Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Baker.
Hi Sean, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born & raised in the Bronx, New York City. Growing up, I was surrounded by everything from the challenging obstacles growing up in the inner city to the beautiful vast culture of community and especially the arts. All of it, the good and bad is what made me who I am today. The fine arts culture is pretty much what kept me going and out of trouble…(for the most part).
I attribute my love for the arts to both my mother and father. My father was from Guyana 🇬🇾, & was a music head who dj’d on the side at parties & weddings; and also had a fondness for classic films and movies. He introduced me to one of my greatest inspirations in acting, Sidney Poitier.
My mother was from St. Kitts 🇰🇳 she loved theater and music as well. She would expose me to broadway plays musicals and take me to museums.
I went from performing in my living room for family and friends to singing and doing plays in church to eventually developing my journey in the arts in music and theatre in high school.
Ironically, my folks weren’t thoroughly supportive of my desire to attend a performing arts school, they, especially my pops wanted me to focus on my scholastic education.
I started playing football for a quick minute and abruptly found myself joining the hs gospel choir and. Theatre group that became available. My love for both music & acting only grew stronger and started me on the path to where I am now.
I embarked on a singing / writer/ producer career that brought me a modicum of success, however it unknowingly prepared me to fully pursue my other craft. Acting!
Over time, I learned that I had to (do the work) if I wanted to succeed.
Training, classes, workshops, indie projects, back groundwork, stand-in some of the fundamentals needed to set the tone for the journey.
I’m still growing, always learning, because I’m not where I know I will be just yet. But I’m closer than I ever was before.
One of my mantras, the only way I lose is if I quit. If I keep going, you gotta see 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 say, no road to your destiny is smooth. I believe I encountered the challenges and pitfalls that most successful artists go/ went through. Undoubtedly it’s almost a right of passage. Everything from people not believing or supporting my career choice to rejection in auditions, dry spells of not booking, I made huge sacrifices in my personal, business, and financial life, however, this comes with the territory.
That’s why I’m a strong believer in being passionate about what you pursue in life. The question one has to ask themselves is; are you willing to risk everything over comfort & stability?
And I was.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a creator. More specifically, I am an actor, singer, songwriter and music producer. I coach. Direct, produce, write and mentor. And I’m known for it all. I’m most proud of being able to mentor when I can. I’ve gone to middle schools, hs and mentored to the youth on that scale, I also take pride in being able to encourage and mentor my peers, my tribe. We all go through so much each day as human beings, let alone artists. And sometimes, we just need that word, shoulder, or sound board. It brings me joy to be that for who I can when I can; as others have been that for me.
I believe what sets me apart is my passion, my drive & love for people.
I’m a combination of healer & protector that I got from my parents.
My mother being a nurse & father an officer back in the islands. So I got it honest.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I believe with the age of social media, finding the right network to have camaraderie with is a little bit easier. There are so many communities developed that specifically cater to people’s interests? It just takes time in researching and finding the right one that fits you. Discovering the right mentor has a lot to do with who you surround yourself with. Again, I use the word “tribe” those that possess the proper knowledge of what you inquire *support and pour into you unconditionally.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/seanbakeronline?utm_medium=copy_link
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sean.baker.50115
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/THESEANBAKER?t=1rXPZVNvUhYaC_XxZhd-vg&s=09
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/seanbakeronline
- Other: imdb.me/SeanAnthonyBaker
Image Credits:
John Lamparski *Aneuxstudios *Bunt Young *AppleTVPlus
