Deak J. Smalls shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Deak J. , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What battle are you avoiding?
Complacency, I’m mortified with being with dissatisfaction when it comes to the thing or things I love.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Deak J. Smalls, and I am an actor/ creative but I rather refer to what I do is face shifting. I’ve been involved with this art since the second grade but I wanted to make this really a part of me going on twelve years now and til this day I’m still making this a part of me. Still learning and unlearning about this craft. Currently, I’m involved with a few film projects I’m proud to be of, but most importantly I’m in the process of going back to theater in my hometown of Charleston,SC doing the production of Alice Childress’ Wine in the Wilderness which I’m really excited about.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was a sled conscious, timid young boy who was afraid to speak out or even speak up and afraid to be embarrassed of my own doings. Until, with a lot of self awareness, self healing, and me being a praying man asking God to bring in the right people in my life to breathe life into me.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Or should you ask how many times I’ve wanted to not necessarily give up but take a nice longgggg break from acting lol. There has numerous of times I wanted to throw in the towel or second guess myself into asking is this really what I want to do? Or praying and asking God if this ain’t the career path you want me to pursue then please lead me in the direction you want me to do. And it seem like the creator haven’t decided to move me elsewhere so I know this is my calling to be a truth teller.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
They’ll tell you if you ain’t on the silver screen or tv screen or booking roles left and right that you’re not worthy. That you should quit because you’re not talented enough to be picked. And that’s a lie, a big fat lie really. Continuing to get involved with your teachings in becoming a better artist, reading, writing, watching professionals, learning, networking and get yourself in groups of other creatives and make your own stories. You are a working actor.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe it’s both because if you are having one or two or more people telling you that you are good in what you do.. I believe that’s what you are born to do if not solely then one of the things you are talented to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://IMDb.me/deakjsmalls
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deakjsmalls
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deakj.smalls
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/deakjsmalls
Image Credits
Joshua Parks @maroon_man
Jovon Roberts @jovonxr
Chris @clmcharleston
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