Today we’d like to introduce you to Mocha Kelly.
Hi Mocha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been drawn to art, and I’ve admired the many forms of art. As a child, the first form of art I became interested in was drawing. Eventually, it was singing, culinary arts, then acting, and film. However, art school wasn’t my first option. I used to think that doing art as a career wasn’t possible, so I convinced myself to go into something more stable, like medicine. So I had my mind made up to go to medical school, but I ended up applying later than my peers, which meant I would have to wait the following year to go to school. Not wanting to wait, I gave in and applied to art school. My experience in art school was eye-opening because I could see and meet people who made a living doing what they loved, and following their passion. I know that if they can do it, then it’s possible for me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I truthfully don’t think any path you take will be smooth. The biggest challenge for me, and I’m sure for plenty of other artists, was my own mindset and getting in my own way. I know from experience, as well as from other art friends, that artists are very hypercritical of their own work. Especially when some people look at what we do and think that it’s not real work compared to more common fields of work. This is something I still struggle with and something I’m still working on. It’s something that never truly goes away, but it does get better for sure. But I want to challenge myself to get outside my comfort zone despite my own anxiety.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In front of the camera, I act and model. Behind the camera, I video edit and do sound for short films. More recently, I’m getting into directing short films as I’m working on a short documentary and my senior film for school, and I’m really excited to delve into directing further. I’m also currently working on a personal music project, and I’m excited to see where it goes. I am very interested in gaining some experience and perspective in other positions in film, as well as experimenting and challenging typical film styles. I believe that may be the thing that sets me apart from other filmmakers.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I just want to encourage other artists, and anyone for that matter, to keep going after what you love and what fulfills you. All of your hard work is bound to pay off.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://malaikakelly.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caramel.mocha.latte/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malaika.kelly.96/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malaika-kelly/
Image Credits
Patrick Edmond Photography, Tiffany Man
