Meet Alex Ellis

We were lucky to catch up with Alex Ellis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alex, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Is this not the million dollar question?! Ha ha! Being a committed lifelong artist through and through, never having a “back up” plan, I’ve had to push through those ebbs and flows of the ICK all the time! You all know the “ICK”, right?! The writers block, brain fog, procrastination, resistance to get back in the creative bubble? It’s kinda like going to the gym or even meditation. Getting to the gym, getting in that chair, can feel like AGONY, but if you give yourself some grace and a little bit of time to settle- BAM! the juices start to flow, you start moving energy, the brain gets online and you’re rocking and rolling- working out that creative muscle! I think creativity (and curiosity) are the invisible threads when it comes to being an artist. You have to think outside the box for longevity. Ya gotta have life experiences and set backs to know the next story you’re going to tell. I’ve notice my most profound creative instincts come from how I choose to heal my grief. For me, grief has been the magic potion, helping me create stories of healing and connection. And I find those to be the MOST satisfying in my artistic journey. Creativity comes from being able to zoom out on your life and to not be so contained. Creativity is colorful, wild, vibrant, up, down and all around. Ride those creative waves, listen to those impulses and gut instincts- there’s no wrong way that one can be creative! Remember, we’re all just a bunch of kiddos in kindergarten, trying life out- there’s no one way to do it. Get creative!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hi there! My name is Alex Ellis, and I like to think I’m a “one-stop artistic creative shop”! I act, sing, do voice overs, direct, produce, write- you name it- I love getting in the creative bubble with others! I’ve been out here in Los Angeles for 12 years! Whoa! Time flies. Prior to that, I was in New York City, performing on Broadway in multiple shows and various tours. Suffice it to say, I’ve tried many desk jobs, but they never stuck. I’m an artist through and through and a proud one at that. I”m most excited about creating stories that heal, connect and make people laugh. I think humor is the ultimate healer. I’ve been compared to Lucille Ball, Carol Burnette and Shirley MacLaine. I take great pride in carving my lane of musical comedy. I love distracting people from their hardships. I love giving them a timeout to breath and drop their shoulders. I just finished an incredible sold-out run of the musical, “Scissorhands” (based off of Tim Burton’s, Edward Scissorhands), here in Los Angeles at the historic Bourbon Room in Hollywood. I also front an EPIC 12 piece Yacht Rock tribute back called Harbor Party. We will be 10 years old this year! Music is so incredible isn’t it?! We’d be so lost without it. I also love making films! Most recently, I had a short musical film called, “Who Am I?”, about demystifying mental health and therapy, starring Grammy nominated rapper, Petey Pablo. We were just apart of our 10th film festival nation wide. I like creating community wherever I go. I grew up playing highly competitive soccer, so I try and bring that team mentality into any project I work on. I want everyone to win and have a good time in the process.

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?
Wow! This is a great question- hmmm three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey would be — well first I think having an exceptional skill comes from work ethic and putting in the hours. It’s a SLOW DRIP and you have to get comfortable in the uncomfortable. The endurance to show up (for self) day after day, while it can be challenging, is imperative to set you up for success. Nothing happens overnight – brick by brick, step by step- and that skill comes from developing discipline. I can absolutely credit my discipline to my childhood upbringing and playing sports. Learning what a team mentality is, how to proverbially “pass the ball”, lean on others for support, learn how to receive feedback and get focused with what your goals are- so important! Developing a daily routine, discipline and life balance I think are essential for a successful artistic journey. So is accountability and follow through. Being held accountable doesn’t mean you’re a horrible person or you’ve done something wrong- its the Universe asking you to step up to the next BEST version of yourself. Also, being able to say sorry and THANK YOU go a really long way in this business…and in life. So yea- develop a discipline, learn accountability and practice gratitude. THE HOLY GRAIL! Lol.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am ALWAYS looking to expand my network! The saying is so true- “If you make it past 10 years in LA, it really does start to open up” ! I am super down to meet all walks of life that want to collaborate on storytelling! Any medium too! I love learning as I go as well as helping others understand what it takes to create their own films and content! HIT ME UP! I’m always available on Instagram at @aellis3. You can also send me messages on my website at www.thealexellis.com

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Blue onesie, Pink dress, and Mt. Dew look- Justin Patterson Singing- London Alexander Cheetah- Andrew Urankar Scissorhands show shot-Black dress with cross- Gillian Eve Band on boat- Kat Hennessey Directing shot- Tierney Malloy

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