Today we’d like to introduce you to Angel Pean.
Angel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As the youngest of 6, born and raised in Houston, TX by a single mother, my childhood came with a lot of peaks and valleys. My family really helped to shape who I am today. At an early age, I had to come up with creative ways to keep myself entertained. Seeing as my closest sibling in age is 6 years older than me, hanging out with their baby sis wasn’t usually their first choice.
So, through having limited things to do, I discovered my love of storytelling. I would watch shows (including cartoons and even cooking shows) and pretend to be the people I saw on screen and do everything they did. I would put on one-woman talent shows doing multiple different acts. I would get lost in book after book, making up voices for all of the characters…
That kid, simply trying to conjure up a whole lot of fun within the walls of her home, is how I got to where I am today. Back then, I didn’t even fully realize that every single thing I did was something I could do for as long as I pleased. I’m happy to have been determined enough to make storytelling my career.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not, although, at times, I wish! I appreciate the bumps, they tend to teach me things, but sometimes smooth sailing is nice too. Financially, it can be incredibly difficult to build a life as a full-time artist. You tend to have to incorporate what I learned to call “investment jobs”. This means time away from your art, but it is a necessity in order to live. And if at all possible, you can still pour some of what you make back into yourself and your art.
Some of my biggest struggles include almost not being able to attend acting school in NYC due to tuition costs, and having a 3-month long work “drought” during a period of time when I was entirely dependent upon my art to support myself.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an actor, narrator, director, and coach. My first love is and will always be acting, and fortunately, it has led me to many other mediums that I love. I studied Film & TV Performance, and you can catch me on various shows and films. As an audiobook narrator, I’ve had the pleasure of diving into so many beautiful stories and have given voice to some truly impactful characters.
I have even received awards for some of these titles, which can still be shocking at times, but I am so very proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish in the few years since starting my audiobook journey. I’m also co-founder of a production company, working alongside some of the best people I know.
I’ve most recently gotten into coaching other actors, which has become some of my most rewarding work yet. It feels like something I sort of stumbled upon after being invited to teach alongside a fellow actor friend. While I will always consider myself someone who is constantly learning, I love getting to share my knowledge and equip other actors with tools they can utilize in their work moving forward.
Overall, I can say this, being an artist can often lead you in directions you may never have even thought about when you first started. I’m grateful for all I’ve learned along the way, and the doors that have opened, bringing more into my life as a creative. I’m proud to have been able to roll with the punches over the years, continuing to build out a life that younger me would be thrilled about.
Everyone brings something uniquely different to the table. I believe my perception, passion, and approach will always be something that sets me apart. The arts fully changed my life, bringing me simultaneous joy and relief in moments that felt dark and inescapable, in childhood and adulthood. I look forward to being a part of projects that can do the same for others.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think my “why” is most important to my success. The entertainment industry can be an exhausting field that takes a lot of perseverance. I’ve only been able to get this far because of my belief in what I’m doing and why I’m doing it. Being met with constant resistance, it can seem easier to give up and try something more “practical”. My passion and drive, being in it for good reasons, is how I’ve come far enough to even feel successful.
Pricing:
- Private coaching services: $120/hour
Contact Info:
- Website: angelpean.com
Image Credits
Bluephotonyc (L Morgan Lee)
