Today we’d like to introduce you to Max Denev.
Hi Max, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am the eldest sibling, first-generation, born to immigrant parents. A Mexican mother and a Bulgarian father. Spanish and Bulgarian are my first languages. I have been a performer ever since I can remember! I was in chorus as soon as I could sign up for it in 4th grade. I played trumpet in my middle school band. I was always in the choir at my church. And then I was in the theatre in high school. So when it came to what I wanted to major in college, acting was the obvious choice. I have also fallen in love with the art of filmmaking. I have done every role on a film set, acted, directed, produced, production design, even gaffer!
I currently have a crochet business that is growing every day, and I am making new items for it all the time. You can commission me through my personal or art account on Instagram (@maxlemage).I also make jewelry. And I take headshots for other fellow actors! I am a fast learner and love picking up new creative hobbies all the time! Recently, I have been really trying to expand my acting by using my Spanish and Bulgarian skills. And I have been really big into modeling the past year!! I love networking and connecting with artists and connecting.
It’s a big goal for me to represent people like me, especially as a poc nonbinary person!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I believe that like any journey, there are peaks and valleys. But I do think that in what some people would call setbacks, there have been rooms to grow and find hidden blessings. I really try to push myself out of my comfort zone, while still taking care of myself. Because it’s when I really get out of my comfort zone that I can learn and change. I’m still really young, and believe I have the whole world ahead of me. I think that in this industry, I have learned, having a lacking mindset will not serve you. You need to believe in yourself and your craft or else it will be very easy to throw you off course.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I model and act!! I will be graduating in May of 2025 with an acting degree! I love being in front of the camera!! As well as being behind the camera!! I am most proud of being able to get a lot of roles as a nonbinary/masculine person. Representation is very important to me. As I mentioned before, I am a designer as well.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I think I am very lucky and blessed to be a first-generation. In May, I will be the first on my father’s side to graduate from college. And the first to graduate in America, on my mom’s side. My older cousin and mom have degrees, so it makes me happy to carry on the legacy of being a non-man to get a college degree. I’m grateful that my parents implemented learning Spanish and Bulgarian as my first languages. I am grateful for all that my parents have done, and I am very inspired by them.
Pricing:
- @maxlemage (crochet $ on art instagram)
- Actor headshots $100 for different locations and looks
- for modeling/acting: contact management: avanti@outlook.com
Contact Info:
- Website: @maxlemage
- Instagram: @maxtheemagician
Image Credits
Sean Paul Mayfield @mfdcubfoto @mfdfoto
Halahna Sewer @halahna.imgs @halahna.a
Trinity Teyarra @stoicallyuntitled @trinityteyarra
Jordy Toscano @tenorsphotography_
Halahna Sewer @halahna.imgs @halahna.a
Rin Gueye @ottrsphotos @rin.gueye
Kahleag Terry @kahleagterry
Kaila Grinspoon @bulletbuttons
Kenny Casimir @kennytakespictures
