Adrian Dev - Validation Comes From Doing Work That You Feel Is Powerful, And Telling Great Stories That Other Humans Can Connect With, At The Same Time Social Media (Actor, USA)

Social media is great for connecting with other humans in your professional network and a great source of collaboration, but as far as the importance of validation that's something I don't think is important personally.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I was born in Houston Texas, because of my dad Pats work at Citigroup I spent a lot of time moving around during my childhood to Chicago and New Jersey as well, I did theatre occasionally during my childhood in both New Jersey and Houston, but as any kid growing up with adhd does I changed hobbies and went through different phases constantly, after highschool.

I started my collegiate journey at the university of Alabama before ultimately spending some time at UCLA and csun as well and studying tv production, my first few years in entertainment I worked as a pa a few times, did stand in work, and basically anything I could get into, before starting to train much more thoroughly as an actor.

2. Did you ever think or dream of being an actor?

At different times in my life definitely, I grew up loving film and tv and basically anything pop culture related, so most people that knew me could definitely see me ending up on this path

3. How can one approach their career and have the confidence and belief to become an actor?

I am very confident in myself at my core, but I think training and learning the limitless skills and technique it requires to be a great actor will help you believe a little bit more everyday! If you have the belief you can do it even remotely eventually you can find the confidence inside of yourself.

4. If not this, what would you be doing?

Before I switched my major to tv production I was studying broadcasting for a little, and I grew up basically playing every sport possible other than golf, if there's a thing I love more than acting it's talking, and especially talking sports! Hope the nfl is ready for me in 20 years.

5. For a complete outsider with inroads, what advice would you like to give?

See what your favorite actors did, get into classes, learn new languages, join a local theatre, start looking online for acting jobs, you have to bet on yourself but also realize this is a real job, and a real profession, and people are out there working 24/7 to take those jobs from you I've always treated it like a sport and I'm always practicing like someone wants to take away everything that I've worked for.

6. How important is social media validation in your profession?

I think this is more subjective to the person, in reality I think social media gives people a warped perception about themselves and others because in the long run it really doesn't mean anything, validation for me comes from doing work that you feel is powerful.

And telling great stories that other humans can connect with, at the same time social media is great for connecting with other humans in your professional network and a great source of collaboration, but as far as the importance of validation that's something I don't think is important personally.

7. What is the common misconception people have about acting?

That anyone can do it, or that only socially charismatic people can be good at it. This is a career path people dedicate their lifetimes pursuing, you have got to put in the work!

8. What are some of your future plans?

More training and more working, honestly I try to live in the moment at all times, so hopefully in the future my agent Jonathan keeps doing what he's been doing and getting me in the right rooms!

9. Which is your favorite book and why?

Harry Potter because I'm a wizard house slytherin for life.

- Adrian Dev