We recently connected with A.C. Kimsey and have shared our conversation below.
A.C., so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I find that overcoming imposter syndrome is an ongoing journey that can really only be “cured” by consistently challenging yourself and getting out of your comfort zone. In any creative pursuit, because there are an infinite number of ways you can create success for yourself, imposter syndrome is nearly inevitable because you’re almost always taking the road less traveled. There is no other creative journey that can be compared to yours. Nine times out of ten, we are far more qualified for opportunities than we think we are, but it requires taking that leap out of your comfort zone into the unfamiliar to show yourself what you’re really capable of.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am an Atlanta-based actress and content creator! I feel most fulfilled when I’m able to connect with people in an impactful way through my art and through being transparent and vulnerable with my audience(s) as a creator. What I love most about being a creative is having multiple different outlets through which I can express that creativity. With working in film, both on camera and off, I find a large part of that connection with others shows up, not just in the final product, but in the process of filming itself. Through filming and working long hours, there is so much connection and camaraderie between the cast and crew. Every single person on set is valuable, no matter if you’re the lead actor, the director, grip, or craft services, your role is vital. It is so incredibly fulfilling to work on a project and see it come to life; it is a tangible example of working towards a goal and having that final product come to life. While I’m trained in theatre, I have been working in film the last few years and the acting on camera vs. acting onstage is so different. Film work is so much more intimate and subtle, whereas theatre is larger than life. I’m currently working on a supporting role in an episodic miniseries, as well as stage managing a play in Marietta at Centerstage North Theatre. I will be posting the miniseries on my Instagram (@kingcandlah) as soon as it is released, and if you’re in the Atlanta area, our play “Drinking Habits” runs from May 10-18.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think the three most important qualities that have impacted me and helped me along my journey are resilience, tunnel vision, and trying not to be a perfectionist. With acting specifically, resilience is necessary. You are going to experience rejection, probably many times. You more than likely will get more no’s than yes’s. It is important to be able to not take the no’s personally, pick yourself back up as many times as it takes, and try again. It’s important to have tunnel vision too. Anyone who has pursued a career in a creative industry has experienced others projecting their own doubt onto us. Many people are too scared to put themselves out there, so they will try to deter you from doing the same thing and you cannot pay it any attention. They can’t see your vision and they’re not supposed to, it’s yours. Keep working and keep the faith. Do not compare yourself or your art or your journey to anyone else’s. The more time and energy you spend focused on what somebody else is doing, the less time you have to dedicate to your own journey. Lastly, I think as an artist, it’s extremely important to constantly remind yourself that everything you do is not going to be the best thing you ever did. You have to reject perfectionism and the fear of failure. Art is not supposed to be perfect, and you shouldn’t want it to be. There is something really beautiful about looking back on past work and not only seeing all the growth that has occurred since then, but honoring that version of yourself that was brave enough to create something imperfect.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
I think the number one challenge I face as an artist is the ambiguity of my future. With so many careers, that path is already forged for you. There is a specific, clear set of steps you have to follow to get to that end goal. That really doesn’t exist if you’re pursuing any kind of creative career. The path is going to look different for everybody. It can be really difficult not to constantly wonder if you’re doing the right thing, or doing enough, or being in the right place at the right time. Whenever I start to feel overwhelmed by this, I try to shift my perspective to feeling empowered by that ambiguity. Because there aren’t set instructions for this, I get to create the instructions myself. There is so much freedom and power in that. Ultimately, no matter what you do, nothing in this life is guaranteed. All you can do is continue to put one foot in front of the other, show up for yourself, work hard, and have faith that God and the universe will take care of the rest. You will never miss what’s for you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/kingcandlah
- Instagram: @kingcandlah
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdqnopY_A6DNVs7D_cm24bA
- Other: TikTok @kingcandlah
Image Credits
Headshots by Hailee Morgan Artistry Photos by Branden Adams Photography
