Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Llamas.
Hi Justin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story starts a little different than most performers. I grew up wanting to be the next Stan Lee–an accomplished comic book artist! My artistic passions led me to college for animation, but during my studies, I fell in love with performing. I began auditioning for theater shows, as well as commercial and television work. This led me to music, studying music and performing regularly. I started a YouTube channel at 19 years old, and I gained a loyal following! As I grew in the music side of things, I signed to an independent label, released original music, and began another roller coaster of negotiating with major labels, movie deals, and more. That’s an accurate depiction of my life…a roller coaster!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s easy to sum things up in a short paragraph, but the truth is, it’s been a long and winding road. People see my successes on social media, but they don’t see all the “no’s” I’ve received, the hundreds of auditions, or the literal blood, sweat and tears that have paved my career. One of the major struggles I’ve dealt with is my health. I’ve dealt with the most severe voice loss and at one of the heights of my career–while negotiating a major recording contract. Things are much better now, but I’ll never forget that stress. And now, as I’m preparing for tour, I’m just getting over a months-long lung issue. I beg everyone to take care of their bodies! You only have one.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a recording artist and actor. In the music world, I perform for all types of bands for weddings, corporate, TV, and more. But my pride and glory is in my original music. My songs are quite honestly my diary. Everything important that happens to me I will put it into a song. And people seem to relate with what I have to say, which I’m so thankful for. One of my songs has recently been chosen for a big movie placement, and another song is starting to make its waves on radio. I can’t wait to see who else relates with what I have to say.
In the acting world, I’ve had a few television and film roles, but people will mostly recognize me from my commercial work. I’ve been in so many commercials it’s hard to count. What I’m looking forward to, though, is a big movie I’ve booked a lead role in, Iowa’s Finest. Get ready to see me on the big screen, mama! Haha.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risks are extremely important for growth. You’ll never know how far you can go if you don’t take that chance. And if you fail at something, that only teaches you a lesson…making your next risk more planned and thoughtful. I’m glad my parents and some important mentors of mine taught me this.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iamjustinllamas.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/iamjustinllamas
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JustinLlamasOfficial
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamjustinllamas
- Youtube: http://youtube.com/c/JustinLlamas
- SoundCloud: http://soundcloud.com/iamjustinllamas
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3WvwiUbbSqOdevJYRXi1IJ
Image Credits
Cover photo by Anthony James (@anthonyjamesofficial). All additional photos by Andrew J. Card (@pausecapturecreate).
