of art!
The best practice to keep myself and my work authentic has been to moderate my consumption of mass and social media. For some this may be the complete opposite of what they need. But I find not constantly viewing what other artists are putting out keeps my form unique to me. Fortunately I have a terrific village of creative friends that I’ll occasionally bounce an idea off of when I’m feeling stuck. But, limiting what I view in my respective fields has allowed me to create my own lane and I think thats ultimately what artists strive to do!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.bythegreen.co
- Instagram: @Colormyfacepro / @_bythegreen_
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