"The label you give yourself cannot impact external forces that are not motivated by your own psychology or influenced by a third party's pre-existing consciousness of you. We are all presented with reasons to struggle which come from completely external forces; to pretend that one is not struggling is either arrogance or an admission of defeat. To admit that one is struggling is a sign and a source of strength." - Evan A. Baker

Monday, December 31, 2012

Do Over!

Nothing like a year of booking only 3 voice over spots to really have you reevaluate your brand!

Ah, 2013. We're about to meet in a few hours, but I've spent the last month here in 2012 looking over the list of what I wanted to accomplish and failing to see any checkmarks next to them.

Okay, I take that back. I did pick up a new fire dancing skill (and performed in a conclave twice and as a solo performer at a private party. Not bad!), and I also added a voice over reel last January. Although I still can't get a vo agent (argh!) I still booked three small spots. I was also a part of a nominating committee (but I can't tell you which one! boo!) and got to see a ton of screeners. That was fun.

But I didn't book any commercial work in 2012 and I'm shocked. SHOCKED, I tell you! I booked three and was on avail for another in 2011. I thought 2012 would be amazing. Not so much. I also had two different theatrical agents who couldn't get me out.

I've had a lot of time to sit and think and ponder about what would make me really happy. 

You want to know something?

I'm bored.

I'm BORED.

I'm bored of my hair, of my look, of this weird "every woman" type I've tried to play for the last several years. Maybe I should call it an epiphany, but here's the deal:

I'm NOT the every woman.

I look really ethnic. My curly hair screams "FABULOUS!" and yet I've always tried to make myself look "normal."

You know what? I'm not normal. I'm kinda kooky. I'm weird.

And what's the one thing I have that I have been kinda denying about my brand?

My freaking crazy hair.

So we're changing it up in 2013! I'm gonna cut it and highlight it and wear smokey makeup and boots and skinny jeans and I am going to make myself a little edgier, a little more rock n roll, and PLAY UP the thing that has always made me different, always made me stand out, always made me recognizable.

Is this smart?

Eff if I know.

But I'm not happy not expressing myself through my appearance. I want colored highlights. I want funky clothes.

I'm putting myself into a much smaller niche.

Does this give me panic attacks?

No.

Because I feel like I'll have a better chance of booking stuff that is specifically geared to my wild and funky type than trying to fit into a mold. I see the late 20s-early30s women in commercials and they all wear khakis and wear their straight hair in a half pony tail.

I'm not that girl. I never will be.

2013 is about looking more like ME. Who I'm growing up to be.

I'm kinda excited.

Happy New Year.



7 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. If you want exposure try for a reality tv show in the UK like celebrity big brother. The nice person always wins so you should walk it.

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    2. Heh heh. Who said I'm nice? I am a CUT THROAT Back stabbing Meanie!!

      Thanks, Tim!

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  2. And I wish I could take you shopping and style you up! Forget if changing your brand is "smart" or not. It doesn't matter. Just be yourself Lira!!! I feel like you are always too concerned about fitting in an age category or whatever. You're so beautiful and unique and funny and quirky and fabulous. We've all known you are not the every woman. I'm glad you have recognized this and your goal is to just be you! And my opinion you shouldn't change your appearance because you think you'll have a better chance at booking something. When you look like you feel on the inside everything else will fall into place ;) I can't wait to see the real you! And by the way you didn't mention your "Our Time of the Month Show" which I LOVED and was a HUGE accomplishment! Happy 2013 :)

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    Replies
    1. Kristin! I wish you could take me shopping too!

      Thanks for the cheerleading. :D

      xoxo

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  3. I love it! I think you're about to do what every actor should do, it's just that we don't all know exactly what our niche is. Can't wait to see your new look.

    ReplyDelete

Play nice.